Our theme for 2023, 'We are leaders who strive to build a just World,' is a reminder of the call to follow in the footsteps of our Patron, St Francis of Assisi who devoted his life to living out the message and teachings of Jesus Christ. Our theme is an affirmation of our aspiration as a College to forge faith-filled leaders, who constantly endeavour to create one that is equal for all people in the face of an unjust world.

St Francis shed all his worldly belongings, humbling himself amongst a community of followers who were committed to serving the most vulnerable. Francis favoured the poor and the outcast, and through his example we are inspired to ‘go and do likewise’ (Luke 10:37). It is that inspiration and passion that is echoed in this year’s College theme, reminding staff and students of their power as a united community, one committed to peace and justice. The legacy of St Francis’ life is further evident in the works of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) who came to Nathalia in 1961 to establish our College. These women were hope-filled, merciful, and joyous in their work and it is these values which continue to inspire us today in our support of action for justice through showing solidarity to the poorest of the poor, both at home and abroad.

Core to our beliefs as Christians in the assertion made in Genesis that we are all made in the "image and likeness" of God. Thus, to be people of faith is to see God in all of creation, to respect the inherent dignity of all. In doing so, we bear witness to the Good News through our words and our actions, recognising our power and privilege in fighting for justice for all people. This year our theme reminds us that we are a community of service within a far-reaching global community and that we have a responsibility to listen and respond to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor.