Staff Spirituality Day - Term 1

On the last day of Term 1, as part of our Sesquicentenary celebrations, staff participated in a Staff Spirituality Day that not only celebrated 150 years of Mercy education in Bendigo but also gave them a deeper understanding of the history of this College and what makes it so special.

The day began by hearing more about the Foundation Sisters, in particular the story of Mother Aloysius Martyn, who led the party from Swinford in Ireland to Bendigo. She was a remarkable woman, a born leader, brave, educated and filled with faith.

Next, the staff undertook a pilgrimage to St Kilian’s Church, walking in the footsteps of the Foundation Sisters. These sisters walked from the convent to Havelock Street every day to teach the children at St Kilian’s Primary School. Shortly after they arrived in 1876, the Sisters took over St Kilian’s, where the lay teachers were struggling to manage overcrowding. It was in St Kilian’s Church in January 1876 that the Sisters were welcomed by the Bendigo community with a solemn High Mass of ‘great pomp and ceremony’, celebrated by Rev Dr Backhaus.

At St Kilian’s, staff heard the same Gospel reading from that day: Matthew 8:1–15. This Gospel story about faith was reflected on by Father Junray and is as relevant today as it was for the Sisters in 1876.

On returning to the St Mary’s Campus, staff explored the history of the early years in greater depth by learning about the Chapel, the Hall and what had been former boarders’ rooms. Three former boarders returned to share their stories and insights into what it was like to live and study at St Mary’s College.

Sr Anne Cossar boarded in the 1950s from Charlton, Maureen Connelly boarded from Quambatook in the 1960s, and Jenny Chirgwin from Macorna was one of the last boarders in the 1970s. Each had a different perspective to share on the food, accommodation, rules, uniform and education during their time. It was fascinating and allowed the staff to better understand the changing nature of education that created the school we know today.

Likewise, a closer look at the history and architecture of the beautiful buildings we are fortunate to have at St Mary’s enhanced the staff’s appreciation of the College and how we benefit from the legacy and dedication of those who have gone before.

A moment of fun was when all the staff who were also alumni gathered on the steps for a photo. Those who still had their Year 12 rugby tops wore them, and it was wonderful to see how many staff members, representing so many years, returned to make CMCB part of their careers.

The afternoon was an opportunity for Mercy in Action as staff spread out across Bendigo to undertake community work in the wider community, including Bendigo Foodshare, BARC, Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged and Clean Up Australia. A meaningful day of reflections, connection, shared history and service was a great way to conclude a successful term and begin the Easter break.

The next on the Sesquicentenary calendar will be the 'Back To' Day on Saturday 2 May.