Students partake in Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races at St Stephen’s Cathedral

Dozens of young Catholic school students gather on the lawns of St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane for the annual Shrove Tuesday pancake races. It’s a day filled with laughter and excitement as the students engage in a team medley involving pancake tossing and racing.

The pancake race is a tradition where students form teams and race down a stretch of 10 meters while throwing pancakes in the air and catching them on paper plates. The skillful art of pancake tossing is on full display, with different techniques employed to ensure a smooth and swift race.

As the students compete, the atmosphere is filled with joy and camaraderie. Andrew Knife, the Director of Caritas Australia in Brisbane, expresses his delight in witnessing young people from various schools come together to support Project Compassion.

One of the highlights of the day is seeing the students interact and encourage each other in their efforts to make a difference in their school communities. Project Compassion, a charitable initiative, aims to instill a sense of responsibility in young individuals towards the global community.

The official launch of Project Compassion takes place during a liturgy led by Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge. In his address, Archbishop Coleridge emphasizes the importance of compassion and giving back to those in need. He underscores the significance of building relationships and offering support beyond just monetary donations.

Shrove Tuesday, the day preceding Lent, holds historical significance as a time for Christians to feast before the Lenten fast begins. The term ‘Shrove’ derives from the word ‘shriven,’ symbolizing confession in preparation for the fasting season.