Feast Day of St Ignatius

Feast Day of St Ignatius

Last week, we celebrated the Feast Day of St Ignatius of Loyola. Across Australia and around the world, Jesuit and Ignatian communities joined in solidarity, marking the occasion with worship, fun, service, and heartfelt gratitude for the life and legacy of St Ignatius. We are proud to be part of the Ignatian and Jesuit and Companion Schools Australasia (JACSA) network, and it was wonderful to stand alongside others to meaningfully celebrate the special occasion.

A student-led Mass, concelebrated by ‘our Jesuit’, Fr Gerry Healy SJ, Fr Ray Bugeja, from St Thomas, Drysdale and Fr Linh Pham, from Holy Trinity Parish, Queenscliff, began our festivities. Bel Gruar and Harriet Stepto reminded us of St Ignatius’ story and legacy and our talented choir inspired reflection, concluding with an uplifting and unifying rendition of our school song, Companions of Ignatius.

Following mass, students and staff made the most of the winter sunshine during the ‘One Foot Raised Walk,’ with some students and an energetic wolf, taking on the inaugural ‘One Foot Raised Classic Run.’ While the wolf led the way, outstanding performances by Owen McCoughtry and Sophie Hopper earned them first place and well-deserved trophies, making them the first winners of this new Feast Day tradition.

The inclusion of the walk in our Feast Day celebrations was inspired by St Ignatius’ vision of a leader—someone who lives with “one foot raised,” always ready to respond to human suffering. This year, our walk was dedicated to the people of Myanmar, who have endured immense hardship since the military coup in February 2021. Ongoing violence, natural disasters, and the displacement of millions have created a humanitarian crisis, worsened by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has destroyed communities and left thousands injured, missing, or without shelter. With over 22 million people, many of them children, in urgent need of support, our walk was a small but meaningful act of solidarity, raising awareness and funds, and affirming our commitment to justice, service and compassion.

The rest of the day was filled with variety, with students browsing the ever-popular Thrift Shop and racing to purchase the recently retired Mr Fitzgerald’s ties, watching or playing in the first ever Alumni Wolves v Year 12 basketball match, testing skills in soccer, golf, dodgeball and the ninja warrior course. Students and staff chatted as they walked round and round carrying water, they tested their knowledge of trivia and had fun with VR. Some relaxed with film, dance and gentle movement, and artistic flair was on show with face painting, creating artworks and the photography exhibition. The Talent Quest showcased young people of courage and extraordinary talent with Matilda Ward and our Rock Band being crowned winners for the Junior and Senior categories respectively.

The highlight of the afternoon festivities was the Casa de Talento performances which celebrated House pride, talent, and good-natured competition. After a tight contest, Glowrey House emerged victorious, lifting the Cup to cheers from a happy and excited audience. The College Executive enjoyed their afternoon bus duty, taking the opportunity to connect with students who, in high spirits, shared their enjoyment of the day, especially the chance to spend time with friends and experience a break from regular classroom routines.

In the wake of Feast Day, it is wonderful to share our position on the One Foot Raised (Jesuit Mission) Leaderboard. Donations from the incredibly generous Saint Ignatius community, combined with PFA incentives for participation and achievement, resulted in our College raising an impressive $7066. Through fierce competition, MacKillop House raised an enormous $3219, with other Houses following not far behind - Ricci ($2,240), Xavier ($916) and Glowrey ($571).

This year, on Feast Day, we truly lived our Ignatian mission by having one foot raised, ready to be people for others, rather than focused on ourselves. Thank you for supporting Feast Day and encouraging your young people to be present and engaged with tradition and community.