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Reflection on the Life of Pope Francis

“Death is not the end of everything, but the beginning of something we have never fully lived before: eternity.” - Pope Francis, 7 February 2025

After 12 years as Pope, and at the age of 88, the death of Pope Francis marks a moment of profound significance for the global Catholic community and for the world. As a humble shepherd who showed immense love and compassion for humanity — especially for the poor, the marginalised, and the forgotten — Pope Francis led the Church with authenticity, courage, and tenderness.

His deep love for the environment, his inclusive spirit, and his unwavering advocacy for peace made him a powerful and respected voice on the world’s political stage. A true disciple of the Lord, he challenged the status quo, calling the Church and the world to walk the path of mercy, justice, and joy.

Pope Francis was not only a spiritual leader but also a Pilgrim of Hope, inspiring us to look beyond fear, division, and self-interest. In both his words and his witness, he reminded us that faith is not static — it walks, it risks, it loves. Like Mary, he chose to journey close to the margins, always lifting his eyes toward what is possible in God.

As a College community, we give thanks for his life — a life that continues to call us to journey with open hearts, to serve with tenderness, and to be signs of hope in our world. May we honour his legacy by living out the Gospel with the same courage, humility, and joy that Pope Francis so beautifully embodied. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, And may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

From his Easter Homily

In his final homily, Pope Francis impels us to seek the risen Christ. As Pilgrims of Hope, may we follow the example of Pope Francis and look for Jesus in our daily encounters. Christ is risen, he is alive! He is no longer a prisoner of death, he is no longer wrapped in the shroud, and therefore we cannot confine him to a fairy tale, we cannot make him a hero of the ancient world, or think of him as a statue in a museum! On the contrary, we must look for him and this is why we cannot remain stationary. We must take action, set out to look for him: look for him in life, look for him in the faces of our brothers and sisters, look for him in everyday business, look for him everywhere except in the tomb. We must look for him elsewhere. Christ is risen, he is alive! "We must take action, set out to look for him: look for him in life, look for him in the faces of our brothers and sisters.”

Read the text of Pope Francis’ full homily HERE.

Loving God,

We give you thanks for the life and leadership of Pope Francis, a shepherd who walked humbly with your people, a voice for the poor and forgotten, a messenger of mercy, peace, and hope.

In his gentle strength, he reminded us that love is the heart of the Gospel and that all are called to care for one another and for our common home.

As we mourn his passing, we hold in our hearts his courage, his compassion, and his call to live simply and faithfully. Comfort all who grieve and guide your Church in the light of his example.

May we carry forward the values he lived: to listen deeply, to speak kindly, to serve selflessly, and to act justly.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

Amen.

Further reflections on the life and legacy of Pope Francis

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference: Australian Catholics mourn Pope Francis https://catholicoutlook.org/au...

Catholic Outlook: Francis: The ‘outsider’ pope who faced fierce resistance to his reforms https://catholicoutlook.org/fr...

Pilgrims of Hope HQ: Honouring Pope Francis through the Mission of Catholic Education https://hopehq.com.au/pilgrims...

NCR: Pope Francis' final hours: Easter message, greeting the crowd, early morning stroke https://www.ncronline.org/vati...

Vatican News: Pope Francis’ pontificate of peace, for peace https://www.vaticannews.va/en/...

Easter Prayer Resource

A prayer resource from Proclaim Office for Mission Renewal and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools- CLICK HERE

Catholic Identity Calendar – What’s Coming Up

As we journey through Term 2, we continue to gather in prayer to celebrate our faith and engage with important moments in our Catholic tradition. In the coming weeks we encourage all students, staff, and families to engage fully with these significant celebrations and gatherings.

· Tuesday 29 April – Winton Wetlands Immersion and F.I.R.E. Carrier Commissioning (Year 10–12 Student Leaders and Indigenous Students)

· Friday 2 May – Year 7 Mass (St Brendan’s Church)

· Tuesday 6 May – Staff Mass (8:00am, Chapel)

· Thursday 8 May – Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast (8:00am, St Brendan’s Church)

· Friday 9 May – Year 10 Mass (St Brendan’s Church)

· Tuesday 13 May – Marian Lecture with Stan Grant (5:30pm, Delaney Room)

· Thursday 15 May – Year 9 Mass (St Brendan’s Church)

· Tuesday 20 May – Year 12 Mass (St Brendan’s Church)

· Friday 23 May – Year 8 Mass (St Brendan’s Church)

· Monday 26 May – Friday 30 May – Reconciliation Week

· Monday 26 May – National Sorry Day

· Tuesday 27 May – Reconciliation Assembly

· Friday 28 May – Year 10 Game Changers Regional Retreat

· Thursday 29 May – Year 11 Mass (St Brendan’s Church)

· Friday 30 May – Caritas Ks

· Tuesday 3 June – Year 7 Mass (St Brendan’s Church)

· Thursday 5 June – Year 8 Mass (St Brendan’s Church)

· Friday 6 June – Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat

· Tuesday 10 June – Staff Mass (8:00am, Chapel)

· Friday 13 June – Year 11 Mass (St Brendan’s Church)

· Saturday 14 June – Youth Mass and Social Gathering (6:00pm St Brendan’s Church)

· Tuesday 17 June – Year 10 Mass (St Brendan’s Church)

· Tuesday 24 June – Year 9 Mass (St Brendan’s Church)

· Friday 27 June – Sunday 6 July – Thailand Immersion Group 1

· Friday 11 July – Sunday 20 July – Thailand Immersion Group 2