2009 Theme
Let their stories change our heart.
In time we too will become storytellers
The back cover of the beautiful reflective journal that each student received at the beginning of the year reads: “And in time, we too will become storytellers. We will tell the stories which have changed us, and in doing so, change the hearts of others. We will become passionate about how this world can be made a better place, one story at a time. We will refuse to become jaded by trivial stories, or overcome by stories of anger or sadness. We will tell the stories that are difficult for others to hear, knowing that sometimes, the most shocking stories are the ones which compel us to the most ardent action. Above all, we tell our stories with reverence and love, knowing that in the smallest detail, hearts can be set free and the greatest power of all, hope, can be unleashed.”
Our Christian tradition holds the greatest story of all time – the Good News of Jesus Christ. This enduring story of love and life is one which has been celebrated and told in many different ways already in our College community this year. In our Opening Mass we remembered the change of heart experienced by the disciples as they journeyed sharing stories with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, yet did not know him; the Year 12 retreats allowed reflection upon and a deepening of, the personal faith journey of students and staff; throughout Lent we have examined our Christian call in light of the indignity of poverty in our world. In these, and many other ways, hope has indeed been unleashed.
New, yet familiar, stories have reached our ears in a special way this year with the implementation of the College House system.
Backhaus House is named in honour of Fr Henry Backhaus, who was the first priest of the Bendigo goldfields. Fr Backhaus was a tremendously well respected man, famous for his strong work ethic and his ability to be at home with people from all walks of life. Fr Backhaus established the parish of St Kilian's and helped Bendigo to grow into a prosperous city. The story of Henry Backhaus inspires us to live the values of empathy and service to others in our College.
Champagnat House is named in honour of St Marcellin Champagnat, who was the founder of the Marist Brothers. St Marcellin was a charismatic man who personified ‘compassion in action’, a trait he learnt from his parents. He saw a need for Christian education in rural areas and dedicated himself to bringing this dream to life. The story of Champagnat inspires us to live the values of simplicity and hard work in our College.
Jaara House is named in honour of the Dja Dja Wrung or Jaara people- the traditional owners of the land around the Bendigo area. The Jaara people lived with great love and care for the land. Dja Dja means ‘Yes”. The Jaara people are ‘yes’ people, open to all life and all its possibilities. The story of the Jaara people inspires us to live the values of respect and interdependence in our College.
McAuley House is named in honour of Venerable Catherine McAuley who founded the Sisters of Mercy. Catherine was a joyful and practical woman, who spent her life in service of others. Catherine’s spirit of mercy inspired other women to join her in providing opportunities for education, healthcare, and social services for women and children in poverty. The story of Catherine McAuley inspires us to live the values of mercy and hope in our College.
MacKillop House is named in honour of Blessed Mary MacKillop, who founded the Sisters of St Joseph. From an early age, Mary worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for young people, dedicating herself to the life of a teacher. As the leaders of the Sisters, she was tenacious and resourceful in providing education and care for the young people of Australia. The story of Mary MacKillop inspires us to live the values of trust and compassion in our College.
Finally, Vincent House is named in honour of St Vincent de Paul after whom the Vincentian Fathers were named. St Vincent de Paul was an extraordinary priest, who spent his life in solidarity with the poor. It was his deep faith which led to a practical support of the most vulnerable, which has inspired millions around the world to good works. The story of Vincent inspires us to live the values of justice and love in our College.
Let all of these stories, as well as the ones we will tell, share and star in, change our heart this year.
