Damien House led us in prayer on Assembly last week and spoke to us about Lepers! House Patron, St Damien of Molokai, gave his life to the leper community in which he chose to live – and die. Yesterday’s Gospel at Mass, incidentally, was the story from Mark where a leper came up to Jesus and asked for healing. The translation we got is that ‘Jesus felt sorry for him’. I’m told that a more accurate translation from the original would be that ‘Jesus was angry’ – and did something. Jesus saw that this person and those afflicted like him, were shunned.

They were banished, treated badly and isolated. Jesus was angry about how his community treated the leper. We often just think that Jesus was ‘nice’ but he often got angry in the face of injustice, hypocrisy and exclusion. There’s nothing wrong with anger like that.

Fr Damien, of Damien House fame, was a young Belgian priest sent to the other side of the world to minister in the Hawaiian Islands. Molokai was one of those and where lepers were deposited. Sent to live together and die of that dreadful disease. The Bishop asked his priests to take turns to work on the island – a few weeks on and then escape. Fr Damien took his turn and decided to stay. He knew he was choosing a death sentence, but he chose to stand with the outcasts. He helped them build schools and medical clinics until he eventually succumbed to the disease. He is a great story for our young people about standing with those on the outskirts and supporting those who don’t enjoy much support.

In our Catholic tradition, we will begin Lent on Wednesday. Each House will have a liturgy and ashes will be distributed. For those who haven’t seen this tradition before, individuals will be invited to have a cross of ash placed on their forehead as a sign of some commitment to live out the Gospel of Jesus better.

Traditionally, Catholics have ‘given stuff up’ for Lent – chocolate or alcohol or treats. Those things are still OK but maybe, in the spirit of Damien of Molokai, we might all make a commitment to actively reach out to those on the margins, at school or in our workplace or in our communities.

Another harsh reminder of Lent will be thrust upon our students on Wednesday as we observe that Catholic tradition of not eating meat on Ash Wednesday which will mean a change in the offerings at the Canteen!

Parents & Friends will have our first meeting tomorrow (13/2) at 5.15pm in the College Staff room. All are most welcome.

Interhouse Swimming Carnival is on Thursday. Year 8, 9 & 11 will have the first half of the day at the pool and Year 7, 10 & 12 in the afternoon. Please ensure that your child has a rashie and plenty of sunscreen. The Swimming Carnival is a great event and we expect all to take part. It is one of our ‘Special Days’ in our calendar and is a part of our attendance requirements.

Friday is a Student Free Day as our staff will be involved with the Diocesan wide ‘Bishop’s In-Service’ Day.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com