College House Patrons
The foundational story of Good Samaritan Catholic College is the story of the “Good Samaritan”.
The theme of this story is summarized in the College motto “Journeying with Compassion”. Through the ages, both in Australia and in the wider world community there are countless examples of inspired women and men who have chosen to live out their journeys with compassion. The essence of this story has been demonstrated over and over again through vision, leadership, a passion for justice, a commitment to education, a love of our land Australia, a desire to build a church grounded in the spirit of the Gospel and unfailing hope in the future.
In 2000 six House Patrons were chosen: They were significant Catholics who journeyed with compassion in the context of their own times and who used their different gifts to work towards making the Kingdom come. The House Patrons provide us with a snapshot of the Church’s history. Three are male and three female. Two House patrons chose to found educational orders, two worked for social justice and two contributed to the building of the Church in Australia.
The six House Patrons are Caroline Chisholm, St Vincent de Paul, St John Baptist de La Salle, St Mary MacKillop, St Angela Merici and Bishop John Bede Polding.
CAROLINE CHISHOLM (GOLD)
In 1839 in Australia, Caroline Chisholm set up structures to accommodate and employ young people in the colonies. She had an idea of what this small colony could become and she worked tirelessly to build the future of this country.
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Central to the life of Caroline Chisholm was her work with immigrants upon their arrival in Australia. The form of tall ships and flags remind us of this work and of immigrants themselves. Her contribution to the development of Australian society was unique.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL (RED)
In 1581 in France, St Vincent de Paul provided food and shelter for the homeless, the alcoholics, the outcast and the hungry. He had a commitment to social justice, which he demonstrated in practical ways to answer the needs of the people he saw around him.
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The anchor, symbol of the weight of poverty and the broken chains call to mind the gospel imperative to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, visit the sick and imprisoned and comfort those who mourn.
ST JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE (ROYAL BLUE)
In 1680 in France, John Baptist de La Salle began an order of Brothers to educate those in need. As founder of the order he has popularised a visionary and revolutionary approach to education, catering for the needs of those around him and demonstrating the courage to begin a new order in education.
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The symbols capture significant ideals in the LaSallian World. The open book suggests the idea of learning and teaching, the star is the sign of faith and the linking hearts remind us of the importance of touching the hearts of others.
ST MARY MACKILLOP (ORANGE)
In 1866 in Australia, Mary MacKillop responded to the needs of her community, working to provide education for all. She had an appreciation of this young nation, Australia, and found new ways to educate and to be a member of a religious congregation in an Australian context. In October 2010, Mary MacKillop was canonised and became Australia's first saint.
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A very Australian design, the overriding image is of journey. The words of Mary MacKillop “to never see a need without doing something about it led her to go where others would not … and beyond." The challenge for us is to continue the journey.
ST ANGELA MERICI (GREEN)
In 1535 in Brescia, Italy, Angela Merici began a religious order to educate and inspire the young. As leader of that congregation, Angela Merici offered inspiration, service and conviction in the founding of the first teaching order of women.
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The vine dominates this sketch. This was the image Angela Merici used for the young entrusted to her. She urged her followers to care for whomever they were responsible for with the same constancy and dedication that a vine grower gives to a vine. This will ensure that every person reaches their full potential.
BISHOP JOHN BEDE POLDING (PURPLE)
In 1835 John Bede Polding was appointed first Bishop of Sydney. His plan built the foundations of our Australian Catholic Church based always on the hope of what could be achieved with faith, love and passion.
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Against the backdrop of the cross, church buildings are erected with the flame of faith that enkindled church life in Australia. These symbols catch the essence of John Bede Polding. Buildings were erected but more importantly love and service built a community of faith.