We salute the loved ones who help us grow
By Jack Miller, Year 10, St Augustine’s College
I RECENTLY read an excerpt from a book, Writers and their Mothers, edited by Dale Salwak, which explored the influence which mothers have on their literary offspring.
A collection of essays especially relevant to a significant date on our calendar, Mother’s Day and whose many contributors cite their understanding, spiritual, tender, protective, reassuring and self-assured mothers as the creators of an environment in which artistic talent could grow.
On May 10, St Augustine’s College celebrated the tireless work of its mothers — the resolute sculptors who shape their sons into men and their children into citizens.
Many of these masterful artists were present in the congregation.
Year 11 student, Brock Thompson, provided an invaluable and deeply personal report on the importance of mothers.
“We salute and celebrate the most loveable and important person in our lives, our mothers,” he said.
“The day presents an opportunity for all those students in the audience to reward their mother’s love and compassion.”
College principal Brother Darren Burge spoke eloquently when examining a pertinent piece of scripture: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends (1 Corinthians 13:7-8).
In describing love’s continuing replenishment through forgiveness, he remarked upon a mother’s strength of character, faith, and understanding.
Stopping to provide key advice: “Young men of Saints, you would all do well to model your actions on that of your mothers,” he said.
Indeed, as I reflect upon my own mother and the celebration of all mothers, a poem by Christina Rossetti becomes increasingly relevant.
“In you not fourscore years can dim the flame
“Of love, whose blessed glow transcends the laws
“Of time and change and mortal life and death.”
Happy Mother’s Day.