From the Acting Assistant Principal
I would like to express my gratitude to the Holy Family Community for the warm welcome I received from students, parents, and staff over the last few weeks.
It has certainly been encouraging to see a welcome smile, be introduced to new faces and witness our students’ enthusiasm for learning.
As many staff and some of our students are aware, I had the privilege of embarking on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, during the recent school holiday period. This journey was conducted under the spiritual guidance of the Most Rev Brian Mascord DD and was aptly named, ‘Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus’. Throughout the pilgrimage, our group explored numerous historically significant locations mentioned in our sacred Scriptures. This experience has developed in me a profound connection with our Catholic faith and the rich tapestry of our religious narrative. Following this life-changing experience, I have begun to share my observations and insights with our teachers to support students’ understanding of Scripture.
Fortunately, our group's pilgrimage was drawing to an end just as the unfortunate events of recent weeks unfolded in this beautiful land. Nevertheless, these events have compelled me to reflect and feel an even deeper connection to the enduring relevance of the messages delivered by Jesus more than two thousand years ago.
I began sharing with the staff at Holy Family details of my visit to Lazurus’ Tomb in the town of Bethany, in the West Bank of Jerusalem. Here archaeologists have confirmed the site to be the home of many 1st Century tombs. This site was significant to my own faith journey, as it is Lazarus’ sister Martha whom I chose as my Confirmation Patron.
The story of St. Martha in Luke 10:38-42, tells of a sister who is busy with preparing for Jesus’ visit, and who is frustrated by her sister, Mary neglecting the household chores to listen to Jesus. Jesus warns Martha that despite the virtue of her responsibilities, it is following Jesus’ example and listening to His message that is our greatest task. It was here at this site that our group of pilgrims were reminded of the love Jesus had for Mary, Martha and Lazarus. This love is described as ‘agape love’, which in Christian theology, is considered the highest form of love. It is often associated with the love of God for humanity and the love that people should strive to show toward one another.
I like these messages and think how wonderful our world would be if despite our daily responsibilities we stopped and truly listened to the Word of God and loved others as He loves us. I have certainly felt this message being lived in the short time I have been in this wonderful Holy Family Community.