Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview was delighted to welcome Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP back to the College as guest of honour for its 146th Annual Speech Day, some 48 years after his own graduation.
In his final year at Riverview in 1977, His Grace graduated as Dux of the College, served as Prefect, and received awards for his many achievements in English, Debating and History.
He also captained both the combined GPS and NSW Debating teams, setting the foundations for a lifetime of leadership in the church that has been characterised by the fusion of faith and reason.
Although his distinguished path has long since progressed through degrees in History and Law from Sydney University, a Doctorate in Bioethics from the University of Oxford, and his appointment as the ninth Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Archbishop Fisher spoke with warmth about the formative role Riverview played in shaping his faith, intellect and vocation.
Returning to the College motto “As much as you can do, so much dare to do,” drawn from the eucharistic hymn of Saint Thomas Aquinas, His Grace called on students to view their achievements not as endpoints but beginnings, challenging them to “dare to cultivate and apply your talents with humility and gratitude.”
Teaching humility not as self-doubt, but as the honest awareness that every gift comes from God and is given for a purpose, he encouraged the boys, “seek ways to put your gifts at the service of others—and dare to do all for the greater glory of God. Make your life a great hymn of praise.”
It was an inspiring close to a year of hard work and a reminder that the true measure of an education is not simply in accomplishments, but in a formation that supports young people to become fully who God calls them to be.
