Dear Ionians,

This morning, the Iona community was filled with joy and gratitude as our Year 5 students led us in celebrating Grandparents Day. The day began with a moving liturgy, prayerfully guided by our Primary Chaplain, Fr Lewy Keelty OMI, where we welcomed grandparents with open hearts and deep appreciation for the gift they are in our lives.

The Scriptures remind us: “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children” (Proverbs 17:6).

Indeed, grandparents are a crown of blessing. They carry with them wisdom, faith, and love that knit generations together in a bond that reflects God’s own faithfulness.

I wish to especially thank our Year 5 students, whose reverence and joy shone through the liturgy. Their thoughtful messages, heartfelt prayers, and the beautiful music concert, offered in honour of their grandparents, lifted our celebration and showed us how powerfully faith and love can be expressed through word, prayer, and song.

I am also grateful to the dedicated teachers and staff of our Primary Years for their tireless work in preparing this day. Their care and effort ensured that our grandparents felt truly welcomed, cherished, and celebrated.

At the same time, we hold in prayer our Year 12 students as they prepare to begin their trial examinations next week. We ask God to bless them with strength, clarity, and peace of heart, knowing that they are supported by the prayers of their Iona family.

On behalf of the entire Oblate family, I give thanks for the extraordinary generosity shown during OMAD 2025. In true Oblate spirit, our community has once again witnessed the Gospel through compassion and concrete acts of love, bringing hope to those in need.

Finally, we celebrate with joy the 89th birthday of Fr John Sherman OMI on 31 August. We thank God for his life of faithful service and assure him of our prayers and gratitude.

May the spirit of St Eugene de Mazenod continue to guide us to see the face of Christ in one another and to live with courage, gratitude, and love.

Fr Joe Antony OMI
Rector