Dear members of the MLMC community
We are certainly into the full swing of a Victorian State Election and don’t we know it. Our media channels have been full of advertising for some weeks now as political parties and politicians try to reinvent themselves and present a fresh approach to issues that have been discussion points.
Personally, I find it disappointing when politics becomes a negativity campaign about opponents and way too much energy is directed towards dragging candidates down rather than being positive and uplifting. I can never understand why someone would think that attacking someone else would make them politically attractive, but it seems to be the way of campaigning at the moment.
It does also make me reflect that our society has become too punitive. We often talk about learning from our mistakes and being free to try new things without fear of failure, yet when others make a mistake as a society we call for retribution and punishment. I wonder if we expect too much. Can we, in fact, expect those who represent us to be purer in their actions than we are ourselves? I also wonder where compassion and forgiveness are in this world. Do we not believe that people are essentially good and have good intentions? Perhaps I just choose to believe that.
Anyway, I need to get back to the original intention.
In this State Election, there will be many promises made by all political parties and I am not suggesting anything or trying to alter the way you choose to vote. That is your personal right and I have no desire to personally influence you to a particular party. I do hope in voting that we think of Catholic social teaching, the integrity of each person and the common good.
The Directors of Catholic Education in all the Victorian diocese have been in discussions with the political parties and have written to you so that you may know how your vote might influence the future in Catholic education. I attach this letter below.
In the Spirit of Catherine,
May God bless each and every one of you.
May our Year 12 cohort, who have now completely finished their exams, assessments and who graduate next Friday night, feel satisfied and blessed in their efforts.
As summer approaches, stay safe.
Philip A Morison
