Dear Iona community,

Each year, staff from Australia’s four colleges operating according to the Oblate Charism (St Eugene’s College, Burpengary; Mazenod College, Western Australia; Mazenod College, Victoria; and Iona College) accompany Rectors and Principals to learn more about St Eugene and the history of the Oblates in Australia.

The experience provides a wonderful opportunity to share programs and resources developed in the respective communities that build formation and understanding of the Charism we share.

This year’s conference was hosted by Mazenod College in Western Australia – a perfect setting to experience the Charism introduced to Australia in 1894 when the Oblates arrived in Fremantle.

Spending two days in the St Patrick’s Basilica Parish Hall provided the historical context of Oblate Ministry, and see in action the ongoing outreach that exists there today.

We heard of the amazing work of Br Hannick OMI, and saw the work of the St Patrick’s Community Centre in action today, bringing to life the stories and presentations we heard from our keynote speakers.

Thank you to Fr Joe Antony OMI, Fr Michael Twigg OMI and Fr Harry Dyer OMI for leading us throughout the conference with information, prayer and witness.

Thank you also to Fr Meno Basti OMI and Angela Emanuele from St Patrick’s Parish, who generously provided us the space and facilities for our conference.

On the final day of the conference, we visited Mazenod College in Lesmurdie. The students showcased their college with comprehensive tours, enabling staff to meet colleagues in similar roles and expand their network.

Mass was celebrated in the College Chapel, and an insight into boarding life was experienced with a tour.

The purpose of the staff conferences, student leadership conferences, retreats and pilgrimages is for all of us connected to Oblate Ministry, to be able to learn about St Eugene de Mazenod, the mission of the Oblates and what are we challenged to do in our schools and communities today.

Many thanks to Simon Harvey, Damian Wallis and Angela Orchard for their hospitality and organisation. The combination of information, reflection, prayer, discussion and social interaction provided a busy but enjoyable experience.

Finally thank you to our Iona staff – Mr Connor Russell, Mrs Angela McPherson, Mr Steven Hohn and Mrs Rennaye Klein – for accepting the invitation to attend, and their willingness to immerse themselves in all the activities.

As an Oblate community we will come together tomorrow for OMAD to live out the values of what it means to belong to the De Mazenod Family as we raise awareness and support for the Oblate ministries throughout the world. 

Given St Eugene’s devotion to Mary, it is appropriate that this year we do that on the Feast of the Assumption, the day we commemorate God assuming Mary into Heaven, body and soul.

On the Feast of the Assumption, we give thanks for the gift of Mary. 

Through her life of faith, humility and courage, Mary is an example of how we can bring God’s love into the world.

Tomorrow on Oblate Mission Action Day, we do this through gathering as a community for a fun day of awareness and fundraising.

God bless,

Mr Trevor Goodwin
Principal