Proud of social justice initiatives in the Diocese of Sandhurst

(Response delivered by Mr. David Walker, Teacher Guide, during the Farewell Dinner  for the 2011 Alternative Schoolies Philippine Immersion Trip, from the Diocese of Sandhurst, Australia, 4 to 17 December 2011. The group consisted of two teachers and sixteen high school graduates from various Sandhurst schools.)

Many of our teachers and students have now visited Cebu and met and befriended many different inhabitants. Their experiences here continue to impact on their work and their career decision-making back in Australia. We pride ourselves on our social justice efforts in Sandhurst diocese and the time spent in Cebu by many of our people continues to remind us of our obligations to our brothers and sisters overseas. Our relationship with you is strong – make no mistake.

Fr. Louie, you spoke in your homily at Mass in the Cathedral on Sunday about the real meaning of joy as a constant quality that a person may possess, much more than happiness or laughter, I think you are the very model of a joyful person – and Rosella you are another one. We have been looked after so well in our program by you and your staff. You have listened well to the feedback from previous evaluations and provided us with a wide range of experiences and, more importantly many opportunities to meet, work with, sing and dance with, eat with, celebrate with, and befriend. For that we are eternally grateful.

Similarly to Fr. John Iacono, if he were here, I would like to say that you are an incredibly selfless man and an inspiration to many, including this year’s students. Be assured, Fr. John, that you still have many great admirers back in our diocese. We trust that Sandhurt’s relationship with you will continue to be strong. The members of this year’s group will always remember, among other things, the time we spent at St. Pio village, particularly last Thursday evening celebrating with the home partners there.

I was asked often before coming to Cebu whether I was looking forward to coming. My answer each time was “mostly” for I knew it would be challenging and confronting at times – and so it has proved to be. But let me say unequivocally that I can’t wait to return in 2012 as a leader of our next student group, to continue to broaden the outlook of our young people, to satisfy their desire to make a difference, and to renew the friendships we have made.

I know I also speak for Maria O’Donnell, my co-leader, when I say how proud we are of the members of this year’s Alternative Schoolies group. They have risen to every challenge. They have embraced every opportunity to get to know the different people they have met and share their stories. We have seen each of them grow as people, some in an obvious way, but there are various ways to grow. We hope that they will always remember their time in Cebu and use their experiences to continue to work for change back home in Australia – and elsewhere, remembering our many new friends in the Philippines.

From the bottom of our hearts, “Daghang Salamat”. Each of us would like to say to each of you, “Gihigugma tika”. And finally, “Maayong gabi-i”.