Archbishop Mark Coleridge blessed a unique retreat cross made by Year 12 students at Chisholm College, Cornubia, during a recent visit to the school.
The cross was made of branches from one of the trees growing on the campus, with various coloured fabrics woven into the frame.
Campus minister Jo-Anne Ibell said the concept for the cross was based around the Year 12 motto “Together We Stand, In Faith We Strive”.
“Students pondered over many words of wisdom and then chose words that would be useful to them as they continued their own life journey,” she said.
“These words were written on strips of fabric and the fabric then woven onto the cross.”
Ms Ibell said the fabric colour scheme of blue, purple, pinks and red was a reflection of Holy Week with the heart of the cross being red for the passion of Christ.
“The process of finishing the weaving continued by both staff and students right up until the final blessing of the retreat,” she said.
She said the cross was then used throughout the retreat to enhance prayful experiences.
“On its return to school it is continuing its own journey with use at our liturgies and rituals,” Ms Ibell said.
“It was fortunate that Archbishop Mark Coleridge visited Chisholm … and spoke to the Year 12s about their experience of retreat and then blessed the cross.”
Ms Ibell said the retreat cross would also continue to be a symbol of the school’s motto “Live Christ’s Challenge”.
“The process and the outstanding result and the response by the whole school community are what makes this cross so special,” she said.
“The cross has given the students a tangible expression of an intangible truth, that is, their lives are now interwoven with the journey of the Cross and the life of Christ.”
