Annual Commissioning Mass

“He lived between 1815 and 1888 and he has left to the Church, and to the world at large, an educational, apostolate that has made a difference to millions and millions of people.

He’s an interesting man and character. He was subjected to visions and dreams. And in these dreams and visions, he would be able to discern the Word of God in a in a very interesting way.

History has it that in one of those dreams, St John saw himself in the midst of a group of young people who were fighting and cursing one another. And he tried his very best to pacify this crowd of young boys and teenagers. When he heard the voice of a mysterious lady, saying to him, ‘Softly, softly, if you wish to win them, use your shepherd’s staff and lead them to pasture’.

From that, he began to consider his calling for the rest of his life, to be a teacher, and eventually to become a priest,” said Bishop Sproxton.

In recounting the work of St John, Bishop Sproxton explained that all those gathered for the Mass on shares the same belief of St John.

“The students we encounter, we hope, will be transformed as we walk with them. This should be the encounter of all staff members here, those in the classroom, those supporting the work of education in the school in various ways in administration, even keeping the gardens in proper order. All of us have something to contribute to the formation and education of our young people. And it’s a two-way street. This encounter that we set up between us and them, we certainly hope that their encounter with us will provide the spark that will help them grow and become what they can be.

And on our side, this walking together with our students, will challenge us to also grow and be better in our vocation. As we reflect daily, on the what, and the how, of what we do and say,” Bishop Sproxton said.

As part of the official ceremony, new teaching staff to the Archdiocese of Perth were commissioned by Bishop Sproxton in addition to being provided with a Commemorative Scroll.