JOURNEYING WITH YOUTH
Fr Peter Hosking SJ, Rector of Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide, recently delivered this Valete homily to his Year 12 students
A heartfelt thank you to all our Year 12 students for your leadership. Your teachers are proud of how much you’ve grown, especially as you’ve taken on leadership roles and new responsibilities. While saying goodbye may bring some sadness, it’s also a sign of how deeply this place has touched your lives. You are ready to move on, and that’s what we’ve been preparing you for.
Saint Ignatius’ College is more than a school — it’s a community where friendships have flourished and support has always been close by. Whether you’ve been here for 13 years or just a few, you all began as newcomers, bravely reaching out to each other. In doing so, you formed lasting connections and learned to support one another with empathy, discovering the divine in the world around you. You’ve lived out our core values of compassion, conscience, commitment and competence, embracing the virtues that define our community.
Take some time to reflect on your journey — whether in the classroom, on the sports field, through the arts, or at retreats and JACSA carnivals. Think about those who made you feel like you belonged, who inspired or challenged you, and those who led by example. What did they do that encouraged you to be more honest, inclusive, and just? These memories and lessons will continue to shape you as you move forward.
If at any point we haven’t fully supported you, I sincerely apologise. We’re always striving to improve how we care for others. I also hope we didn’t shield you from life’s challenges but instead helped you build resilience. Some of the most valuable lessons come from facing and overcoming difficulties.
Our mission at Saint Ignatius’ College has been to help you become people of strong character, ready to make a difference in the world. We hope you’ve not just learned facts but also how to think critically and reflect deeply. Knowledge alone isn’t enough — wisdom comes from acting with integrity and justice. As you step out into the world, stay true to your values and be mindful of anything that is unworthy of them.
Jesuit education is built on the quality of its graduates. At its best, it nurtures the heart, mind, imagination and spirit, helping people become effective leaders, mature in their faith and committed to justice. Your generation has immense potential. Go out and make the world a fairer, kinder and more just place. You have the power to create real change – and that fills me with great hope for the future.
Saint Ignatius’ words, “Go forth and set the world on fire,” remind us of the powerful legacy passed down to people like Saint Francis Xavier and us as his followers. Ignatius lived in a time of great change, shaped by transformative events like the Copernican Revolution, the Reformation, the Age of Exploration and the Renaissance. These shifts reshaped his world and his journey. You too are entering a world of change, and with it comes the opportunity to lead.
In today’s world, we face challenges on many fronts. We need leaders who can create meaningful conversations in a divided world, one often consumed by misinformation and trivial matters. Social media and secularism demand a renewed focus on trust, respect and shared values. With rapid advances in AI and digital platforms, ethical leadership is crucial. Tackling issues around privacy, equity and the misuse of technology will be key.
As nationalism and conflict rise, we need leaders who champion democracy, human rights, fair trade and unity. The pandemic and environmental crises call for bold leadership on equity and sustainability. The world needs young leaders like you — leaders with creativity, passion and Ignatian values to build a more just and connected world. You’re ready for this—go forth and set the world on fire.
As you move on, I encourage you to reflect on your faith and how it’s grown here. While the Church has its challenges, remember the good it does through education, healthcare, social service and pastoral care for those in need. Your faith, along with this community, will support you, especially in tough times.
As you step into this next phase of life, trust in God’s plan for you. Let your faith be a light that shines in the world and stay close to the goodness Christ inspires in you. With God’s love guiding you, your future will be filled with hope and blessings. May you feel His presence with you in everything that lies ahead.
Finally, please remember to thank those who’ve supported you along the way. You’ve been fortunate to have leaders — Principals and Rectors like Fr Davoren, Mr Coffey, Ms Watkins, Mrs Brooks, and myself — alongside Mr Donato and other dedicated House leaders, mentors, teachers, coaches and other staff. Even as you move on, we hope you stay connected — whether through coaching, donating or remaining involved with Fidelis or the Old Ignatians. This place will always be your home.
Banner image of the Chapel at Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide by David McMahon.
To enquire about becoming a Jesuit in Australia, contact vocations@sjasl.org.au and for more info, visit our Vocations page.