Assistant Principal - Mission
The Unique Charisms of Pope St John Paul II
As we continue our journey in strengthening our Catholic identity, we now turn our focus to the charisms of Pope Saint John Paul II - a man whose life embodied faith, courage, and an unwavering love for Christ and His Church.
Our College’s Patron Saint was a man of deep prayer, intellectual brilliance, and a heart for evangelisation. His unique charisms (special gifts of the Holy Spirit) were evident in the way he inspired millions to embrace the Gospel. Among Pope Saint John Paul II’s many gifts, three stand out to me as particularly inspiring:
- Evangelisation and Outreach - John Paul II had an extraordinary ability to connect with people across cultures, languages, and backgrounds. His global travels and World Youth Days emphasised the call to bring Christ to all nations.
- Devotion to Mary - His strong Marian devotion was at the heart of his papacy. His motto, Totus Tuus ("Totally Yours"), reflected his deep love and trust in Mary’s intercession. He consistently pointed the Church to Mary as a model of faith and discipleship, encouraging all to draw closer to Christ through her example.
- Forgiveness and Mercy - His personal witness of mercy, especially in forgiving the man who attempted to assassinate him, demonstrated the power of Christ’s love in action.
These charisms continue to inspire us as a Catholic community. As we strive to live out our 2025 College Mission Goal, let us draw from his example, embracing our own charisms and using them to strengthen our faith, serve others, and build a culture that reflects Christ’s presence in all we do.
Pope St John Paul II visiting the assassin, Mehmet Ali Agca, in his prison cell.
Assistant Principal - Mission