iServi News | 19 June 2020 | Term 2, Week 8
Saint Juliana Falconieri
As a College with a rich history that extends back to the 1200s in Florence, Italy, we are privileged to be able to draw from the charisms and actions of key figures who have made a significant impact on the lives of many. Our focus this week has been on one of our Patron Saints in Juliana Falconieri and we formally celebrated her Feast Day on Thursday.
The story of St Juliana Falconieri is well known within our Servite community. Juliana was born of a wealthy Florentine family in 1270. After the death of her father, Juliana was raised by her mother and an uncle named Alexis, who was one of the founders of the Servites. Refusing to follow her family’s plan for marriage, Juliana eventually became a Servite Tertiary, a member of the secular fraternity known as the ‘Third Order’.
Juliana remained at home until her mother’s death, when she and several companions moved into a house of their own in 1305. This became the first convent of the Sisters of the Third Order of Servites. Juliana would serve as Superior until the end of her life. She died in 1341 at the age of seventy-one and was canonized by Pope Clement XII in 1737.
St Juliana is an empowering figure for women and showed what can be achieved through courage, determination and faith in God. Her achievements are enormous and are particularly significant given the time, place and the culture of the world in which she lived. St Juliana is a wonderful role model for all of us. She committed her life to God and to the service to others. In doing the work of Jesus, she put the needs of others before her own.
St Juliana led a life of charity, reconciling enemies, and healing the sick. She was active in supporting the Servite Order when it was in danger of being suppressed. St Juliana is an amazing historical figure whose actions still have a positive impact on us almost 800 years later.
We are blessed to have St Juliana as a patron of our College and to have a direct connection to her through our own Servite Sisters. The Servite Sisters have contributed strongly to the growth and development of our school for many years. We are very privileged to have the Delegate Superior of the Servite Sisters in Sr Chitra Justin as a staff member of our school and we thank her for her dedication and the rich support and care she provides to students, staff and families.
Normally, given the significance of the occasion, we would gather as a whole school community to celebrate the life of St Juliana. Given current COVID-19 related restrictions, we had to limit numbers to a smaller gathering this year. The celebration, however, was very meaningful and spiritual. We express our thanks to Fr Ruben for his wonderful Mass and to those staff and students in attendance.
College Council Position
Servite currently has a position vacant on the College Council. We are seeking expressions of interest from members of our community who would like to be considered for this position. Past students of the College are warmly encouraged to apply.
As you would be aware, Servite College has a very dedicated College Council which has provided outstanding service to our school for many years. The core objective of the Council is to assist the Order of Servants of Mary (Servite Friars) in carrying out its mission as part of the mission of the Catholic Church within the context of Servite College.
Servite College Council members are people who live by the Servite spirit. They are compassionate servants who are aware and operative in creating a caring community. They model their growth in life and faith upon Mary and the Servite charism of service.
Expressions of interest should be limited to 250 words and outline how the applicant could contribute to the ongoing growth and development of our College. We are particularly interested in how the applicant could positively contribute to a College Council which promotes strong collegiality, quality communication, creativity and collaboration.
Expressions of interest should be addressed to Brother Stephen Barker OSM, Prior, Servite College Council and submitted to the College Council Assistant Mrs Kristine Moore via email to kristine.moore@servite.wa.edu.au by Friday 26 June 2020.
Candidates will be shortlisted then invited to an interview with Brother Stephen who will appoint the successful applicant.
Mr Jeff Allen
Principal