Our St Mary’s College community came together in faith, gratitude and celebration to mark the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the most significant feast days in the Catholic Church.
Students, staff, families and members of the broader Catholic community gathered for a special Community Mass that brought together representatives from across our Diocese, Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA), St Martin de Porres School, the University of Notre Dame Australia and Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral Parish.
Adding to the beauty of the celebration were our dedicated St Mary’s College Student Leaders and the College Choir, whose leadership and contributions helped create a prayerful and uplifting celebration that reflected the significance of the occasion.
The Mass provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on the meaning of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Celebrated annually on 15 August, the feast commemorates the Church’s belief that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life. The Assumption reminds us of God’s promise of eternal life and serves as a powerful symbol of hope, faith and the dignity of every human person. Mary’s faithful response to God’s call continues to inspire Christians to live lives of courage, humility and devotion and to say `yes!’.
As a College proudly named in honour of Mary, this feast day holds a lovely connection for St Mary’s College and provides an opportunity to reflect on Mary’s example of faith, service and love.
A highlight of the gathering was the opportunity to honour the Assumption Sisters on their Feast Day. Their commitment to our community, our college is an enduring legacy and continues to inspire generations of young people. The College community expressed its gratitude for the Srs dedication, witness and contribution to the mission of Catholic education.
The celebration also provided a special opportunity to acknowledge Fr Liam Ryan, who on the weekend will celebrate his 7th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood. Fr Liam’s ministry, leadership and support of the College community are greatly valued, and the gathering was a fitting occasion to give thanks for his faithful service and vocation to our entire community.
The presence of colleagues from the Catholic Education Western Australia Office, students and staff from St Martin de Porres School, representatives from Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral Parish, members of the Diocese of Broome, and staff and students from the University of Notre Dame Australia highlighted the strong partnerships that exist across our Catholic community.
Principal Coby Rhatigan reflected on the significance of the day, noting that the celebration beautifully demonstrated the strength and unity of the Catholic community in Broome.
‘The Solemnity of the Assumption reminds us of the hope we share through our faith and the importance of coming together as a community. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Mother Mary, honour our Assumption Sisters, acknowledge Fr Liam’s ordination anniversary and recognise the many people who contribute to the life and mission of our Catholic community’.
The day was a fitting celebration of faith, gratitude and community. Through prayer, music, fellowship and reflection, all present were reminded of Mary’s enduring example and of our shared call to live lives grounded in faith, service and hope. We were treated to a special morning tea back at our college to keep the celebration and community experiencing the joy of this wonderful day.
As a College community, we give thanks for all who joined us in making this such a memorable occasion and look forward to continuing to walk together in faith, inspired by Mary and guided by Christ.
