The Jubilee Year is a sacred time of renewal, grace, and celebration in the life of the Church. It is an invitation to deepen our faith, embrace reconciliation, and live with renewed hope. This year's theme, Pilgrims of Hope, reminds us that as Catholics, we are called to journey with trust in God's promises, bringing light and compassion to the world around us.
To grow as Pilgrims of Hope, we can dedicate ourselves to prayer, deepen our understanding of Scripture, and actively serve those in need. Pilgrimage—both spiritual and physical—can be a powerful way to seek God's presence, whether by visiting sacred sites or making a personal commitment to acts of mercy and justice. As we embrace this Jubilee Year, may we walk forward with hearts full of faith, hope, and love.
At Penola, we continue to look at our 2025 College theme, "Never see a need without doing something about it” and how we are called to action in Service to our community, through the teachings of Jesus and through the example set by St Mary MacKillop and the Josephite way of life full of compassion for our neighbours. Teaching and learning at Penola presents many opportunities to explore and practice our faith, some of which I allude to below.
The Feast of St Joseph is always a significant occasion in our school community, as we honour the patron of the Josephite tradition. This year, the Feast of St Joseph Community Mass was held in the Chapel at the Junior campus and was presided by Fr Sam Pearson. It was a beautiful celebration that brought together a combination of school community to reflect on the values of faith, humility, and service embodied by St Joseph.
During Catholic Education Week, our Year 7 students participated in their Reflection Days at the Hope Centre in Glenroy. These days provided a meaningful opportunity for students to engage within the Josephite charism, deepen their faith, and strengthen their sense of community. Through hands-on activities, prayer, and discussion, students reflected on the call to live out the Gospel in their daily lives. We stepped into the story of the Josephite charism—a spirit of compassion, service, and unwavering faith that has shaped communities for generations. We delved into the history of Penola Catholic College, Broadmeadows and Glenroy by remembering the three schools that preceded us and thereby became Penola as we know it today. Each day focused on three key themes: Belonging to a Josephite school, developing within a Josephite charism and finally, being influenced by the Josephite values in living authentic lives connected to faith and learning.
Belonging is more than just being part of a group; it’s about feeling connected, valued, and inspired. As we explored the life and mission of Mary MacKillop, Fr Julian Tenison Woods and the Sisters of St. Joseph, we uncovered how their legacy continues to guide us in building a community where everyone is included, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Throughout the days, we also reflected on what it meant to belong, discovered how we are shaped by those who influence us, and learned ways to live out the Josephite values in our own lives. The time spent at the Hope Centre was an opportunity of learning, sharing, and deepening our understanding of what it truly means to be people of faith and action!
We thank David and his wife, Vasanta for allowing the College the use of the facilities of the Hope Centre throughout the week. The students were engaged, respectful and had lots of fun as they explored their faith through a Josephite lens. Finally, thanks to the Faith and Mission team and staff and students who allowed the program to run effectively.
Additionally, representatives from our College had the privilege of attending the Mass of St Patrick at St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne. Our College Liturgy Captain, Jwana S, College Sports Captain, Sanuka D, and Student Ambassador for the Jubilee Year, Maria L, proudly represented our school alongside their teachers, Ms Abboud and Miss Yako. This Mass was a wonderful gathering of Catholic schools from across the region, celebrating the rich tradition of Catholic education in Victoria.
In continuing our Lenten journey, we find ourselves in the middle part of this sacred season, preparing our hearts for the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus—events that form the cornerstone of our Christian faith. Fridays are set aside to pray the Stations of the Cross, typically led by either Fr Sam Pearson or our new invite, Fr Mahir Murad, from Our Lady, Guardian of the Plants parish in Campbellfield. We are grateful to both priests for giving their time to the staff and students of Penola.
Furthermore, preparations are well under way for the presentation of key Stations of the Cross to the College community planned for the final week of term. Finally, let us remember that Lent is a time for reflection and renewal, calling us to fast, abstain, and offer acts of charity as we seek to grow deeper in relationship with our Lord.
As a school, we actively support Project Compassion, an initiative led by Caritas Australia that provides vital assistance to those in need both locally and globally. Through our collective generosity and commitment, we contribute to building a more just and compassionate world.
May this season of Lent continue to be a time of spiritual growth and renewal for our entire community. May we continue to live out our faith in action, always seeking to make a difference in the lives of others. Finally, I thank the Faith and Mission team and the staff and students for the persistent work in helping to bring Christ’s message alive at the College.
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us
St Joseph, pray for us
And may we always remember, to pray for one another.
