Principal Message
Two significant feasts in the life of the Catholic Church were celebrated on at the beginning of this week. All Saints Day on 1 November and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed All Souls Day on 2 November. These special days are a reminder that the Church is a community – a communion – of all the faithful, both in this world and beyond. We are connected in Christ to all those who have gone before us, as we are connected to the faithful here on earth.
On these two feast days, we are invited to pray for all those who have gone before us and all those who have led lives of holiness.
One of the most beautiful traditions of the Catholic Faith is the celebration of the lives of the saints. Not only do these men, women and children inspire us by the way they lived their faith, and often died for it, they also continue to offer us help in our daily lives. Though it is common to say ‘rest in peace’ to someone who has died, for saints, there is no rest after death! The Communion of Saints is our Heavenly family. Like any loving family, the saints are always ready to pray for us and with us for our needs.
At the end of last month, we were sad to hear the news about the unexpected passing of Fr Emanuel Gatt. Father Emanuel was living in Malta and enjoying relatively good health since he left Warrawong in February. We are grateful for his past ministry as Parish Priest and acting Parish Priest at Warrawong and Berkeley.
We remember Fr Emanuel for his guidance and friendship over the many years he fulfilled his priestly Franciscan vocation in our parish and school community.
Fr Emanuel's patience and approachable manner, gentleness and compassion towards others is an example to us all. We pray for the repose of the soul of Fr Emanuel Gatt and offer condolences to his family, friends and fellow Franciscans.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen
Mrs Vicky Davidson
Principal