2024 College Theme

Let Your Light Lead the Way

The theme ‘Let Your Light Lead the Way’ was collaboratively penned by our 2024 College Captains, Harry Brown and Bella Woods, and Vice Captains, Mitchell Serra and Erica Shaw. It draws inspiration from the 2024 Marist theme First Light: Reveal the Spirit and from Matthew’s Gospel, “You are the light of the world... let your light shine.” (Mt 5:14-16)

In scripture, the theme of light is the dwelling of the Holy Spirit within each one of us, and if we can recognise the goodness and beauty within, it helps us to see it in others. Sometimes it may be revealed in the darkest night when the weight of the world feels heaviest.[1] Even the smallest light within us can shine brightest in the darkest times, "For it is the God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness’.” (2 Cor 4:6)^[2] Leonard Cohen wrote in one of his most beautiful and hopeful songs, “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in”.

St Paul reminds us that “everything brought into the light becomes light!”. Everything can be transformed into light. Saint Marcellin Champagnat believed that God’s Spirit was always present and at work in the world, inspiring his mission and giving strength to his purpose.[3] The theme of ‘light’ calls us to boldly live our faith through actions and choices that should be noticeable and impactful, positively influencing those around us. We are not meant to hide our ‘light’ or the gifts and talents that God gives freely to us. God calls us to live with a sense of identity and purpose, to live intentionally and to demonstrate faith through good works.

It is this gift of ‘light’ that we as a school community want to share with others, the young, our colleagues, the stranger – of bringing people into the joy and freedom of the light of Christ – the Source of all Light.^[4] “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (Jn 8:12)

[1] Tony Clarke, FIRST LIGHT Reveal the Spirit, 2024 Marist Theme reflection.

[2] Clarke, FIRST LIGHT.

[3] Clarke, FIRST LIGHT.

^[4] Clarke, FIRST LIGHT.