From the Religious Education Coordinator

In our Church ……

August 21: Saint Pius X- Pope – Patron Saint of First Communicants and pilgrims

‘Born humble and poor, he never forgot his origins while in the Chair of St. Peter’

Pope Pius X is perhaps best remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children. 

Ever mindful of his humble origin, Pope Piux stated, “I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor.” He was embarrassed by some of the pomp of the papal court. “Look how they have dressed me up,” he said in tears to an old friend. To another, “It is a penance to be forced to accept all these practices. They lead me around surrounded by soldiers like Jesus when he was seized in Gethsemani.”

He denounced the ill treatment of indigenous peoples on the plantations of Peru, sent a relief commission to Messina after an earthquake, and sheltered refugees at his own expense. On the 11th anniversary of his election as pope, Europe was plunged into World War I. Pius had foreseen it, but it killed him. “This is the last affliction the Lord will visit on me. I would gladly give my life to save my poor children from this ghastly scourge.” He died a few weeks after the war began and was canonized in 1954. (Taken from: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-pius-x) 

Reflection

His humble background was no obstacle in relating to a personal God and to people whom he loved genuinely. Pius X gained his strength, his gentleness and warmth for people from the source of all gifts, the Spirit of Jesus. In contrast, we often feel embarrassed by our backgrounds. Shame makes us prefer to remain aloof from people whom we perceive as superior. If we are in a superior position, on the other hand, we often ignore simpler people. Yet we, too, have to help “restore all things in Christ,” especially the wounded people of God.

From our House Liturgy Captains….

IGNITE THE WORD

In Week 4 the Liturgy Leaders launched our student-led club; Ignite The Word. This initiative involved us handing out lollipops with Bible quotes attached, and a piece of chalk to write them on the playground. Students were able to use their creativity to express a passion for faith in a fun and exciting way, in hopes that active practice in scripture could light the fire in their hearts to continue to develop their Catholic faith. This was an enjoyable activity that will continue every fortnight on Wednesday, allowing us as Marist Girls to continue to Ignite the Word of God in our minds and hearts. We hope that the quotes were an encouragement that we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”(Psalm 139:14) and a reminder of the great love of Our Lord and Saviour. 

Emily Ibrahim (Jaricot Liturgy Leader) and Charlize Petracca (Colin Liturgy Leader)

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2