Earlier this year, Santa Sabina College Principal Paulina Skerman joined colleagues and leaders from Dominican schools across Australia and the Solomon Islands on a pilgrimage through Spain and France, tracing the footsteps of St Dominic. What began as a journey through history quickly became a deeply personal and professional encounter with the heart of the Dominican charism.
‘Walking through the cave Dominic inhabited in Segovia gave such insight into the man,‘ says Paulina Skerman. ‘He lived simply and humbly, and it was through that way of life that he was able to lead and connect with others.‘
From Caleruega to Salamanca, from Prouilhe to Toulouse, the group followed Dominic’s path, a man whose belief in truth, community and the dignity of all creation laid the foundation for a global movement that continues to shape Catholic education today.
For Paulina Skerman, this experience brought fresh clarity to the mission of Santa Sabina and her own role as a leader within the Dominican tradition.
‘Dominic’s message – that all created beings have intrinsic goodness – is one that resonates strongly with the challenges our young people face today. His call to joyfully accept and use our God-given gifts is something I hope we can continue to embed into every aspect of school life.‘
Throughout the journey, the importance of education in Dominic’s life became powerfully clear, especially in Salamanca, where Dominican scholars contributed significantly to the development of European law and human rights.
‘It reminded me how central study, dialogue and justice are to our work in schools,‘ says Paulina Skerman. ‘Our students must know how to think critically, listen deeply, and speak up for others. That’s a Dominican imperative, and it’s more urgent than ever.‘
The pilgrimage also highlighted the role of women in the Dominican story, from Dominic’s mother Jane of Aza to the foundation of the first convent for Sisters, established even before the Friars.
‘Dominic’s respect for women is written into our tradition,‘ says Paulina Skerman, ‘and it gives great context and purpose to the work we do in educating and empowering young women today.‘
Accompanied by a team of key staff from Santa Sabina, each playing a leadership role in Mission, Formation, and Community, the experience has already begun to influence programs, strategy and spiritual formation across the College.
‘This pilgrimage has strengthened my Dominican identity and deepened my commitment to leading with faith, humility and courage. Dominic’s perseverance in the face of challenge and his search for peace, truth and compassion gives me strength as a leader.‘
Looking ahead, Paulina Skerman hopes to explore opportunities for students to share in a similar experience, possibly in partnership with other Dominican schools.
‘We returned with a thousand ideas,‘ she says. ‘But more than anything, we returned with conviction, that our mission is as relevant now as it was 800 years ago. And that we have everything we need to bring Christ to our community, through Dominic.‘
