Last week I was honoured to facilitate the global conference of the International Commission on Benedictine Education which saw more than 150 delegates from every continent collaborate in Sydney.

The conference provided an opportunity for teachers and administrators to support, liaise and inspire each other and was a wonderful reminder of the influence of the Benedictine charism in many Catholic schools.

The theme Benedictine wisdom beneath the Southern Cross saw a mix of Australian and international speakers provide everything from presentations and workshops to liturgy and prayer.

The conference began with an incredibly powerful welcome to country and then formal opening by Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, a school captain from St Scholastica’s College, Glebe, where the conference was hosted.

Some of the highlights included keynote addresses by Kathy Cox, Visiting Research Scholar, Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego and Father Michael Casey on Benedictine Education: Two Words.

The two words Fr Michael explored in a very thought-provoking presentation were honour and humility.

Terry Creagh, who is well known to Catholic educators in Queensland, also gave a wonderfully creative and engaging presentation tracing the history of the Good Samaritan Sisters and their involvement in education in Australia.

It was an absolute delight and privilege to share time with educators from around the world linked by their shared commitment and connection to Benedictine education.

Caption: Delegates are welcomed to the BENet Global Conference in Sydney (Source: Facebook – Good Samaritan Education)