We are Faith-Centred

ARE FAITHCENTRED

WE

MS KERRY MCCULLOUGH

SPIRITUALITY AND LITURGY COORDINATOR

IN OUR YEAR OF VERITY, WE REFLECT ON WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FAITH-CENTRED LORETO SCHOOL IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY.

To be faith-centred means that we have a particular way of looking at the world. It is to see all life as not only created by God, and therefore sacred, but suffused with Divine Presence. It is to look upon all creation – humanity, relationships, social, economic and political paths, all choices we make – as places of Divine encounter through which the teachings of Jesus are expressed. As St Ignatius said, it means “finding God in all things.” And as a faith-centred community, this search is our responsibility and our privilege. Our five Loreto Values, beautifully expressed by Mary Ward, are five ways through which we live the teachings of the Gospel at Loreto Normanhurst. Each year, we focus on one of these Values. 2020 has been the Year of Verity. The word ‘truth’ is rather loaded into today’s climate of ‘fake news’ and social media, through which a dizzying array of personal ‘truths’ are available. Where do we look for truth that will satisfy us, touch our imaginations, light that fire in our bellies and bring us a sense of peace and purpose?

“One of the most beautiful descriptions of spirituality is that it is responding to the touch of God.”

One of the most beautiful descriptions of spirituality is that it is ‘responding to the touch of God'. It is not driven, coercive or wilful. Rather, there is openness, receptivity and movement. There are so many ways that this response might be awakened in us as the gracious giving of God envelops us: in the exquisite beauty of music; the soft light falling through the trees; the sound of waves breaking on the shore; in words of inspiration or compassion; in prayer; in forgiveness and in the hope which opens us to possibility, justice and abundant life. When we look at Jesus’ interactions with the people of his day, we see this invitation: ‘Come and see’, ‘come follow me’, ‘let all who have ears to hear, listen.’ There are a few stories of Jesus restoring life to people. To the little girl who had died, Jairus’ daughter, he said, ‘talitha cumi’ or ‘little girl rise.’ To Lazarus in the tomb he said, ‘come forth.’

If we take these stories as metaphors for our own lives, we see that the invitation is always to rise up from decay; from what is life-denying, from what is lacklustre, fearful, selfish and dull within us. 'Let what you have said be done to me', said Mary to the angel. 'Let your words work in me and shape me into something truthful'.

This is the context of Verity in which we live, work and learn here at Loreto Normanhurst. This year has been one in which we have really been called to remember this truth we hold. In the midst of uncertainty, fear and change, we have drawn upon it and spoken of it in hope, just as Mary Ward did so long ago amidst the uncertainties of her own life.

VERITY PRAYER 2020

THE 2019-2020 STUDENT LEADERS FROM LORETO SCHOOLS AROUND AUSTRALIA COMPOSED THE FOLLOWING PRAYER FOR THE YEAR OF VERITY.

God of Light, who guides us in ways of truth. Ignite within us the courage to uncover our authentic selves and in doing so discover our greatest gifts. Illuminate the path of integrity, so our lives are defined by love and honesty. Inspire us to look beyond our own horizons to face the truth bigger than ourselves.

Called by Mary Ward, we seek and speak the truth: a truth that invites us to do ordinary things well, a truth that leads to justice for all. This is our Verity. In Jesus’ name and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we say, Amen.