Dear Members of our College Community,

As we celebrate Catholic Education Week, on behalf of the Iona Oblate community, I extend our warmest blessings and heartfelt thanks to each of you for the unique role you play in shaping our shared mission. The theme “Communities of Faith, Hope and Love”, reflects the spirit of our College family and the values we are called to nurture in every student, staff member, and in ourselves.

This year’s celebration holds special significance as it coincides with the birthday of St Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, on 1 August. Born in 1782, St Eugene was a man of deep faith, steadfast hope, and courageous love. He saw the face of Christ in the poor, the forgotten, and the young, and responded with a heart committed to mission, education, and transformation.

As an Oblate school, St Eugene is not just part of our history but rather his vision continues to shape who we are today. His legacy lives on each time we foster a learning environment where students are encouraged to grow, are recognised and valued as individuals, and where kindness and belonging are part of daily life. In living this out, we strengthen our identity as a community rooted in faith, guided by hope, and committed to love.

Following Catholic Education Week, we enter National Vocations Awareness Week (August 3–10), a sacred time to reflect more deeply on how our Catholic communities form young people not only for careers, but for Vocation: discovering how God may be calling them to serve the world. Whether that call is to priesthood, religious life, marriage, teaching, healthcare, or other paths of service, every vocation is rooted in love and lived for others.

As we remember St Eugene’s life and mission, let’s keep building a College where faith grows, hope is shared, and love is shown. As Ionians, let’s care for one another and pray for our young people, so they can trust in God’s call and bring light and goodness to the world.

With every blessing in the spirit of St Eugene,

Fr Joe Antony OMI
Rector