FROM THE REC

During the mid-term break, I was lucky enough to join other educators and leaders from the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese on a pilgrimage to Italy. This pilgrimage included the historic cities of Sienna, Florence and Rome! Our group visited many significant sites and major Basilicas over the ten days, including Vatican City in Rome, and I gained a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the history of the Catholic Church. It was also an opportunity for reflection and prayer. I am truly grateful for the experiences I gained on my journey and the relationships and interactions with my peers. It certainly is a time I will not forget!

While in Sienna we visited the home of St Catherine of Sienna. St Catherine was born in Sienna during the time of plague in 1347. She was one of 25 children. She was devoted to her family and never married, instead choosing to devote her time to her family and the poor and sick. She often visited hospitals and homes where the poor and sick were found. Her activities quickly attracted followers who helped her in her mission to serve the poor and sick. From 1375 onwards, St. Catherine began dictating letters to scribes. She petitioned for peace and was instrumental in persuading the Pope in Avignon to return to Rome. She became involved in the fractured politics of her time, but was instrumental in restoring the Papacy to Rome and in brokering peace deals during a time of factional conflict and war between the Italian city-states.

She also established a monastery for women in 1377 outside of Siena. She is credited with composing over 400 letters, her Dialogue, which is her definitive work, and her prayers. These works are so influential that St. Catherine would later be declared a Doctor of the Church. She is one of the most influential and popular saints in the Church.

This Sunday, Theo and MacKenzie will be celebrating their Confirmation along with Mr Forsyth’s son, Charlie and other boys and girls from the Tumut Parish. I would like to take this opportunity to wish them well for Sunday and ask you all to offer your thoughts and prayers for Theo, MacKenzie and Charlie.

Have a wonderful weekend

Jeanette Dumbrell

Religious Education Coordinator.