Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Lent and Easter 2026 at Santa Sabina

As the end of Term 1 draws near, our Santa Sabina College community has travelled together through the sacred season of Lent – a time of listening, reflection, service and preparation for the joy of Easter. Grounded in our Dominican pillars of Prayer, Study, Community and Service, this season has invited us to renew our commitment to truth, compassion and justice – values that animate every aspect of life at Santa Sabina College.

Lent has meant prayer, reflection, sacrifice and renewal across all campuses. Caritas fundraising has included but was not limited to contributing to Project Compassion boxes, holding a cake stall and our Carry for Caritas staff and student relay. Our Faith and Mission Prefect Olivia Santangelo has run a successful weekly 40 days of Renewal program. These have all been signs of a vibrant school responding with hope and generosity during the Lenten journey.

Dress for success

Our student leaders’ initiative is well worth your support. Read more here.

Pope Leo XIV’s Message for Lent 2026: listening, fasting and renewal

In his 2026 Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV calls all Christians to embrace Lent as ‘a time of conversion”‘ shaped by two essential practices: listening and fasting.

Listening with the heart

The Holy Father reminds us that true conversion begins when we allow the Word of God to touch our hearts, forming us in compassion and clarity. He notes that Scripture teaches us to recognise the cries of the poor, the suffering, and the marginalised – voices we are called to hear with openness and love.

This message resonates deeply with our Dominican tradition, where seeking truth involves listening attentively to God, to one another and to the needs of our world.

Easter: a season of hope

As we approach the celebration of Easter on Sunday 5 April, the Church invites us into the Paschal Mystery – Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. It is in Easter that we rediscover the promise that love is stronger than death and that renewal and new beginnings are always possible.

At Santa Sabina College, this hope is visible in our classrooms, our chapel, our playgrounds and in the spirit with which our students strive to build a more just, thoughtful and joy‑filled world.

A Blessing for Easter 2026

May the light of the Risen Christ
guide your hearts and homes with peace.
May this Easter renew in you the gifts of hope,
kindness, and courage to walk faithfully in truth and love.
May our community continue to be a place
where compassion flourishes,
justice is pursued,
and every person is welcomed with joy.
May the blessings of the Resurrection
be with you and your families this holy season.
Amen.

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care