THE promotion of spirituality has heightened at Mt St Michael’s College, Ashgrove, with the completion of a term-long renovation at the school.
Named after the Sisters of Charity founder, the Mary Aikenhead Centre for Spirituality, Justice and Mission was officially opened and blessed on October 28 and now houses the college’s chapel, reflection space and community action group meetings.
Colourful fused glass images line the new centre’s walls.
They detail the journey of five Sisters of Charity who sailed to New South Wales in 1838, and the order’s continuing work with the poor and under-privileged.
Quotes and prayers written by past pupils of Mt St Michael’s are also etched into the glass.
The installation creator and college artist-in-residence Pettina Bateman said her design was metaphorical.
“The colours cover the spectrum of the seasons because life goes on, as does the work of the Sisters of Charity,” she said.
“Their spirit is very much alive and their core mission retained, but they change with the times, just as seasons do.”
The glass artworks also incorporate social justice issues and indigenous culture.
“This is a place where I hope students, teachers and friends of the college will be able to come and feel at peace with God,” Ms Bateman said.
The altar adds another spiritual dimension to the centre.
Sunshine Coast wood artist David Linton used a blue gum log to carve the altar.
Assistant principal of mission Stephen Campion said as well as providing a new spiritual heart for the school, the Mary Aikenhead centre had additional benefits.
“It’s educative for the students, and will be for years to come,” he said.
