A stunning sacred artwork produced by students is part of an exciting transformation at the former De La Salle College in Cronulla.
Established in 1936, this year De La Salle has seen a name change to St Aloysius College. The change brings with it a new school crest and colours and its first cohort of Year 7s as it transitions to a full Year 7-12 co-educational college within the St Aloysius of Gonzaga parish.
Last year, talented senior students Sienna Salvato, Kelsea Halfpenny and Finn Woods-Smith, created the painting, a large jewel-coloured icon depicting St Aloysius of Gonzaga, under the watchful eye of their art teacher Byron Hurst.
The painting, which will grace the college hall, depicts the blue-robed patron saint with eyes raised to heaven and flanked by angels, inspired by the “glorious sculptures” at St Aloysius’ tomb in Sant’ Ignazio.
“It’s one of the great Jesuit churches of Rome, where three groups of students have visited on pilgrimage,” Byron explained.
College principal Stephen Mahoney invited Bishop Terrence Brady to bless the painting on 3 December and said he was very excited about the changes coming to the Cronulla school.
“The name change to St Aloysius is one of many exciting developments,” the principal said.
“We are very grateful to our ‘Old Boy’ Bishop Terry Brady, who visits us regularly for important occasions and who will bless our St Aloysius icon.
“Another great change is the appointment by our parish priest Fr James McCarthy, of Fr Rex Paulraj as our college chaplain.
“We are also looking forward to plans for new contemporary facilities coming to fruition.”
Born in Italy, St Aloysius was studying to become a Jesuit priest in Rome in 1591 when a plague broke out in the city.
Despite the dangers, he nursed the sick and dying until he himself succumbed to the pandemic at the age of 23.
Artist, Sienna hoped that the light and colourful masterpiece will help young students to engage with St Aloysius, particularly as he is the patron saint of youth and students.
Her co-artist, Finn concurred. “Being students who have had their own lives and studies disjointed by a pandemic, it was quite cathartic to work on the painting,” he said.
