Reflections of St Aloysius Day

MICHAEL CHESSER, DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC MISSION & MERCY ETHOS

Celebrating the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga is obviously very important to our College, but is also a day to come together as a Community to celebrate our life as a Catholic School, including joyous and festivity activities. We commenced the day with a pastoral reflection, being reminded of the life attributes of our patron saint, and then completing Year Level allocated activities, including letters to future students, and cards of inspiration to our student buddies.

A key component of the day was our Whole School Mass celebrated in the Hall by Fr Thang Vu, who, during his homily, thanked us on listening attentively and reminded us on how we are to love one another as ourselves. The mass was enhanced by the lovely singing of the College Choir and cantors, Alyssia Diegmann 10C, & Alyssa Jandayan 11B. It was also a pleasure to have the Junior Band lead our final hymn, concluding the mass with great vibrance. The mass was a great way for various members of our school community to be involved in significant aspects as well as a time to be in the presence of our Lord in prayer and communion.

Concluding the Mass, students and staff dressed up in costume representing decades passed. There were plenty of celebratory activities to be involved in, including a disco, carnival games, a photo booth and a Staff vs Students volleyball game.

Overall it was a lovely day, and despite the weather bringing a very cold breeze, the warm shinning sunlight reminded us of how St Aloysius Gonzaga was a Shining Light to his community and how now, we may celebrate his life by continuing to bring warmth, comfort and joy to those in our community, guided by the Light of Christ.