This Thursday August 15 sees a significant event in our diocese with the episcopal ordination of Cairns’ 8th Bishop, Reverend Joe Caddy. This special event will be live streamed at St Clare’s Church in Tully or parishioners may also livestream from home. For information on how to register to attend at St Clare’s Church, or access the livestream link from home, please see the link here.

It is with much sadness that we heard of the loss of Fr Hilary Flynn on Saturday August 3. Fr Hilary was our parish priest prior to Fr Joby’s appointment and will be missed by many. Hilary’s requiem mass was held yesterday at St Monica’s Cathedral and he will be laid to rest at Martyn Street Cemetery. We hope to hold a memorial mass for Fr Hilary at St Clare’s Church later in the term.

St Clare’s Feast Day falls on Saturday August 17 this year. Our school will celebrate our patron saint during mass on Monday August 19 at 10am. This will be followed by a cake for our whole school at first break. Families and friends are welcome to join us for mass.

Who Was St Clare of Montefalco?

The patron saint of our school is St Clare. She lived in a small Italian village called Montefalco. She is also known as St Clare of the Cross.

Clare was born in 1268 and as a young 6 year old girl, went to live at a convent with her sister Joan (who was the head Augustinian nun in their area). Clare lived a secluded life and spent time only with other nuns or religious men in the monastery. Together, they would spend long hours praying together. 

After Joan had passed away, the other nuns decided that Clare would be the best person to lead them. Although she did not want to, she agreed. Clare was known as a wise leader who governed with love and holiness. Her advice was frequently sought after and almost always correct. Even priests and bishops came to her for guidance. On August 17, 1308 Clare took ill and passed away. It is believed that after her death, she was found to have an inscription of a cross of her heart. This represented her commitment to prayer and her passion and devotion to Christ.

With Blessings,

Term 3 Assemblies