Dear Parents and Friends,

As we prepare to celebrate the Feast Day of our Parish and school, an understanding of  the background and transforming meaning of the Cross  is important for us

all to know about. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross takes place on Saturday, 14th September. 

On 13 September 335, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem (also called the Church of the Resurrection) was dedicated. The following day, the cross that Empress Helena had discovered on 14 September 320, was venerated in a solemn ceremony. In 614, the Persian King, Chosroes II, waged war on the Romans. After conquering Jerusalem, he confiscated many treasures, among which was the Cross of Jesus. The Byzantine emperor Heraclius initiated peace negotiations, but was rejected. He then waged war and won near Nineveh, asking for the restitution of the Cross, which was then returned to Jerusalem. Today, the cruelty of the Cross is not what is exalted, but the Love that God manifested to humanity by accepting death on the Cross: “Who, though in the form of God, emptied himself, taking the form of a slave. This is the glory of the Cross of Jesus!” (Pope Francis)

Jesus said to Nicodemus: ‘No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.’ For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him (Jn 3:13-17).

Pope Benedict XVI wrote, 

The Gospel the liturgy offers us on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross suggests that God wants to enter into a relationship of love with everyone. This is offered in His Son, Jesus, lifted up on the Cross. Lifting up our gaze to God expresses a very important truth: we are invited to enter back into relationship with Him.

Being Christians, we make a choice before every action, for the actions of a Christian are none other than the witness of how “God has loved us so much that he gave His only Son, Jesus”.

Whilst I wrote about the sacred and very special role Grandparents hold in our lives earlier this term, I acknowledge their presence amongst us tomorrow, and we give thanks as they join us to celebrate. 

       

Professional Learning

Recent professional learning undertaken or other professional commitments by our staff this fortnight includes:

Every Blessing,

Milena Colussi
Principal