Archdiocesan Agency Directors and Board Chairs have last month been encouraged to heed the timeless wisdom of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
Coming together for the inaugural St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Oration on Thursday 16 May, the Directors and Board Chairs heard from former Federal politician Ken Wyatt, who represented the division of Hasluck from 2010 to 2022.
The Catholic Social Services Western Australia coordinated Oration was also attended by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Chair of CSSWA, Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Vicar General and Episcopal Vicar for Education, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn VG and Vicar for Clergy, the Very Rev Fr Minh Thuy Nguyen.
Commencing with a Welcome to Country by local elder Robyn Collard and her grandson, Tryce Collard playing the digeridoo, the Oration guests heard directly of the experience of Mr Wyatt, who looked to his own experience first to remind those present of St Mary MacKillop’s profound impact through compassion, paired with decisive actions taken.
“May we reaffirm our dedication to the causes of fairness, kindness, and mercy, drawing inspiration from her compassionate endeavours,” Mr Wyatt said.
“In a world that often seems divided and fractured, may we all be inspired by the spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop – let us extend our hands to those who require support and persistently strive to construct a society that embodies a spirit of justice, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to serving others,” he said.
Head of Mission Enhancement and Outreach, Dr Debra Sayce, said the Oration was aimed at providing an engaging opportunity for social service agency providers operating across the Catholic community.
“It really is very important that we, as leaders in this space of mission and service, respond to the call to love God and to love our neighbour by forming individuals and communities as missionary disciples of Jesus who share their faith in action and through prayer,” Dr Sayce said.
In a memorable speech, Mr Wyatt spoke of his own personal challenges of growing up in an indigenous family.
“My upbringing was fraught with challenges as the eldest child of a large Aboriginal family grappling with racism, poverty, and socio-economic issues,” Mr Wyatt explained.
“From the precariousness of a barefoot childhood to the uncertainty of making ends meet, my family’s journey was a testament to resilience in the face of adversity,” he continued.
“I know what it was like to go without many things, no spare money to pay school fees, to be hungry and not have what others had – being under the control of the Native Welfare Act and not being considered academically capable because I was Aboriginal.”
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe also shared his thanks to Mr Wyatt, emphasising his own admiration for St Mary MacKillop’s words, ‘Never see a need without doing something about it’.
“What an amazing woman Mary was, guided by an unshakeable love of God and called to the service of the poor and the marginalised across Australia,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“She tried hard every day to demonstrate respect for the dignity of every person she met, to help in any way she could, whether a friend or colleague, homeless or poor, aged or infirm.
“Our social services agencies reach out to help people in need in the community,” he continued.
“Through your support of our agencies, through your time and valuable service, you are continuing the tradition of Saint Mary, demonstrating in a very real and practical way, your love and compassion for our brothers and sisters in need,” he concluded.
