During the school holidays, we were honoured to host the Timor-Leste community as they welcomed His Eminence Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, Archbishop of Dili, who celebrated a special Mass of Thanksgiving at our College.
This was a truly joyful and moving occasion, where faith and culture were beautifully woven together. The Mass was thoughtfully organised in partnership between our Faith Team, Fr Michael Kalaka, and members of the Timor-Leste community. Together, a meaningful liturgy was created rich in the Tetun language, music, and traditions of Timor-Leste.
The Mass featured heartfelt singing and traditional dance, and a collection was taken up in support of sponsoring seminarians in Timor-Leste. Following the Mass, a delicious lunch was hosted in our College Staffroom and Café, set up with great care and hospitality.
His Eminence was a humble and gracious presence throughout the day. He generously stood for hours taking photos and offering his time and attention to everyone who approached him, a true shepherd of his people.
For all of us in attendance from Mount St. Joseph’s, it was a day we will never forget. We were embraced as part of the Timor-Leste family, each of us honoured with a traditional scarf as a sign of welcome and belonging. It was a powerful reminder of the deep bonds that can be formed through shared faith and mutual respect.
(Photo Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and Timorese Association in Victoria)
What better way to begin a new semester than by gathering as a staff community for our annual Faith Day, a day intentionally set aside for renewal, connection, and shared purpose. Guided by the theme of Hope, drawn from the Year of Jubilee, the day unfolded through three distinct yet interconnected sessions, each designed to challenge, inspire, and nourish our spirit.
We began with Rev. Dr. Christopher Mulherin, who explored the relationship between science, faith, and technology. His keynote challenged the notion that curiosity and belief are opposing forces. Instead, he invited us to see how they can work in harmony especially in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid change.
Our second session, led by Tavale Ilalio from Mahana Culture, centred on Awakening Cultural Dignity. With both passion and authenticity, Tavale prompted us to reflect on the richness of our diverse community and the importance of cultivating cultural mindfulness in our relationships and professional practices. His message reminded us that inclusion is not simply about policy or practice; it’s a way of being.
The day concluded with a moving and engaging Mary MacKillop Play by Starrs Productions. Blending humour, historical sources, and Mary’s own words, the play brought her story to life in a way that was both fun and deeply meaningful, made even more memorable by staff volunteers joining the performance on stage. Timely in the lead-up to her Feast Day this month, it served as a vivid reminder of her legacy of hope, justice, and compassion.
Beyond the formal sessions, our Faith Day also offered space for informal connection, with staff enjoying time to pause and reconnect over morning tea and lunch. It was a day of presence and reflection without pressure or expectation, reminding us of the importance of simply being together, and carrying the spirit of hope into the semester ahead.
I love this time of year, it brings us back to who we are, what we stand for, and why we’re here. Our Josephite charism runs deeper than we often realise, it calls us to look beyond ourselves, to lift others up, to give generously even when it costs, and to live each day with courage, compassion, and hope. We know it’s not always easy to dig deep especially with the rising cost of living but what we try to instil in our students is that even the smallest gesture counts. A gold coin donation, a kind word, a simple act of giving these all say something about the people we’re becoming. I’ve been genuinely moved by the generosity we’ve seen not only from our students but from our families whether it was dropping off donations at our Front Office, providing vouchers, giving your child some spending money for Feast Day, or supporting smaller initiatives like the Hoodie for Hope fundraiser or tickets for the Teacher Dunk. Every little bit adds up, and it speaks volumes about the spirit of our community.
JJAMM Week, which leads us into our Feast Day, is a special time to honour all those connected to St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Her legacy continues to shine brightly through our College community, and this spirit came to life so beautifully as we gathered in celebration on Feast Day. We began with a hearty hot breakfast and a morning briefing, before moving, in the most fitting way, into the celebration of Mass. Just as St Mary MacKillop would begin her day grounded in prayer, we too came together in faith. Mass was celebrated by Fr Binh Le, alongside our staff, students, board members, and two Sisters of Saint Joseph. A dedicated team of staff and student volunteers brought the liturgy to life through music, scripture readings, prayers, and the presentation of the gifts. This year, we introduced a special symbolic ritual in which students carried forward items linked to St Mary’s life and her devotions, a beautiful and meaningful way to deepen our connection with her story.
After Mass, the much-anticipated Carnival began! Students eagerly dashed off to set up their stalls, enjoy the amusements, and soak in the festive atmosphere. The DJ kept the energy high, and the afternoon concert with Gen Bryant and her band truly rocked our Feast Day, sending us off on a high note with a clear message that hope is alive and well here at MSJ.
We prayed, we sang, we feasted. We fundraised, we had fun, what more could you ask for? The sun was out, our spirits were high, and our community came together in true Josephite style. More than just a celebration, the day was filled with purpose. It was the kind of gathering St Mary MacKillop would have loved: simple, heartfelt, focused on others, and rich in the spirit of unity and service. Now, we look forward to tallying our fundraising efforts and proudly sending our donation to Joseph’s Corner in the coming weeks.
We are proud to share that our College has been selected by Catholic Mission to host the official Socktober Launch on Wednesday 3 September, a great honour that places us at the heart of this year’s World Mission Month celebrations. We look forward to welcoming student representatives from across the Melbourne Archdiocese for a day filled with mission, learning, fun, and community spirit.
The day will include a special liturgy celebrated by Western Region Bishop Martin Ashe, alongside guest speakers, workshops, and interactive activities designed to deepen understanding of global mission. As Catholic Mission’s main fundraising initiative, Socktober raises vital awareness and support for life-giving projects around the world.
Being chosen to host this event has sparked rich conversations about the work of Catholic Mission, the Pope’s official charity agency for overseas mission. It has also inspired new ways for our students to engage. This term, our Year 8 students are exploring issues of social justice through workshops in their RE program connected to Catholic Mission, while our Year 11 Supportive Friends and VPC students are leading small-scale fundraisers throughout September to raise both awareness and funds.
To learn more about Catholic Mission and how you can get involved in supporting Socktober, please visit: https://www.socktober.org.au/fundraisers/anneseveri/socktober-2025
Mrs Anne Severi - Director of Catholic Identity
