The semester break provided a much needed moment to just 'stop and consider the works of the Lord' (Job 37:14).
Perhaps, like the rest of us, you have spent a whole lot of time pouring over the incredible images streaming in from the James Webb Telescope. Now that is an achievement leading us to a profound sense of awe.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them? (Psalm 8)
Alongside these cosmic wonders, it has also been wonderful to spend time with so many young Catholics that we have met throughout the first half of 2022.
Here’s a quick wrap of some of the things that have been happening around Melbourne during the break.
End of Semester Mass and bonfire.
What a great night. Students from across several campuses came together to celebrate the end of exams. After Mass, they were treated to great food, soulful singing around the fire and a few intense games of ‘Throw, Throw Burrito’. Who knew there was so much talent out there? Looking forward to the next one!
A brave group of young men from Monash University, Deakin University and the University of Melbourne made the trek out to Mt. Dandenong to hike up the Lyrebird Track. While many other hikers easily overtook them, the conversations were rich, the view was spectacular and the charcoal chicken lunch went down well.
The first ever ‘Paint and Sip’ event turned out to be a lovely way for young women across Melbourne to get to know each other. ACU, the University of Melbourne, Monash University and RMIT were all represented. Father Nicholas graciously let us take over the ground floor of the presbytery. We covered it with our paintings and filled it with our chatter and lots of laughter. The paintings turned out fairly well and we all enjoyed the rest that comes from doing something artistic among friends old and new.
As well as catching up with students, the staff have spent the semester break getting ready for the opening of the JPII House. It now really feels like a house that we cannot wait to open to everyone. See you there for the opening of the centre by Archbishop Peter Comensoli on July 27th.
The Udisciple Team is blessed to meet so many young people who let God into their lives. The daily ‘yes’ to God from each of them dwarfs the cosmic cliffs!
Banner Image: 'Cliffs of the Cosmos' - Carina Nebula
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI
