Since Wednesday I have had the great privilege of being in Brisbane at the Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) Conference accompanied by staff from OLMC. The conference brings together staff from Mercy schools all over Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea with different geographical, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds who share a common commitment to Mercy. The theme of the conference this year is ‘Mercy in Liminal Times’. We are exploring the space between something that has happened and something about to happen, with the prospect that we may see a transformation of our world. Sr Berneice Loch shared with us that ‘liminal times are full of opportunity and moments for transformation and growth’. We are looking forward to sharing with our community all that we learn as we explore Mercy in liminal times.
On Tuesday we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. As a school that honours Mary, this is a special day; one where we can pause to reflect on the life of a woman who answered God’s call. She was a leader who helped her people in midst of her own grief. She was courageous and compassionate, showing Mercy to others. There are many in our world today who seek her intercession when they are in need. At the AMSSA conference we also learned that the opening of Mercy House in Baggot Street, Dublin, built by Catherine McAuley, was held on the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy in 1837.
Once again, we congratulate students for their achievements over the last two weeks. House Arts took place on Wednesday and saw students from all year levels share their talents with us. It was so exciting to have students perform and the applause and support given by their peers was just as impressive. Congratulations to the Year 12 Student Leaders for their excellent organisation and commitment and wonderful opening to each session.