It was an honour to address those gathered at St Joseph’s Convent’s (SJC), St Joseph, for their Awards Ceremony on the theme: Our Celebration of Excellence Must Take Us to the Pathways that Lead to Mercy. Here is an extract:
“I congratulate all those students and teachers who will receive awards today. Individually and collectively, you embody your school’s motto: “Virtute et Labore” – by valour and exertion…
Words that come to mind in relation to this motto are: hard work, determination, courage, perseverance, intrepidness, and fortitude. Hold on to these values. Your school song states: “We’re all here for a purpose, to prepare for life, to learn to live, to learn to love…” Each of us has a purpose in life.
As Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman’s stated: “God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission … I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.”
Your school song also urges you to live as St Joseph, did – obedient, kind and true. Be obedient to the teachings of your faith. Reject attempts that are being made to push God off the public stage and into the private realm.
Be kind to everyone and to all God’s creation. The value system that you embrace will help you to be true to yourself and to your calling. Always try to be the best that you can be. Strive for excellence.
When you entered this school, each of you brought with you God-given gifts and talents, which were nurtured firstly by your first teachers, your parents … Parents, never underestimate the role you can play in meeting your responsibilities to promote the spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical development of your children … Take an interest in your children’s lives; guide and counsel them … Nation-building starts in the home…
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Students, may you, our leaders of tomorrow, act as responsible citizens who are committed to promote the sanctity of life and the dignity of each person, to build the common good of society – creating conditions that will enable each person to realise his/her potential. May you be creative, innovative, ethical and resourceful. And remember, God implanted a moral order in our hearts and minds … Live your life with integrity and moral courage …
Not only do we celebrate your academic success, but also your achievements in the various extra-curricular activities which SJC offers. We owe a debt of gratitude to all those involved in the education of students at SJC for continuing to play a vital role in the mission of the Church; and for striving to translate the Catholic vision for excellence into reality … The Archdiocese and the nation expect the highest level of professional excellence from you …
And while we celebrate the achievements of those who have excelled in their examinations, let us not forget those who failed to do so, in spite of their best endeavours. Remember that learning is a lifelong process. Some of the greatest thinkers and inventors did not succeed the first time they tried. My message to you is: never give up!… We can learn from our failures, and grow and develop. You will face many challenges as you journey on … Believe in yourself and in your ability to face the future with confidence.
Excellence should lead you to pathways of mercy. Act as mentors/role models to those in your families and your communities. Pope Francis has said that this Holy Year of Mercy is “dedicated to living out in our daily lives the mercy which the Father constantly extends to all of us …
“The Church” he said, “is called above all to be a credible witness to mercy, professing it and living it …” He also said: “It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee, the Christian people may reflect on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. It will be a way to reawaken our conscience, too often grown dull in the face of poverty.” As the body of Christ on earth, we are asked to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. Being merciful also means working to build just structures and systems …
The Holy Father warns about the globalisation of indifference. Never let your academic and other achievements make you indifferent to the needs of others. Mt 25:31-46 reminds us that in the end we will all be judged by the way in which we responded to the needs of others – in whose faces we should see Christ. As the Body of Christ, let us show mercy out of love rather than duty …
Let’s applaud our students, their parents and SJC’s dedicated staff who have guided and supported them in their academic and extra-curricular pursuits. Best wishes for your continued success. And when you leave this school commit to plough back some of your time, talent and treasure to take your school and this nation forward.”
