School Motto

The school motto, “Misericordia et Sapientia” (Mercy and Wisdom) reminds us to reflect on how we make MERCY real in our world and that Jesus, the WISDOM of God embodied mercy throughout his life.

Catherine McAuley called Mercy, “the principal path pointed out by Jesus Christ to those desirous of following Him…”  

The seven-pointed star represents the original Seven Spiritual and Seven Corporal Works of Mercy.  In 2016 Pope Francis introduced an 8th Spiritual and Corporal Work of Mercy.  These remind us to act with mercy and compassion towards our neighbour in helping to meet their spiritual, physical and material needs.  Care of our common home calls for praise and grateful contemplation of God’s world, as well as daily actions which break with the exploitation and selfishness of our actions towards Earth.  Many opportunities are provided for the students to reach out in service to others and to Papatūānuku and to participate in activities that strengthen their spiritual formation.

See also www.sistersofmercy.org.nz 

Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy

Spiritual Works of Mercy:

• educate
• counsel
• confront wrongdoing
• comfort the sorrowing
• forgive
• bear wrongs patiently
• pray for the living and the dead
• Care of our Common Home

Corporal Works of Mercy:

• feed the hungry
• give drink to the thirsty
• shelter the homeless
• clothe the naked
• visit the sick
• visit the imprisoned
• bury the dead
• Care of our Common Home

OUR SCHOOL SONG:

Misericordia et Sapientia

Mercy, Wisdom
St Mary’s we are
Life, love and compassion
Together we do stand
with devotion and conviction
Strong our traditions last.

Our Blessed Mother guides our hearts
So that we remember to share God’s love
Mercy is not bleak
Here it protects
Where warmth of friendships grow.

Mercy, Wisdom
St Mary’s we are
Life, love and compassion
Together we do stand
with devotion and conviction
Strong our traditions last.

We stand and always praise Thy name
To heaven lend our hearts and hands.
Wisdom from within,
Pride and loyalty
As one eternally.

Mercy, Wisdom
St Mary’s we are
Life, love and compassion
Together we do stand
with devotion and conviction
Strong our traditions last!

St Mary’s College school song was composed by Matalena Leaupepe, Sabina Koscieleski, Koleta Kelekolio, and Joanne Leiua.