NEW LIFE
SPRING 2013
MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE
WALK IN NEW LIFE
A BIANNUAL MAGAZINE FOR PAST STUDENTS AND FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE 5 FOREST ROAD WARRIEWOOD NSW 2102 AUSTRALIA TELEPHONE 02 9997 7044 FACSIMILE 02 9997 6042 WEBSITE www.matermaria.nsw.edu.au
OUTBACK INDIGENOUS PILGRIMAGE In April, twenty students from Mater Maria Catholic College and St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly travelled on a unique indigenous reconciliation pilgrimage to Broken Hill in the far west of New South Wales. It included incredible visits to Cobar, White Cliffs and Broken Hill. The aim of the pilgrimage was for students to gain a boarder worldview of the lives of others in Australian indigenous communities and a deeper appreciation of indigenous issues and culture. Against this red dust backdrop many other skills were also uncovered as well as the students’ desire to know more: many students marvelled at the remarkable difference in terrain and the fact that they were still in the state of New South Wales! The students had the opportunity to visit significant indigenous sites and experience first-hand our State’s vast landscape. An amazing visit to Grenfell saw the students in awe of traditional aboriginal rock paintings, uncovering the natural wonder of bush tucker and the sighting of emus and feral goats! Another visit to the community of Menindee (population 450) highlighted for the students the challenges of remote living, employment and daily life across the region. One of the most significant and spiritual parts of each day was the yarning circle around the campfire and was an opportunity for prayer, reflection and thanksgiving. The pilgrimage was arranged by the Youth Ministry Coordinators from both Colleges along with the Aboriginal Education Officer, Mr David Ella, from the Catholic Schools Office, Broken Bay. The six days were an unforgettable experience which deepened for students a greater respect and recognition of this ancient land.