Young Catholics gathered on the night of Saturday 21 September for the annual Campion College ball in Toongabbie. The ball is a highlight of young Catholic life in Sydney.
“It’s a time for young Catholics to get together, catch up, celebrate and dance,” said Sarah Ryan, Campion student and an organiser of the event.
The theme of the night, ‘Secret Garden’, utilised Old English garden aesthetics. Ms Ryan remarked on the theme working with the local environment.
“‘Secret Garden’ blended with the greenery and heritage buildings. It was also an appropriate theme for the Spring,” she said.
Meanwhile, behind the ornate floral displays were hours of hard toil from many Campion students. “The week before the ball is stressful” said Ms Ryan “But we got it done.”
Jerome Shogren, a young Catholic from Brisbane, told The Catholic Weekly he enjoyed the event so much it is an annual fixture in his social calendar. “I travel to the ball every year,” he said. “It’s always an enjoyable spread of food and drink and a wonderful set up of lights and canopies.”
Prayers by students to ward off the rain seemed to be answered. Rainier Juanta, President of the Campion College Student Association remarked on the success of the night saying the ball went as planned. “Everyone had a good time and I had a good time too. I’m also really happy at how the weather turned out,” she said.
Father Piotr Kruk OP, college chaplain, quoted Hillaire Belloc to attendees of the pre-ball vigil Mass homily:
“Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine,
“There’s always laughter and good red wine.
“At least I’ve always found it so.”
Campion College is Australia’s foremost Liberal Arts College. For more information visit the Campion College Website.
