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CAMPION’S BRAGC a t h o l i c L e a r n i n g i n t h e L i b e r a l A r t s

www.campion.edu.au

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LENT TERMat Campion

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Vol 11. No 1 Summer 2012Lent Term at Campion

Fourth Graduation – Campion’s LargestOn 12 December 2011, Campion’s largest

graduation class – 28 students in all – received their BA degrees in the Liberal Arts. The ceremony was conducted under a huge marquee on the front lawn of the College, accommodating an audience of 350.It began with a Graduation Mass, celebrated by the Most Rev Geoffrey Jarrett, Bishop of Lismore NSW, and the Occasional Address was delivered by Australia’s former Prime Minister, The Hon. John Howard AC.The drizzly conditions on the day did not affect the atmosphere of delight and festivity among the graduates and their families and guests. In his speech of welcome, the Chairman of Campion’s governing body, the Institute Board, Mr Joe de Bruyn, noted that Campion College was a young institution – but one with an ancient history. The College’s ‘foundational studies in the Liberal Arts,’ he said, ‘represent a cultural tradition with deep historical roots.’ This tradition ‘reaches back to the earliest sources of our Western civilization – the

philosophical riches of the Greek tradition, which were deepened and extended by the religious revelation of the Judaeo-Christian faith, a faith that has given our way of life such profound and enduring meaning and importance – right down to our own time.’Campion’s Graduation day took place on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Bishop Jarrett emphasised the universal importance of this Marian title, which is reflected in the calendar of the Universal Church. In his speech, Mr Howard commended the new graduates and their families on choosing a Liberal Arts degree, pointing out its great value as a preparation for any vocational path. He also stressed the benefits that come from Campion’s focus on the intellectual and spiritual heritage of Western civilisation, which he believes is ‘under far more systematic attack in contemporary Australia than many of us imagine.’

A Valedictory Address on behalf of the graduates was given by Paul O’Donovan, the President of Campion’s Student Association. The edited versions of the various speeches appear elsewhere in this Campion’s Brag.The Graduation was, as usual, an occasion for conferring various prizes, including the College Medal for the student with the best academic results throughout their three years of study. The 2011 Medal was awarded to Siobhan Reeves.This Graduation ceremony was also the first time two special prizes were offered – one, the Bishop of Parramatta’s Leadership Prize, which was bestowed on John Marshall Miller, and the other, the Sister Lorna O’Brien Medieval History Prize, given to Anna Hitchings as the best student in Campion’s Second Year Course on Medieval History.

GRADUATION ISSUE

Campion Program and‘life-changing experiences’

George Weigel speaks at Campion Dinner

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‘Your experience atCampion College will be a priceless foundation for your future lives.’Mr John Howard’s Occasional AddressIn his recent autobiography, Australia’s second longest-serving Prime Minister noted his regret that he had not undertaken an Arts or Economics degree prior to embarking upon Law. This was one of several motives for his being drawn to Campion College, as he explains in this edited version of his Occasional Address. (Mr Howard’s complete address is available on the Campion College website, www.campion.edu.au under ‘Commentary and Media’.)

I frequently said as Prime Minister that one of the special things about Australia was

that we occupied a unique intersection of history and geography. We are in every way a western country and I want to say something about that because it is not a proposition which is totally unchallenged by some in our community.

We’re a western nation that has had a very long and close association with North America that now lives cheek-by-jowl with the Asian region which is the fastest growing region in the world.

And one of the things that this nation must never do is to feel that it has to choose between our history and our geography. The treasure of Western Civilisation, which is celebrated and remarked by this College, is one of the great endowments of being an Australian. It’s a treasure and an inheritance that does not always go unchallenged in our contemporary society.

When I received the invitation to address this gathering I decided to accept it for a number of reasons. The first is that I do have – despite our well-known differences on some issues – a very high and warm personal regard for your Chairman, Mr Joe de Bruyn.

I also wanted to come because, for all of my public life, I had a very deep respect for the education mission of the Catholic Church in Australia.

I regarded it as one of the extraordinary achievements of the Catholic Church in this country, that it should have, with the support of the faithful, gone through those long decades with no public financial assistance of any kind to maintain its system of education.

And I always saluted the extraordinary contribution of Catholics in Australia to the maintenance of that education system out of their own pockets, and through their own efforts, until finally in the early 1960s my great predecessor Robert Gordon Menzies – who famously described himself as a simple Presbyterian – began a process which has brought about over the past forty years a level of justice and fairness to not only Catholic schools in Australia, but to others who choose to exercise the inherent right of any parent to have their children educated according to their faith and according to their values.

Intellectual and Spiritual HeritageBut even more important than those reasons was the mission of this College to educate young Australians in a Catholic environment about the values of Western Civilisation, and to remind the current generation of what our intellectual and spiritual heritage is. Not only for its own sake, but because I believe that it is under far more systematic attack in contemporary Australia than many of us imagine.

So often, of course, one is reminded of these things almost inadvertently and casually. Many of you would have read a few weeks ago some newspaper reports – one, I think, was authored by Miranda Devine, a very articulate and fine journalist who writes for the Sydney Daily Telegraph. She drew attention to the fact that in the new National Curriculum the expressions AD and BC have been abandoned, and replaced by BCE (‘Before the Common Era’) and CE (‘Common Era’). When she

enquired why this was the case, one of the responses given, I regret to say, by a spokesman or spokeswoman of the current NSW Education Minister, was to the effect that, ‘Oh well, these terms are used in the curriculum because they are increasingly in common use in society’.

And I thought, well, that’s strange, I’ve read a few books recently including Henry Kissinger’s book on China, and I’m currently reading Geoffrey Blainey’s Short History of Christianity, and I don’t find BCE or CE in any of those – but maybe that’s because I read books written by people who have imbibed the Judeo-Christian ethic?

So a few weeks ago, I was in China and I was invited to open a private museum by a very wealthy Chinese gentleman who has dual Australian and Chinese citizenship. And I thought, surely,

there will be plenty of BC and BCE here, because all of this is ‘in common use’ – and would you believe it? There was still the good old BC and AD!

So, I was reminded of how insidious and constant is this campaign to de-authorise the great tradition. The Western tradition has infused and guided and built this nation, and all of us, in whatever positions we hold in life, should take care to fight to retain it.

Your experience here at Campion College will be a priceless foundation for your future lives and that experience is built more than anything else on values – the values of a Catholic education, the values of the Judeo-Christian ethic which have so infused and governed this country and its people over the years.

...one of the things that this

nation must never do is

to feel that it has to choose between our

history and our geography

Campion’s School in RomeThe College is planning to hold a

residential school in Latin and History in the city of Rome during the forthcoming European Summer.

The School, to be held on 1-25 July 2012, will explore Latin language, history and culture through writings from the age of Cicero to that of St. Augustine.

Apart from the reading of Pagan and Christian texts and inscriptions in their original home, there will be an opportunity to study classical art and its influences on Medieval, Renaissance and Modern Rome.

The three-week course will be held at the Rome campus of St. John’s University. Included will be excursions to the Forum Romanum, the Vatican, and other major sites including the Catacombs.

The cost will be $5,350 (which includes airfares, tuition, accommodation and excursions, but not meals).

Enrolment is open, not only to Campion students studying Latin at the College but to anyone who has one year of Latin at tertiary level or equivalent. The program is not a credit-earning program and there are no exams.

Anybody interested in humane studies in the Eternal City would benefit from this experience.

Numbers are limited and the deadline for enrolment is March 23, 2012

More information can be obtained from Dr Susanna Rizzo, Polding Lecturer in Classics at Campion – on (02) 9896 9323, or at s.rizzo@campion.edu.au

Former PM pays tribute to Campion’s Board ChairmanIn his Occasional Address, Mr Howard

expressed his ‘very high and warm personal regard’ for Mr Joe de Bruyn, the Chairman of Campion’s governing body.

‘He is a person,’ said Mr Howard, ‘who has dedicated his life to the political and social causes in which he believes. He has worked hard to bring fairness and decency in the workplace for the members of his

union, and he has been a staunch public advocate of the values of the Christian life, not only in his union, but in his broader endeavours.’

This illustrated an important truism, Mr Howard commented, that ‘for us as Australians, the things that unite us are infinitely greater and more enduring than the things that divide us.’

Campion’s Board Chairman Mr Joe de Bruyn with Mr Howard.

The distinguished American Catholic author George Weigel was guest speaker at a fund-raising dinner which the Campion Foundation held at the NSW Parliament House last November.The dinner included the presentation of an award to Cardinal George Pell from the Polish Ambassador to Australia, Andrzej Jaroszyński, for the Cardinal’s outstanding support of the Polish people in their struggle for freedom during the years leading up to the collapse of Communism.This theme found a strong echo in Professor Weigel’s address, as he has only recently published the second volume of his biography of Pope John Paul II.The Campion dinner was attended by nearly

150 guests and raised significant funds to assist in the ongoing development of the College.

Continuing a family tradition2011 Graduate, Bridget Meese with her family. Mr and Mrs

Tony and Lesa Meese have the special distinction of seeing their two eldest daughters in Campion’s first Graduation Class

in 2008 – Madeleine (second from left), and Olivia (far right).

The 2011 Graduation Class with Mr Howard

Campion’s second Summer Program took place in mid-January 2012,

attracting 24 senior school students from five different States.The Program consisted of a week of varied activities which provide a glimpse of Campion life – and at the same time offer help for students entering Year 12. Sessions were held on improving study skills and leadership training, as well as sample presentations on the College’s Liberal Arts program. There were opportunities for spiritual nourishment, including Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, and several guest speakers, including Senator Cory Bernardi from South Australia who spoke impressively on leadership and the challenges of political life.

There were various social outings, including an excursion to the Blue Mountains.As happened at the initial Summer Program in 2011, the young people attending on this occasion greatly enjoyed the foretaste of Campion College. When asked what they personally gained from the week, students typically commented: “Greater confidence in my faith and a stronger passion for my beliefs”, “An assurance inside myself that Campion is where I want to be this year”, and “I would actually describe it as one of my most life-changing experiences”.Many appreciated the genuine friendships which they formed, and several have applied to study at Campion this year.

Two Campion graduates with Professor George Weigel (centre) – Olivia Meese (2008), who gave the Vote of Thanks to Professor Weigel, and Michael Mendieta (2010), who serves as Campion’s Marketing Coordinator.

Excursion at Balmoral Beach during the Summer Program

Major Forum for Catholic LeadersCampion College is the major sponsor

of an important gathering on Catholic leadership.Named in honour of Blessed John Paul II, the Australian Leaders Forum is scheduled to take place at the Sheraton On The Park Hotel in Sydney on 10-12 August 2012. It is inspired by the need to challenge the current direction of Australian society by bringing together various leaders who can articulate the Judeo-Christian truths and values of our culture and offer fresh ideas on the call for evangelization in our time. The keynote speaker will be Professor Robert George of Princeton University.

Other speakers will include George Cardinal Pell, former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson AO, the Queensland-born Rev Dr Wilson Miscamble CSC of the University of Notre Dame in America, the Coach of the Newcastle Knights NRL team, Wayne Bennett, and the Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby, Jim Wallace AM.

Anyone interested in attending the John Paul II Australian Leaders Forum is invited to tick the appropriate box on the enclosed flyer.

Further information can be obtained from the website: http://jp2alf.org.au/

‘The inaugural John Paul II Australian Leadership Forum will be an important milestone for the Catholic Church in Australia. ‘It will provide a great opportunity for leaders to come together and to learn from each other.’ Cardinal Pell

Cardinal Pell at Campion’s 2009 Graduation

Remembering Campion:Please consider a bequest

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Graduation Mass at the CollegeGraduation at Campion College begins with Mass, which is fully incorporated into the ceremony.

The Mass for Campion’s fourth Graduation was celebrated by the Most Rev. Geoff Jarrett, Bishop of Lismore NSW and, most recently,

Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Brisbane.

As the 2011 Graduation took place on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Bishop Jarrett focused in his homily on the historical and spiritual significance of

this title of Our Lady. This is an edited version of Bishop Jarrett’s homily.

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Valedictory AddressThe Valedictory Address on behalf of Campion’s new graduates was delivered by the President of the Student Association, Paul O’Donovan. Mr O’Donovan began by thanking Mr Howard for his Occasional Address and presenting him

with a copy of Evelyn Waugh’s biography of Edmund Campion.

He also thanked Bishop Jarrett for celebrating the Graduation Mass, the Campion staff for their great support, and the Campion Foundation for its

leadership in building and sustaining the College.

This is an edited version of Paul O’Donovan’s speech.

Graduation 2011

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Campion’s graduates in waiting.

Campion’s Board Chairman Mr Joe de Bruyn with the 2011 College Medalist, Siobhan Reeves.

Development Officer of the Campion Foundation, Clare O’Donovan, with Mr Howard

From left: Jessica Godwin, Harriet O’Farrell, Mary Winkles, and Caitlin Long

A pensive graduate – Elizabeth Draffin.

I would like to say how honoured I am to be given the opportunity to speak on behalf of such a wonderful graduating class. As I look at the joy and relief, on the faces of my fellow graduates, I remember back to the first ever event we had as students of Campion College, Our Matriculation, where our expressions were slightly more subdued and anxious. On that occasion we heard for the first time Dr Daintree’s quoting of Robert Frost’s poem, ‘The Road Not Taken’: which begins with the traveller who faces a fork in the road and the choice between the well-worn path and the slightly overgrown. Dr Daintree warmly congratulated us on choosing the later, the ‘road less travelled by”. When I first heard this line, it evoked some trepidation about the three years ahead. I hope that for my class, hearing it again now, it evokes the many wonderful memories that we have had together on our journey.Three years ago, some of us began with wider horizons than others, some had studied at other universities, some had been in the workforce and some came from overseas. None of us would deny that our horizons have broadened during our time at Campion College. Realms of history, literature, philosophy and theology have been opened to us, which we never even knew existed. Education in the TranscendentalsWe have been blessed in this part of our pilgrimage through life, at this unique institution, to have access to the wealth of knowledge that has been made available.

Not just the skills, knowledge and formation mentioned in the brochures, but an education in the transcendentals; an education in the wholeness of Truth, Beauty and Goodness. Pope Benedict has noted,

‘it is in this – in truth, in goodness, and in beauty – that we find happiness and joy.’

Campion has prepared us to achieve this abiding happiness and joy of which Pope Benedict speaks. Our time here has revealed new horizons to all of us and made the eternal horizon all the more bright.

But somehow the question always strikes me, what would have been the journey that Frost initiates had he written more? It is one thing to choose a path but travelling down it is something else entirely. For all of us it is frustrating that the road is ongoing and holds so many further uncertainties. But through all these uncertainties, we will always have Christ’s guiding light to lead us through.

And even maybe someday, ‘ages and ages hence’, we will be ‘telling...with a sigh’ about the journey on the ‘road less traveled by’, the one ‘that has made all the difference.

Campion’s BragVol.11 No.1 Summer 2012

Campion’s Brag is a quarterly newsletter named in honour of the manifesto of St. Edmund Campion’s mission of faith. It is written and edited by Karl Schmude on behalf of the Campion Foundation, a non-profit company which has established Campion College Australia as a tertiary institution of Catholic inspiration.

Campion Foundation PO Box 3052, Toongabbie East NSW 2146

8-14 Austin Woodbury Place, Old Toongabbie NSW 2146Tel.: 1300 792 747 | Fax: (02) 9631 9200

Email: foundation@campion.edu.au | www.campion.edu.au

Nine years before Edmund Campion was born close by St Paul’s in London,

there occurred far away across the Atlantic an event which would shape the history and culture of the New World as decisively as the dramatic events already begun in Europe were to shape the world into which Campion was born and in which he would live the short compass of his life.

It is reasonable to suppose that Father Campion would have known something of this strange event which had taken place on the outskirts of what would one day become Mexico City.

In the dark days for the faith in the England of bare ruined quires, and Walsingham despoiled, we can imagine that news of the extraordinary advances of the Faith in the New World brought him some consolation.

Guadalupe is hardly an isolated event of its kind in the Church’s history, up to our own day. The Blessed Virgin, the woman of a thousand titles encompassing every grace and virtue and honour, has among them also an extensive nomenclature of geographical places.

We speak, after all, of the one who is the mother of the Incarnate Word, remaining a Virgin before, during and after that birth which has forever struck the division of the ages between BC and AD, and who even within this century past has appeared with further signs and miracles. In her both faith and human reason meet and find their perfect harmony.

Furthermore, the historical consequences of the apparition at Guadalupe confirm its authenticity. Their relevance flows forward to our own day, beyond the Americas, to the world and society in which we have our calling to witness to truth.

Before the Blessed Virgin’s appearance, thirty years of missionary work following the arrival of the conquistadores had produced scant fruit. At the centre of Aztec social and religious life was the practice which so horrified the newcomers: human sacrifice. As a consequence of Guadalupe within a decade a complete transformation had taken place.

The time of your studies at Campion has heightened your awareness of the present state of the Australian social and political fabric in the light of the social teaching of the Church.

Moral Wrongs into ‘Rights’I know many Campion students have formed strong convictions that life issues are the most urgent social justice issues for

today, and that among you is an awareness of the threat to our democratic system posed by efforts to turn moral wrongs that affront the dignity of the human person into “rights” — manufactured “rights” that, in turn, have the potential to be regulated by the coercive power of the state. You have

encountered in your studies of modern history the tragic examples of what happens when a free people become detached from moral truth and slide down the steepening slope towards totalitarian control.

At present we are beset by an attempt to redefine marriage on the pretext of granting equality to all, regardless of gender. How can it be a matter of equality when among all human relationships there simply is no equal to marriage, no equal to the ideal

of the family – held and practised in every culture and religion from time out of mind?

Patroness of Culture of LifeThe Virgin of Guadalupe is the patroness of the culture of life and respect for the human person. As the Mexican people believe from their history, especially in the early twentieth century, it was she who finally won back their freedom from the most terrible state persecution, continuing her guardianship of the freedom she had brought them centuries before. As young people, young Christian people graduating with a degree in the liberal arts, you are especially well formed to take up the challenge of the New Evangelisation. In this too, Mary of Guadalupe is a sure patroness, she who was the great Evangeliser of sixteenth-century Mexico because at the beginning of our salvation she gave human form to the one who is the Gospel.You will go out from here into various key areas of human endeavour as lay people charged with a mission of your own, not as agents or even co-operators of the clergy, or directed by the Church. You go out in accord with your own Christian calling, to bring the gospel and the social teaching of the Church as health-giving leaven into whatever area of your secular life – be it education, law, industry, the economy, politics, or medicine. Of course you will look to the Church for teaching, but more vitally and indispensably, for the means of grace — through prayer and divine worship, the sacraments, and above all in the Mass. How much we need serious lay Catholics who are also serious citizens, courageous, informed and articulate on the issues of the day.

Bishop Jarrett with Mr Howard and Campion graduates and friendsCampion Trustee, Emeritus Professor Tony Shannon, and Registrar, Mr Tony Shannon.

HELPING CAMPION STUDENTS

REGULARLYAn important channel of assistance for the College is regular contributions by direct debit.Various donors generously contribute such amounts, on a monthly or quarterly basis, by deduction from their credit card or bank account.Anyone who is interested in this form of giving may like to contact the College (via the attached donor sheet) and a form can be sent out for completion.At the end of each financial year, the College mails out a receipt to each donor covering the previous twelve months of contributions.The special value of this form of giving is the reliability of support which it offers Campion for planning and operational purposes.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

ALL GIFTS ARETAX-DEDUCTIBLE

From left: Matthew Harradine, Hannah Hladik, Theodore Beckley