Holy Family College Bids Farewell to Director of Catholic Schools Office

by Admin · April 6, 2021

Sister Tshidi, Sister Colette, Director of the Catholic Schools Office Mr Lionel Samuel, Principal Mrs Ursula Collings, new Director of the Catholic Schools Office Mr Mark Campbell and Sister Marion.

Holy Family College’s 146th Birthday Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Wilfred Napier on Thursday, the 18th March 2021.

HFC writes – It was a blessed celebration as our Holy Family Sisters graced us with their presence. Amongst our esteemed guests were Mr Lionel Samuel, who we fondly bid farewell and wished him well on his retirement as Director of the Catholic Schools office.

Mr Mark Campbell, our new Director of the Catholic Schools Office, was introduced and we pray for him as he takes on the important role of service to all our Catholic schools.

Mr Samuel affectionately addressed invited guests, teachers, and learners. “Pierre BienvenuNoailles, founder of the Holy Family Sisters, most constant prayer to the Lord was to see a continuation of the good which Jesus himself came to bless and encourage in a visible manner. Pope Francis also tells us that we must not be afraid of goodness, of tenderness” said Mr Samuel.

Sister Tshidi, Sister Marion, Cardinal Wilfred Napier, Principal Mrs Ursula Collings and Sister Colette cut Holy Family College’s 146th birthday cake.

“Jean Vanier in his book ‘Community and Growth’ says, “A community is like an orchestra; each instrument is beautiful when it plays alone, but when they all play together, each given its own weight in turn, the result is even more beautiful. A community is like a garden full of flowers, shrubs and trees. Each helps to give life to the other. Together they bear witness to the beauty of God, creator and gardener extraordinary.

May I liken the Holy Family College community to such a community? When parents, teachers and students are using and developing their gifts and talents, it is important that the community prays for them to be more open to inspiration and more an instrument of God, so that they can use their gifts better. It is important, too, that the community welcomes those gifts in love and gratitude. It should also pray for those who bear responsibility and accountability for the education of our children and those who inspire and motivate through their words and actions.

Father Zibonele Ngubane, Holy Family College Principal Mrs Ursula Collings and Cardinal Wilfred Napier with Primary and High School learners

I do believe that as we participate in each other’s gifts, we help each build community. With this in mind, I see Holy Family College staff in the Spirit of the Gospel, committing their talents, expertise and skills to serve and support with compassion, wisdom and justice the educational mission of the school community… thereby playing a valuable and supportive role in the education of the people of South Africa, helping to keep in perspective all aspects of their responsibility.

May I wish you all God’s richest blessing as you follow your school’s motto, “Quid Retribuam”, taken from Psalm 116 verse 12, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His goodness to me.”

It was Sister Margaret Mary Flanagan HF, Principal of Convent High (now Holy Family College) from 1950 -1954, that composed the words of your most beautiful and meaningful school song. The music was composed by the Holy Family nun who was the music teacher at Maris Stella.