Iona Presentation College senior students have recently come together to make paper cranes for Ukraine.
On Sunday 15 May, College Dean of Mission and Catholic Identity, Gemma Thomson, along with Presentation Sister, Sister Anna Fewer PBVM, attended Mass at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St John the Baptist to share a special the special gift with the Parish community.
The students’ gift was inspired by their knowledge of the novel, Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes.
The students were aware that the crane has always been a strong symbol of success and good fortune in Japanese culture. When the crane is folded into origami, it is believed that one’s heart desire will come true.
Like many schools, the Iona Presentation College Community has been praying for the war to cease in Ukraine.
This heart desire was symbolised in their coming together as a faith community to fold, to reflect, to pray and to speak about their hope for the people of Ukraine to experience peace.
Iona Presentation College students had folded more than 1000 paper cranes which were then framed and created several pieces of art.
It was a desire of the College for the Ukrainian Catholic Community to be gifted one of the pieces.
The remaining pieces are at the College and with the Presentation Sisters, symbolising the solidarity between the communities.
“As Catholics, we stand in solidarity with one another, and journey together through what are very challenging times for your families and your community, both here and abroad,” Miss Thomson shared with Sunday’s congregation.
“Please be assured of our continued love and prayers for peace, and that we admire the strength, courage, and commitment to faith of the Ukrainian people. In educating our students it is our hope that they will be bearers of light and hope, and actively live out the Gospel in a time when this is so needed in our modern world,” Miss Thomson said.
Parish Priest, Father Ihor Holovko expressed a profound sense of gratitude on behalf of the Parish, commenting on the uniqueness of the gift of art, but also prayer, love and support.