Our New Pope

In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago, he is the first US-born pontiff. Known for his missionary work in Peru and his leadership in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV is recognised for his commitment to social justice, peace and inclusivity. In his first public address, he emphasised the importance of supporting youth in their spiritual callings and called for peace amid ongoing global conflicts. The choice of name shows us his commitment to Catholic social justice teachings and of course the lived expression of these teachings. The last Pope to take the name Leo was Pope Leo XIII who is credited for ushering in the ‘modern era’ of Catholic social teaching with his encyclical Rerum Novarum focusing on the rights abuse of workers at the time. We join with Catholics all over the world to pray for our new Pope for strength and courage to live the joy of the gospel and fight for issues of social justice throughout the world.

Happy Mother’s Day

It was a joy to watch the celebration of mothers and mother figures by our students at the annual Mother’s Day Breakfast. We pray that such a spirit of love and celebration continued over the weekend for all that our mothers are for us. Of course, such recognition should not be confined to just one day, we should always reflect on the relationships we have with our closest loved ones and consistently strive to ensure they know daily how much we love them. A happy and blessed Mother’s Day to all.

Ecological Justice

Laudato Si’ week (24 – 31 May) is a celebration of 10 years since Pope Francis wrote his encyclical on the care of our common home, the Earth. He called for global action, criticising consumerism and environmental degradation. Seven Laudato Si’ goals connect us to integral ecology, recognising that the care of the earth and the poor are equally important and dependent on each other.

At Kilbreda, we will recognise the importance of this week by introducing the week in a Homeroom assembly on 26 May. The student environmental action leaders (SEALs) will host a number of activities. Our Laudato Si’ goal this year is Environmental Spirituality: encouraging greater contact with the natural world in a spirit of wonder, praise, joy and gratitude.

As part of our commitment to Resource Smart Schools, we have formed a Staff Sustainability Group. We will meet once a term to collaborate on ideas and initiate actions to improve our sustainability. Thank you to Chris Shelley, Simon Wilksch, Aidan Scott, Jane Watkins and Trish Fiore for their interest and participation.

Another Big Term

We look forward to all the events and opportunities that will occur throughout the term. There is of course Laudato Si’ Week, Reconciliation Week, the First Nations Immersion Student Seminar, the Year 10 Retreat and the Year 8 Reflection Day to name just a few.

We pray for all those who are grieving / suffering in our community at this time:

Lord, we entrust our loved ones and our deepest intentions to your care

trusting in your love and compassion.

Comfort us in our grieving and by your grace,

Allow us to comfort others.

Teach us to welcome those suffering that we may assist them as you showed us through your example.

and we pray Eternal rest grant to them O Lord

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May their souls rest in peace. Amen.

John Riddle

Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

Head of Counselling Services