MacKillop College hosts 2026 Project Compassion launch
MacKillop College was honoured to host the official 2026 launch of Project Compassion earlier this week, an annual initiative led by Caritas Australia that inspires schools and parishes across the country to engage in prayer, fundraising, and advocacy during the Lenten season.
This year’s theme, “I am because we are”, resonated throughout the morning as students and staff from across the Catholic Education community gathered to unite in a spirit of compassion and hope.
The event welcomed guests from 14 Primary and Secondary Schools, including:
Primary Schools: St Mary of the Cross Point Cook, St Joseph’s Werribee, St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Stella Maris Primary School, St Andrew’s Primary School, St John the Apostle Primary School, St Clare’s Primary School, Corpus Christi Werribee and Corpus Christi Glenroy.
Secondary Schools: MacKillop College Werribee, Penola Catholic College, Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, Emmanuel College, and Thomas Carr College.
Our special guests, Bishop Martin Ashe, Michael McGir from Caritas Australia, and guest speaker Praphulla Shrestha, joined us for the morning of prayer, reflection, and shared purpose. Caritas Australia representatives expressed their gratitude to MacKillop College for hosting the event, noting the warm hospitality and enthusiastic participation of students and staff.
The launch followed a carefully planned program, beginning with a welcome and liturgy at 9.30am, which offered the community a time for prayer and reflection, including a reading of the Project Compassion Lenten Prayer. The liturgy concluded at 10.10am, followed by refreshments in the TWC, where students enjoyed pikelets, fruit, and juice, while staff shared tea and coffee together.
At 10.30am, students gathered in small groups to hear from guest speaker Praphulla Shrestha, who shared powerful stories about the difference Project Compassion makes around the world. Praphulla spoke about communities in Tanzania, Bangladesh, Fiji, and Gaza, where funds raised through Caritas support families striving for dignity, education, food security, and peace.
Students then worked collaboratively in small discussion circles to reflect on the message of unity and justice, completing an activity focused on practical ways to support and advocate for those most in need this Lent.
The morning concluded around 11.10am with a heartfelt Concluding Prayer, reminding all present of the importance of gratitude, peace, and community spirit — values at the heart of our Catholic faith.
Hosting the launch was a meaningful reflection of our 2026 College Theme, “I am because we are”. Through our shared faith and collective action, we are reminded that together we can make a significant difference.
As we begin this year’s Project Compassion journey, we encourage all members of our MacKillop community to reflect, give generously, and help build a world where all people may flourish.
