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Geelong Deanery |
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Sacred Heart College celebrates 140 years of Mercy Education in Geelong
On Sunday, 19 March, Sacred Heart College celebrated the 140th anniversary of Mercy Education in Geelong. The day began with an open-air Mass celebrated in the college grounds, in the vicinity of the chapel, grotto and cemetery. Archbishop Frank Little was Principal Celebrant and Homilist and he was assisted by Fr Mick Fitzpatrick. The theme of the Mass was ‘Educating in the Light of Christ’, linking strongly with the Gospel of the day, which was the transfiguration of Jesus. The first reading from Genesis told the story of Yahweh appearing to Jacob in a dream. Jacob’s response was to set up a monument and proclaim the land as ‘holy ground, an awesome place, a house of God’. Sitting in the congregation overlooking the magnificent buildings, it was easy to see Sacred Heart as the awesome place referred to in the reading. During the Mass, several past Sisters of Sacred Heart College were recognised in a dedication ceremony where buildings were named in their honour. The Archbishop blessed plaques, which were then taken in procession by family members to be placed on the buildings. Interspersed with this was a most appropriate dialogue from Sister Carmel O’Dwyer, highlighting the wonderful contributions these women have made to Sacred Heart College. A combined choir of staff and students provided a varied selection of music, including significant school songs over the past 140 years. Many people remembered ‘Our Honour is Great To Be...’, written by current Principal Sr Carmel in 1967, ‘On Eagle’s Wings’, which was the school song in the 1980s, and ‘Virtus Vera Nobilitas’, written by Philip Bates in the 1990s. The Mass concluded with the rousing song ‘Bring on Tomorrow’, ably led by staff members David Fox, Amanda Elliott, Anna Fletcher and several students. Following the Mass, formal speeches were made by Sr Madeleine Fox, Mr Frank Costa and Dr Anne Hunt, reflecting on their association with Sacred Heart and providing us with many, often humorous, stories and recollections. The final speaker was Sr Kath Tierney, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Mercy. After the ceremonial cutting of the Anniversary cake, people then enjoyed lunch in the grounds of the school and were entertained by many students in a variety of areas. Tours of the school were conducted by students and staff, and a highlight for many people were the displays of the memorabilia from the decades 1920s to 1990s, set up in the new Aquinas Napthine wing. The day was a most memorable one and a great testament to all those who have contributed to education at Sacred Heart College over the past 140 years. I conclude with an excerpt read during ‘Bring on Tomorrow’, written by Vice Principal Miss Maureen Ryan: ‘May all who have been blessed on our Holy Ground live lives filled with hope, inspired by the vision of Mother Xavier Maguire, and ready to bring on tomorrow.’ Margaret Wills, Liturgy Director |
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