Viewpoint

My current term at the College commenced a few days before term resumed. I have had the opportunity to participate in several events, including the Nostalgia Mass for the Classes of 1942-1975 and their spouses. This was followed by lunch with around 115 Old Boys in attendance. It was inspiring to hear some of the stories and school-day recollections, and to sense the great love these old scholars have for the College. While many mentioned good times, there was also an acknowledgement of the challenging, even painful, moments.

The presence of good friends and, in many cases, sympathetic teachers, made it possible to get through the difficult times. In the toast to the College, we heard the following wise reflections from Bob Meagher (OR1958): “The years 1942 to 1975 were 33 years of change. Our parents, the Jesuits and lay masters who cared for us, had experienced the effects of the Great Depression, the Second World War and the Korean and Vietnam wars. The experience and wisdom of these men and women who cared for us prepared us for what lay ahead, encouraging us to be men for others”.

A few days later, I attended the New Parents' Dinner. A majority of the students had commenced at the College in Term 1 and had settled in, and were now adept at finding their way around the College. A common reflection from parents was that their son/sons were loving College life, but some described the early days as being a little challenging. It has been evident to me that older students take particular care of the younger ones, both in terms of friendly chatter and assistance with challenges that new students experience. I witnessed the care the boys receive from their Heads of House and Mentors, and the genuine warmth evident when boys first arrive in their House area at the start of the day. After being away from school life for nine years, I am certainly enjoying the opportunity of returning to a world of energy and vitality that is found in a school community as special as Riverview.

Those of you who have been in the North Sydney parish of Saint Mary’s or at St Aloysius’ College may recall Fr Michael Stoney SJ, who died on Wednesday last week. Michael was 90 years old, with 73 of those spent as a Jesuit. His final years were spent at Saint Vincent's Aged Care in Kew, Victoria. This facility is very near Campion College, and the Jesuit community enjoyed Michael visiting to share mass and lunch. While his physical mobility had declined, Michael’s mental capacity remained active and fully engaged till the very end. Many marvelled at his gift for remembering names and family details even from many years ago. Fr Stoney’s life touched many people, and one of his fellow Jesuits wrote as follows:

He was indeed a ‘giant’ in so many ways, and a great influence on me and my vocation both in and out of the Society. He taught me as a boy in the classroom and as a footy coach. He was my Rector at St Aloysius’ College, where I first taught as a scholastic. There, his wisdom, guidance and humour greatly helped me. I am very grateful to have known him over so many years. His insight and truly discerning advice on novices, human nature and the spiritual, I shall always treasure. May he rest in peace, indeed!

Michael's funeral was held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Hawthorn last Thursday.

I'm sure everyone would be aware of the difficult situation in the Middle East and the repercussions for us in Australia. Of particular concern is the ongoing supply of fuel, especially for transport industries and those on the land. Many of our boarding families will be facing significant challenges, and the prospect of limited supplies of fertiliser and other products that need to pass through the Straits of Hormuz adds further uncertainty and anxiety in the immediate future. I would like to reinforce Principal Mark Tannock’s reassurance to families that we are willing to support and assist those suffering financial or similar pressures.

The crisis in the Middle East has seen some unsavoury accusations and criticisms of Pope Leo. Many Catholics have been delighted that the Pope has spoken out, criticising injustices and the lack of attention to Gospel values. After criticisms for speaking and becoming involved in politics, Pope Leo said he would continue to speak out. "I don't think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing," he said. "I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to the problem”.

Let us continue to pray that the war may come to a just and timely ending.

Our families may be interested in the forthcoming book launch of Fr Frank Brennan’s latest book, Pope Francis, the Disruptive Pilgrim’s Guide , next Monday evening. This will take place in the Ron Dyer Centre (42 Ridge St, North Sydney 2060) and will be followed by a light supper. The guest speaker is Geraldine Doogue AO, a Riverview past parent. For further details and materials, see HERE and also HERE .

RSVP HERE.

I believe that the gospel from last Sunday (the road to Emmaus) can help Christians navigate the difficult challenges that we experience at present. You may recall the story of the road to Emmaus, which describes two disciples leaving Jerusalem. They were fleeing the risk of persecution there and were fearful and downcast. Jesus approached and asked what they were talking about. They did not recognise him and expressed surprise that he would not know about the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the persecution of his disciples. The disciples expressed great sadness that their hopes for Jesus as the Messiah had been dashed. Jesus then explained that the Messiah was destined to suffer.

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” Beginning with Moses and the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Upon reaching their destination, the disciples invited Jesus to join them. “At the meal he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight”.

With renewed faith and courage, the disciples turned back to Jerusalem to share their experience with the other disciples. They told of what had happened on the road, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread. They spoke of their hearts burning while Jesus talked with them. This gospel reminds us that we may not recognise Jesus in our daily interactions, but he is present even in the most difficult and depressing times. Sometimes he comes to us through the agency of caring friends, family or teachers. We only need to invite him to be with us as the disciples did and to spend some quiet time where we can place our cares and concerns before our loving God. The breaking of the bread, which the disciples experienced, continues today each time we celebrate the Eucharist.

As the new term commences, it is fitting to ask the Lord to bless our loved ones and all in the Riverview community. Give us faith, Lord, to know that you walk with us even during difficult times, even though we fail to recognise you. May our hearts burn when we sense your loving action in our lives.