Last Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. This is the event that begins with all the apostles huddled in a room, frightened and bewildered about where they will go and what will they do. Their leader and friend, Jesus, has gone and despite saying he will return, they are still alone. They have begun preaching and spreading the good news but they are facing increasing aggression and push back, which has eroded their confidence and courage in driving their mission forward. At this point, the room is filled with a wind and flames of fire settle on each of their heads. The Holy Spirit joins them in the room and gives them the graces and gifts that enable them to leave that space emboldened and driven to take the good news out to the far reaches of the world as they knew it. It is a story of how the Holy Spirit can empower us to do great things.

How often are we faced with situations that seem insurmountable or challenging and we pray for a little divine intervention that will give us the wisdom and/or the courage to do what has to be done? It is in these times that the Holy Spirit can be our best ally and support. Just like the support given to the apostles at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit can be there for us when we are feeling depleted, defeated or under siege. We just need to reach out.

Just over a week ago, I listened to Stan Grant inform his audience that he will step away from hosting Q+A because of the aggressive threats and attacks that both he and his family have received since his comments on the King’s recent coronation. As an Aboriginal man, who has watched his people endure unimaginable suffering and persecution since colonisation, it is not surprising he would hold views about the monarchy and its impact on indigenous cultures across the world. What has happened in our society that we are unable to listen to the views of others and come to the decision that we respectfully agree or respectfully disagree with them? Why are we compelled to attack the person if we don’t like what we hear or if it doesn’t suit our perspective? What has changed that we are now so intolerant of those different to us? Surely diversity strengthens our communities and helps us to see that, essentially, we are all very similar?

At St Patrick’s, we embrace the diversity in our community. Girls coming from many ethnic backgrounds, faith traditions and family structures means that everyone in our community can feel welcome and included. Whilst we are a Catholic community, we make a space for everyone who wants to be a part of this community. We are good neighbours to all, which enables the grace of the Holy Spirit to find a home in all of us.

Last Friday, we could see the strength and ability of many girls on the athletics track. The girls were exceptional in their participation in the day. Equally inspiring were the girls who were not necessarily the girls who would go on to represent the College, but the girls who participated just to have a go. They were wonderful and their efforts contributed to the house points that were scored on the day.

Last weekend saw our girls and young men from St Gregory’s rehearsing for the upcoming musical. A full day was given so that they could refine their skills and their performance for our benefit later in June.

Once again, our debaters prepared and honed their skills of arguing and rebuttal in the debating competition on Friday evening. They gave their best and thought through their arguments with courage and tenacity.

Through the week, girls have submitted assessments, tentatively raised their hands to ask questions in class and extended kindness and friendship to girls who seem at a loss, demonstrating the presence of the Holy Spirit in our community. Ours is a community with many blessings and we are grateful for the work of the Spirit in every moment in every day.

Sadly, a number of families in our community are grieving the loss of a parent. I will leave you with an excerpt taken from John O’Donoghue’s book Benedictus and Prayer On the Death of a Loved One.

Blessings

Sue Lennox

Though we cannot see you with outward eyes,
We know our soul’s gaze is upon your face,
Smiling back at us from within everything
To which we bring our best refinement.

Let us not look for you only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glows
And music echoes eternal tones.

When orchids brighten the earth,
Darkest winter has turned to spring;
May this dark grief flower with hope
In every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us.