We can see this in God, our creator…. God is love. Pure and simple. There is no place for hate or exclusion when love is at the heart of everything.’

On Friday 9 May approx. 1,700 mothers and sons gathered at Rosehill Racecourse to celebrate Mothers’ Day with Mass followed by morning tea. As the pavilion started to fill in the early morning, the feeling of love and enjoyment rose, bringing a strong sense of community to the space. We began with a tribute to Year 12 mothers in gratitude for their service to the College and their sons over the years and moved into the Mass celebrated by Fr Tom Stevens, Parish Priest of St Patrick’s Mortlake, and con-celebrated by the College Chaplain, Fr Jack Evans.

As we celebrated the presence of God in our lives and the light that shines from each of us, particularly the women who have come before us, we focused on the role of women throughout history into today. They have been trailblazers, carers, creatives, philanthropists, faith leaders and more. Our reading from Proverbs talked of the busyness of women in making sure that the days run smoothly for all; “She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls…. Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” We followed it with a sung Magnificat, and the Gospel about Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus into their home, demonstrating that there are many paths. We reflected on how Martha, the one who worked hard that day, has often been maligned but she ‘went about your business of sifting and kneading and baking bread to break open and feed the hungry.’ (Edwina Gately) Both Martha and Mary showed love for God.

In his homily, Fr Tom talked of the challenges of motherhood, especially with new babies, linking them and the challenges mothers around our globe face to the life of Mary, mother of Jesus, who had to handle a lot. He reminded us that “Mary’s life and love and experience is a life the OPPOSITE of self-centredness!!! Mary sees her giftedness not as stemming from and around herself, but her giftedness, …as being the gift from God.”

As our Mass continued, we blessed all mothers, remembering those who have died, and prayed for the positive collaboration between men and women in all areas of life, founded on respect and care.

Our musicians and choir led us beautifully, and our mothers and sons guided us through the prayers and readings. Our College staff, especially our Events Coordinator and the Wellbeing and Identity Teams, contributed to the smooth running of the morning.

Following Mass, the boys moved back to classes at school, while the mothers enjoyed morning tea or had to head back to work.

The College would not function without the support and work of our mothers and so we say thank-you and continue to offer a blessing over them for who they are and what they do; ‘May God’s glory continue to grow in you….May you be held in God’s wisdom and love.’