St Aloysius Day
Observing the feast of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga is a significant occasion in our yearly College calendar. In commemorating the patron saint of youth, we gathered together for a whole school mass celebrated by Fr. Thang Vu, joined by special guests, Sisters of Mercy: Sr. Carmel McCormick, Sr. Margaret McDonnell, and Sr. Margaret Chappell, as well as Anthony Loschiavo, Executive Officer from Mercy Ministries Companions, and Craig Holmes, Regional Leadership Consultant of Secondary Schools for the Northern Region of the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS).
During the opening procession of the mass, student representatives of each pastoral class brought up a display card with a word which, for them, represents/describes St Aloysius Gonzaga. These were created by the class during the morning’s activity.
Our college choir and cantor Rina Prinzi uplifted our prayers in the mass by leading the music, conducted by Amber Sindoni and accompanied by Priscilla Luu. Our string ensemble also welcomed everyone into the hall by playing while people entered.
Following our Eucharistic celebration, our school community joined in festivities around the college, including Just Dance competitions, participation in a photo booth, and a bungee run. There was also a sausage sizzle, popcorn, and slushies, as well as a churro truck organized by the College Prefect team.
As part of the event, students and staff were invited to dress up after the mass in costumes starting with the first letter of their name, with many getting into the celebration spirit.
Overall, it was a wonderful day of joining together as a whole college community, celebrating our school, our faith, and our connection to St Aloysius.
Michael Chesser
Director, Catholic Mission & Mercy Ethos