From moments of quiet reflection to an afternoon bursting with colour, music and laughter, Damascus Day 2026 brought our students and staff together to celebrate the faith, history and community spirit at the heart of our College.

This year's celebrations were a wonderful reminder that our Damascus identity is shaped not only by the traditions we honour, but by the way we welcome, support and celebrate one another.

Living Our Mercy Heritage

Our community gathered on the lawn for a Smoking Ceremony before entering the John Shannon Centre for our Damascus Day Mass, which began with an Acknowledgement of Country.

Centred on the theme Mercy Hospitality, the Mass invited us to consider what it truly means to make room for others. More than simply extending a welcome, Mercy Hospitality challenges us to notice those who may feel excluded, overlooked or on the margins, and to respond with compassion, dignity and action.

The Gospel reading from Luke 17:11–19, recounting Jesus healing ten people with leprosy, offered a powerful reminder of Christ's compassion for those who were marginalised. It challenged each of us to consider how we can make that same compassion visible in our everyday lives.

Acting Principal Christopher Grant reflected on the rich history of our College, tracing our story beyond the establishment of Damascus College more than 30 years ago to 1881, when the Sisters of Mercy established Sacred Heart College in Ballarat.

That enduring Mercy heritage continues to guide our community through our College Vision:

Inspired by Christ's Mercy, a welcoming community, transforming self, others and the world.

Our students contributed beautifully through prayer, readings, music and ministry, supported by our Catholic Culture Team. We also extend our sincere thanks to Father Justin Driscoll for presiding over the Mass.

A Blast from the Past!

The afternoon brought a wonderful change of pace as students and staff embraced this year's Blast from the Past theme, transforming the College into a colourful celebration of music, memories and fun.

From karaoke and classic games to inflatables, challenges, face painting and plenty of treats, there was no shortage of opportunities to get involved.

The real highlight was seeing students enjoying the day together, stepping outside their usual routines, having a go at something different and sharing plenty of laughs with friends.

Making an afternoon like this happen takes considerable planning, creativity and teamwork. Our Student Representative Council members, Vocational Major students, House Ambassadors and Student Life Leader played an important role in bringing the celebrations to life, with wonderful support from staff across the College.

Their efforts helped create an afternoon filled with energy, friendship and new memories.

One Community, Many Ways to Celebrate

From the reverence of our Mass to the excitement of the afternoon festivities, Damascus Day reflected the many dimensions of College life.

It was a day to honour the faith and Mercy traditions on which our College was founded, celebrate the people who make our community what it is today, and recognise the importance of creating a place where everyone feels they belong.

Mercy Hospitality is not simply a theme for one celebration. It is an invitation to carry Christ's mercy into our everyday interactions, to make room for others and to contribute to a community where every person is welcomed and valued.

Damascus Day 2026 gave us much to celebrate, and plenty of wonderful memories to carry forward.