Love is a Person – Lenten reflection
During Lent this year, I have been listening to the Pray40: The Return series on the Hallow app as part of my daily prayer. One reflection that particularly stood out explored a powerful moment from the classic novel ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
In the story, a character named Ivan wrestles with the suffering of the world and asks a deep question: ‘Who could ever truly forgive the pain and injustice we see around us?’ A common question many ask, as we try and make sense of human suffering.
But the story offers something unexpected. When Christ appears in Ivan’s tale, He does not argue or explain. Instead, after being accused and challenged, Jesus simply responds with a gentle kiss.
That moment captures something profound about our faith, God’s answer to suffering is not an theological or philosophical explanation, but Himself.
In Jesus, God enters our world, shares in our suffering and stretches out His arms for us on the Cross. Love is not just an idea or a theory. Love is a person, Jesus Christ.
This is a beautiful reminder for our homes. During busy schedules and daily challenges, Christ invites us to turn to Him in prayer and trust in His presence.
This Lent, may we remember that even when we do not have all the answers, we are never alone. Jesus walks with us and His love is always near.
Ash Wednesday Liturgy
On Wednesday 18 February, we gathered as a College community to commemorate the beginning of the Liturgical Season of Lent with our Ash Wednesday Liturgy. The sacred liturgy was led by Deacon Chris Creo and supported by our Student Leaders, who reverently assisted in the Liturgy of the Word and the Prayers of Intercession. The liturgy provided our community with an opportunity to pause, pray, and reflect on the deeper meaning of the Lenten season.
In his homily, Deacon Chris invited students and staff to reflect on the powerful words spoken as ashes are placed on our foreheads: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” While these words may initially sound confronting, he reminded us that they speak both a truth about our humanity and a deeper truth about God’s love for us.
Reflecting on our place in the vastness of creation, Deacon Chris reminded us that, in many ways, human beings are small and fragile, echoing the words of Scripture: “The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7). Ash Wednesday therefore calls us to humility, reminding us that life is fragile and that we are not self-sufficient.
However, this is only part of the story. As Deacon Chris explained, “Of all creation — stars, oceans, animals, galaxies — God chose to love human beings in a special way.” He reminded us that our value does not come from how impressive we may seem, but from the immeasurable love God has for us.
The ashes we received also carry a powerful symbol. Formed from burnt palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday and traced in the shape of the cross, they remind us that although life is temporary, we are redeemed through Christ’s love. As Deacon Chris beautifully expressed, “We are dust — but dust that God holds in His hands.”
The beginning of Lent is therefore not about sadness or hardship, but about renewal and returning to God. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of generosity, we are invited to deepen our relationship with God and with one another.
As we journey through the season of Lent together as a College community, may we take to heart the invitation offered in the homily: “Remember who you are… and remember who you belong to. You are dust — but you are loved beyond measure.”
Fr Nestus visits from Uganda
We were honoured to welcome Fr Nestus from Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Buyaga, Uganda to the College for a special visit with our students and staff.
Fr Nestus was warmly greeted by our College Captains, Deputy Captains and Faith & Social Justice Captain before spending time touring the College and visiting classrooms across Years 7–10. Students had the opportunity to meet Fr Nestus, learn about his ministry in Uganda, and share a glimpse of life and learning at our College.
During his visit, Fr Nestus also met with members of our Social Justice Group and College Leadership Team, engaging in meaningful conversations about faith, service and community. The visit concluded with Fr Nestus addressing staff and offering thoughtful reflections and encouragement.
We thank Fr Nestus for taking the time to connect with our community and share insights from Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Buyaga, Uganda. It was a privilege to host him at the College and to strengthen our shared commitment to faith and service.
