A cross which was crafted from a tree brought down by Cyclone Alfred has become a powerful sign of hope during this year’s Easter liturgies at Mt Maria College Petrie, in Brisbane. Source: Brisbane Catholic Education.
Mt Maria College Petrie Principal Kerry Maher said hope is not an optional extra in education, but an essential condition for learning.
“Students need to believe their efforts will lead somewhere and that they can make a real difference in our world,” she said.
“In a Catholic education, that belief is nurtured with intention. When we educate the whole person spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally, we create the conditions for young people to grow as hopeful and confident learners.”
Ms Maher said that strong connections between the college and Our Lady of the Way Parish, along with initiatives such as the Marist Game Changers and pastoral care programs, support students to develop a sense of purpose shaped by service.
“Through these experiences, students come to understand that their lives have meaning and that they are called to contribute to the good of others,” she said.
The college community recently gathered to celebrate Easter through a liturgy Ms Maher described as a meaningful time of reflection, unity and hope.
“Easter invites us to pause and reflect on suffering, sacrifice and renewal,” she said. “As a community, we remembered the passion of Good Friday while also rejoicing in the hope and new life of the resurrection.”
Students and staff from a range of cultures and beliefs came together in prayer, sharing a common sense of hope expressed through the Prayers of the Faithful.
A special moment during the celebration was the blessing and installation of a new College Cross by Parish Priest Fr Louie Jimenez. The cross was crafted, on site, from the timber of a college tree brought down during Cyclone Alfred.
“The cross is a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal,” Kerry said.
“It reminds us that even in times of challenge, hope can be restored and new life can emerge.”
The theme of Hope featured across Brisbane Catholic Education’s 146 schools this Easter as students “come alive” in the strength of community and fundraise for people experiencing poverty, with a range of fundraising activities supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion.
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