Mass
As we celebrated the 66th anniversary Mass of Merici College on Friday 30 May, we turned to the life of St Angela Merici—a woman whose faith, courage, and commitment to Christ continue to inspire us. Born in 1474 in the Diocese of Verona, Angela devoted herself to God from a young age, choosing a path of spiritual depth and service.
Defying the expectations placed upon her, she gave up her inheritance and embraced the rule of the Franciscan Third Order, living a life marked by humility and deep conviction. Her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1524, during which she temporarily lost her sight, revealed her extraordinary perseverance and trust in God.
Later, encouraged by Pope Clement VII during a visit to Rome, Angela founded a society for the education and formation of young women, placing it under the patronage of St Ursula. This foundation became the beginning of the Ursuline Order, which continues her mission across the world today.
St Angela’s life—spanning nearly seventy years—was a powerful witness to her deep love for Christ and an unshakable commitment to His mission. Her passion for pilgrimage, her quiet strength, and her deep trust in God were hallmarks of a life lived with purpose and grace.
Though her work was centred in Italy, her vision reached far beyond, empowering women and girls through education and faith formation. The impact of her ministry endures to this day.
Angela was canonised in 1807 and added to the Universal Calendar in 1861, ensuring that her example would continue to inspire generations of believers.
As we honour her feast day and celebrate 66 years of Merici College, we give thanks for her legacy—a legacy of joyful service, courageous leadership, and deep faith in action.
Awards
At conclusion of the Mass, in recognition of Christian service, to a large number of remarkable students were acknowledged and congratulated for their outstanding contributions to our community. As we celebrated their achievements, we acknowledged their dedication and commitment to living lives of authentic service.
The Angela Merici Awards are symbolized by angel wings, and each set of wings represents a different milestone in service. The Blue Angel Wings represent 50 hours of service, the Red Angel Wings represent 100 hours, the Gold Angel Wings represent 150 hours of service, the Platinum Angel Wings recognizing 300 hours of Christian service, and the Diamond Angel Wings, acknowledging a staggering 500 hours of service.
The students who were honoured at the Mass completed their service in various community and school charities, activities, and events. Their efforts reflect their ongoing dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.
Congratulations to all the students who received awards. Your selfless efforts and dedication to service inspire us all, and we are grateful for the positive impact you’ve had on our community and beyond. Your commitment to Christian service exemplifies the values we cherish as a school and will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy. A very special congratulations to Annie Walsh-Smith on her incredible achievement in being awarded the Diamond Angel Wings.
St Angela Merici Day Award
The community also celebrated the presentation of the prestigious St. Angela Merici Award to a select group of young women. This award recognises those who have accumulated Christian service hours, but have also demonstrated excellence in multiple areas of college life, including Sport, Co-curricular, Cultural, and Academic activities. To qualify for this prestigious award, these students have also actively participated in all College events, including retreats and reflection days. Their commitment was underscored by a process of discernment, led by the College leadership team and this is what truly sets them apart.
We take great honour in congratulating the following students for their remarkable achievements:
- Eliza Bell
- Eliza Kelly
- Guntas Sidhu
Recognition of Long-Serving Staff
It has become a tradition here at Merici College, that staff members’ years of service are recognised, and staff are acknowledged for their dedication and commitment to the life of Merici College.
You may have noticed that many of our staff wear a different coloured name badge, other than our traditional navy-blue badge.
Some will be wearing a light blue badge which signifies 5 years’ service at the College, yellow signifies 10 years, red – 20 years and gold – 30 years.
This year, we feel very privileged to present the following staff members their long-serving badges and thank them for the tremendous contribution they have made, and continue to make, here at Merici.
- Louisa Barnsley (Red badge)
- Sarah McRae (Red badge)
- Carolyn Stanhope (Red badge)
- Leeanne Guidolin (Yellow badge)
- Kim Hekimian (Light blue badge)
- Sharon Henderson (light blue badge)
- Ed Mickleburgh (light blue badge)
- Luke Nott (light blue badge)
- Kelley Thurling (light blue badge)
- Jodi Wrenford (light blue badge)
40th Year of Service
This year, we celebrate the extraordinary achievement of Gerard Ryan, who celebrates his 40th Year of Service at Merici College.
Gerard began teaching at Merici College in 1986 and, apart from a 6-month secondment in 1997 to St Clare’s College as the Maths Coordinator, has only taught here.
In celebration of this achievement, Gerard was presented with the St Angela Merici Award for Exemplary Community Service and received the Diamond Angel Wing badge. The community honoured Gerard with a standing ovation, with gratitude, respect and pride.
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