MacKillop College theme for 2025 is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’

MacKillop College has embraced “Pilgrims of Hope” as its theme for 2025, aligning with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year. This powerful theme draws inspiration from the words of Saint Mary MacKillop and resonates deeply with the college’s values and mission.

Principal Mr Chris Caldow explains the significance of this theme: “The 2025 MacKillop College theme is Pilgrims of Hope. It is supported by the words of Saint Mary  MacKillop in 1871, ‘There where you are, you will find God'”. This quote encapsulates the essence of the theme, reminding us of God’s omnipresence and our ability to connect with the divine in our everyday lives.

Mr Caldow further elaborates on the theme’s connection to the broader Catholic community: “The most obvious call of the theme aligns with the wider Catholic Church that has declared the Jubilee year of 2025 as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

A Jubilee is a special year of grace and conversion, involving prayer, pilgrimage and reflection, held every 25 years, or during other years as called for by the Pope”.

Mr Caldow emphasises the theme’s relevance to the school community: “In our school setting we are reminded that every person has been created in the image and likeness of God; if we take this to be true, then our daily interactions with one another allow us to see the face of God.” This perspective encourages students and staff to approach each encounter with reverence and openness.

Reflecting on the nature of pilgrimage, Mr Caldow notes, “When we go on a pilgrimage, we have to ‘let go’ of the certainties of life as it has been, we need to be open to receive the unknown and to receive the hospitality of others.” This attitude of openness and trust echoes Mary MacKillop’s approach to life and faith.

The theme “Pilgrims of Hope” invites the MacKillop College community to embark on a journey of spiritual growth and renewal. It encourages students and staff to find hope in challenging times and to see the divine in their daily interactions. As the college prepares for this special year, it looks forward to exploring the depths of this theme and its impact on personal and communal faith journeys.

In a beautiful touch of student involvement, the artwork for the “Pilgrims of Hope” theme was designed by 2024 MacKillop College student, Lakshya Poola, adding a personal and creative dimension to the college’s celebration of this significant theme.