Our College came together in a moving NAIDOC Week liturgy to celebrate this year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.” The ceremony honoured the enduring legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples while uplifting the voices and visions of emerging young leaders in the spirit of reconciliation, acceptance and love.
Our liturgy began with a solemn procession titled Generation Legacy, where family members from the Puertollano family – Stella, Johnny, Marco, Jada, Teake, and Lainey placed symbolic items on the altar. Each item—coolamon, candle, Bible, shells, clapping sticks, and fruits—represented the gifts and wisdom passed down through generations, embodying the strength and richness of the world’s oldest living culture.
Ms Brigid offered reflections on the significance of each symbol as they were placed, inviting the community to contemplate the deep spiritual and cultural meanings behind them.
Flag bearers proudly carried the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Australian flags, signifying unity and respect for all cultures represented in the school community.
A highlight of the liturgy was The Rite of the Water Blessing, led by Jeff, Woora, Lyle, and Jahkeen. Carrying baler shells filled with blessed water and native leaves, they symbolised the sacredness of water in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions—a source of life, peace, and renewal.
Father Liam offered a heartfelt prayer:
“Loving Lord, make us feel Your invitation to ‘come to the water’. At the very beginning You blessed the water, Your great gift to us… Water to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is always a sign of Your peace and fulfilment in everything that is good… Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
The liturgy was a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to and investing in the next generation. Through song, prayer, and ritual, the St Mary’s College community reaffirmed its commitment to honouring the past, celebrating the present, and building a future where the stories and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are cherished and celebrated.
As NAIDOC Week commences, the college stands proud in its role of nurturing young leaders who carry forward the strength, vision, and legacy of their ancestors. We were delighted to welcome families, staff and visitors to our morning tea of Ms Kim’s delicious damper!
We are grateful to our Companion Faith leaders Ms Margie, Ms Brigid and Ms Carlene for leading this Liturgy, along with all of our First Nations staff who supported this special start to our celebrations!
