In particular, a focus on Stability in an anniversary year is most apt. Stability is about solid foundations. Stability is about holding steadfastly to what is right and true and good. Stability is that which anchors a community to the things that last. For the St Patrick’s College community, the celebration of its one hundred and eightieth year is a celebration of all that is enduring, true, and good. May the patronage of St Patrick and the grace of the Holy Spirit continue to bless the St Patrick’s College community.

In the words of the Peace Prayer of St Francis of Assisi, “Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us bring your love. Where there is injury, may we offer forgiveness. Where there is doubt, enliven our faith. Where there is despair, fill us with hope. Where there is darkness, may we bring your light. And where there is sadness, fill us with joy.” St Francis asserts that we are called to be loving, forgiving, hopeful, enlightening, and joyful. These are the important things for us to be and live by. In a world gripped with panic, fear, and uncertainty, we are at our best when we tap into that which gives us stability in such uncertain times. Let us live out the values we espouse every day; let us be instruments of peace and love in our world. 

This call to live out our Stability is in contrast to the attitudes we have witnessed in shopping centres. A focus on the self in a time of crisis is counter-productive. Consideration for others, compassion and care are the means by which a crisis can be handled in a way that is productive and life-giving. 

Let us pray for our world—a world in distress. Let us pray that, in the words of Mother  Julian of Norwich, “all shall be well.”

Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator