Windows of Hope
May 8, 2020
Traditionally, this week would be a time of great celebration at St Patrick’s College as we celebrated Edmund Rice Day.
However, in this time of social isolation we were unable to gather as a community and instead, along with other Edmund Rice schools across Australia, we asked our community to focus on the theme of: Looking out my window – with hope.
All in our community (students, staff, parents, Old Collegians) were invited to take a photo looking out from their own personal window of hope and then to share the photo along with some brief thoughts about your great hope.
We have collated these images and thoughts into an online gallery which is published below. It will remain as a permanent reminder of our communal hope in this time of challenge.
We also share this special reflection penned by our Director of Studies Mrs Julia Petrov, reflecting on the importance of living in the day while looking for tomorrow.
Wyatt SquiresWyatt Squires: “Be grateful for the office that you get.”
Tony BeggsTony Beggs: This is a window between the very old and the very new. It is from a 15th century castle in Yorkshire and the outlook is upon the local farm where young Leicester lambs are with their mothers grazing peacefully in the lush green meadow.
Anonymous 1When I look out my window, I see a beautiful big Golden Ash tree. It is losing its leaves and looks bare and dead, but I know that soon it will spring back to life with new growth and an abundance of vitality, hope and energy.
Anne Marie DriscollAnne-Marie Driscoll: “While working from home the view I have is of the road and footpath running along the front of my house. At various times throughout the day families with young children walk past on their daily outing. Hearing the talk and the laughter of these young children reminds me that I need to get out and enjoy the world still, to not be so focussed always on working. “
Andrew BallestyAndrew Ballesty: A window into a Pilgrimage time in November 2019 when I was privileged to witness the authentic work of Edmund Rice being carried on by the Christian Brothers in Kenya. I am grateful to every member of the pilgrimage group, coming from 11 different EREA schools, 2 Christian Brother ministries and 5 Australian States. The hope filled youth leaders from the Edmund Rice Camps we worked with on this day were an inspiration of hope, as we together openly and honestly shared our respective experiences and beliefs with respect to faith; gender equality; church and leadership. Many brilliant and articulate young people that are an inspiration making their country and the world a better place.
Andrew Ballesty 3Andrew Ballesty: A window into a Pilgrimage time in Cork, Ireland, December 2019 and the Edmund Rice Heritage Centre for an insightful walk through a circle garden displaying the sacred place of women in Edmund’s story. In in all my years around the Christian Brothers I had never heard this sacred story. Who are the special women in your life? For Edmund they were: Person Role 1 Margaret Tierney His Mum. A kind woman who cared for the poor. 2 Mary Rice His daughter. Disabled in some way, cared for by family. 3 Mary Elliott His wife. Her untimely death refined his trusting faith. 4 Mary Power His great friend. Directed him to poor Waterford boys. 5 Nano Nagle Like her used wealth, time, energy to school Irish poor. 6 Teresa of Avila The Interior Castle guided his inner journey. 7 Mary of Nazareth Rosary was central to the Brothers prayer & actions.
Andrew Ballesty 2Andrew Ballesty: A window into a Pilgrimage time into the Edmund Rice Centre in Dublin, Ireland, December 2019. Edmunds home when he was Provincial and Principal of the O’Connell Street school, 1831-1838. The image of Edmunds great friend Mary Power directing his attention to the poor Catholic boys on the streets of Waterford. He considered going into the Monastic life before Mary is said to have led him to the window, threw back the curtains and, pointing to the streets of unruly young boys below, declared “Can you see, Mr Rice – there is your Monastery in the streets”. She was a significant influence on Edmund, motivating him to educate and bring hope to the lives of those young boys.
Narelle DixonNarelle Dixon: “Through my window I see a new day, the warmth of the sun and the heater inside I hope for opportunities, and fewer challenges from which to hide. “
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERATony Beggs: From the yacht club window on a coolish summer day on the Lake Wendouree.
Marian MullerMarian Muller: I’ve taken this time as an opportunity to revitalise family prayer, creating or following simple liturgies/prayers, praying weekly as a family. My hope – family prayer. I’ve created simple liturgies or followed some provided and we’re praying weekly together. My hope – bring “family who prays together stays together”. Connecting and building our relationship with each other and our God, with the graces we receive through our time in calmness and prayer
Lorrie ListonLorrie Liston: Looking through my window at the beautiful Autumn colours in my backyard while I work from home.
Christ Be Our Light Geoff BrodieGeoff Brodie: Christ be our Light.
Anonymous 3Anonymous: The hope of getting outside to enjoy the day.
Anonymous 2Anonymous: The view from my desk. Out my window are people who lives are love, compassion, justice and sacrifice. Can I name them? The love and support of family are integral to the wellbeing of all at the moment. The change in what is “normal”. The joy of simple things such as a game of darts, long walks, home brewing, listening to Spotify, reading and researching topics of interest. Thanks to those around me for their good humour, patience and understanding. What do I choose to do beyond my window? Who do people know when they see my actions? Through the window my claret ash has lost its leaves and winter is on the way. We are thankful for those keeping society running: the doctors, nurses. police, firemen, supermarket workers, farmers, transport drivers, railways etc…and don’t forget teachers. Well done to all at St Pat’s for your resilience, determination and empathy towards all students and staff.
Monica GreenMonica Green: God and man working together can create a garden on the earth and in our hearts.
Damian Kinnersly 2Damian Kinnersly: When I look out the window of the children and families of those I saw in Lima, Peru in 2019 I see how fortunate we are to live in area where we feel safe. What I also see, is a community that has a special sense of belonging. Without a lot of the modern conviences we take for granted, the people in Peru who live in these challenging conditions have such a positive outlook on life. There is a sense of community and an open acceptance of each person that they encounter. I see people who take joy in what they have and find joy in my memories of these encounters.
Damian Kinnersly 1Damian Kinnersly: When I look out my window in this picture to the left I link how fortunate I am that I am able to live in a place where I can see nature and know that I am safe with my family. I see a society that is prosperous and a place where someone can access the services and goods that they need. I see love and good fortune.
Nathanial WinfieldNathaniel Winfield: I call this factory at night after my Uni motto ‘Sub Cruce Lumen’ – Under lights we toil – it reminds me of the hard work we do outside of the everyday hours.