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Preparing for his ordination - Page 3
Sister’s priestless parish - Page 10
October 2010 November Feature: Mary of the Cross - P11-14
Canonisation on Sunday
PILGRIMS on a journey. Some of the people from Sale Diocese who are in Rome for the canonisation ceremony. They were blessed by Bishop Prowse at a ceremony at Warragul last week.
ABOUT 150 people from Sale Diocese are expected among the thousands who will attend the canonisation of Mary MacKillop by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter’s Square this Sunday, October 17. Most have travelled in organised tours with guaranteed attendance to the ceremony but others have travelled independently and have taken a chance on finding a seat. Blessed Mary of the Cross is one of five people who will become saints on Sunday and so a huge crowd is expected. Pilgrims gathered in Warragul last week for a commissioning and blessing ceremony. Student representatives from all secondary colleges in the diocese will be among those travelling to Rome. Director of Catholic education Peter Ryan spoke on the importance of pilgrimages and how
they differed from sight-seeing trips. He said there would be lots of photos, souvenirs and memories from the pilgrimage and it would be an exciting experience. The pilgrimage was designed to bring participants closer to God through the intercession of Mary MacKillop. Mr Ryan said the pilgrimage was really about the benefit for your soul which was one of the reasons pilgrimages were so popular in the Middle Ages. The journey to Rome would also be a good opportunity to get closer to God by experiencing the Church at its international best and the spirit of Mary MacKillop. The canonisation ceremony will be beamed live back to Australia on both the Web and TV. Sky TV will broadcast live from 6.30pm and ABC News 24, the new digital news channel, has indicated it will broadcast as
much of the ceremony as possible, while maintaining other news commitments. A live Web stream of the event, complete with commentary is available, and some parishes will be showing this on large screens for those who are not confident or able to access the Web links. Anyone with Internet can access the Web stream from the Archdiocese of Sydney site www.sydneycatholic.org, the XT3 social networking site www.xt3.com, or the Mary MacKillop site www.marymackillop.org.au. The ABC-TV Compass program will screen a canonisation special at 10pm and the commercial stations have indicated they will have limited news updates on the event during the evening. After the canonisation Bishop Prowse will lead a walking tour of some of Rome’s highlights, beginning at the obelisk in St Peter’s Square at 3pm. • See Feature, pages 11-14
A STUDENT receives a pilgrim cross from Bishop Prowse. The crosses were hand-crafted by VCAL students and prior to being blessed by the bishop, had been taken to North Sydney and laid on top of Mary MacKillop’s tomb.
Please help families in need BISHOP’S FAMILY FOUNDATION
The Bishop’s Family Foundation assists families within Sale Diocese by providing funding to various charities. Please help us continue our good work by donating generously. Send donations to:
Bishop’s Family Foundation, PO Box 508, Sale 3853
Page 2 - Catholic Life, October 2010
To God’s people in the Catholic Diocese of Sale THE month has finally arrive for the canonisation of our first Australian saint – St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. So much joy and thanksgiving fills our hearts. Our Catholic faith is deepened and refreshed to know that one from our own soil is now a saint of the Church. We can pray to her. We can ask for her intercession. She will always lead us to Jesus, the source of all holiness and healing. Already we know a reasonable amount about her life. We know that she was born in Melbourne in 1842. She was the eldest of eight children. With the prophetic vision of her parish priest Fr Julian Tenison Woods when she was in Penola, South Australia, she co-founded the Josephites. We know of the saintly way in which she established communities and schools all over Australia and then New Zealand in the midst of all sorts of challenges. She was certainly a most extraordinary Australian and now an extraordinary Saint. However, perhaps it is only in recent times that the rich inner life of Mary MacKillop is being discovered at a deeper level. In recent years so much of her personal correspondence has been published. She wrote thousands of letters. In them we can glimpse at the “soul” of our new saint. The spiritual energies of the Holy Spirit alive in her heart are made manifest in her writings. It is here that we observe her relationship with Jesus and her love of His Church. I predict that in the years ahead these transcendent values will become clearer to us as further books of her correspondence and personal thoughts are published. May I offer humbly three areas
Discovering the ‘Soul’ of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop whereby Mary MacKillop’s life in Christ seems transparent to me. I articulate these from some of the liturgical prayers that we offer when we pray in honour of our saint. First, we acknowledge in prayer that she was a Woman of Faith. Let us never forget this. It is a temptation for pragmatic Australians to exaggerate what Mary MacKillop did to the neglect of who Mary MacKillop was. She was a woman who loved her Catholic faith and nurtured it through her entire life by constant prayer and love of the Sacraments. These gave her strength and hope to endure all things. She loved being a servant of the Holy Will of God. She said in a letter to Monsignor Kirby: “Oh Father, I cannot tell you what a beautiful thing the will of God seems to me. For some years past, my communions, my prayers, my intentions have all been for God’s will to be done.” Secondly, she is named: Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Fr Woods gave her this name. It would seem impossible for her to go about her wonderful apostolate among us without her devotion to the Passion and Cross of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Josephites were influenced by the spirituality of the Cross of the Passionist Order. In the liturgy we pray that she “Lived by the Power of the Cross.” She saw in the suffering and death of the Savior a pattern and model for her own life. All she wanted to do was to imitate her Master, the Lord Jesus.
She saw the suffering Christ especially in the poor and oppressed. This is the centre of her “soul” shared with us. We see photos and portraits of her wearing her religious habit that includes a large crucifix. We must never forget that the Cross of Jesus Christ is the principal symbol for the Christian. It is on the Calvary Cross that salvation was won for us. Jesus gave us his entire life. All was given. John’s Gospel points out that Jesus gave himself entirely for us: “blood and water” flowed from his side (John 19:34). This image symbolises the Eucharist and Baptism. Thirdly, liturgical prayers also state: “Teach us to embrace what she pioneered: New ways of living the Gospel that respect and defend the human idgnity of all in our land.” Mary MacKillop did pioneer new ways of offering Catholic education to poor children, especially living in rural areas. Incredibly, even before Australian Federation, she had a federal system of schools operating throughout the Australia. What an apostolate! She lived out her “motto”: “Never see a need without doing something about it.” But it was lived out as an expression of her vibrant faith. We must never devalue this. Otherwise, we run the risk of reducing her apostolic efforts to mere philanthropy. That would be tragic! When we pray - ”Teach us to embrace what she pioneered” – it seems like we are in some type of
Gospel relay race! The baton is of faith is now in our hands! Our faith is never something so private that it is only for ourselves. Faith always sends us out on mission. Like Mary MacKillop, and all the saints that preceded her, our faith makes us want to go out to love and serve the Lord. With the canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop we can go out with confidence in our complicated Australian world of today. We know that our new saint, in the communion of saints in heaven, is encouraging us “to embrace what she pioneered” – to live the life of faith energetically for our times and place. How blessed are we in the Diocese of Sale to still have eight Josephite Sisters involved in various forms of pastoral care among us. May further vocations to the Religious Life blossom. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop pray for us! +Bishop Christopher Prowse Catholic Bishop of Sale
Web site usage continues to grow and grow USE of our recently upgraded diocesan Web site continues to grow rapidly. While the old site used to have an average 3500 visits a month, the upgraded one has close to
10,000. Most popular page continues to be Along the Track by Catholic Life columnist Jim Quillinan which attracts about 70 downloads a day or about a fifth of our Internet traffic.
Catholic Life PO Box 183, Sale Vic 3853 Phone: (03) 5144 6132 Fax: (03) 5144 3855 catholiclife@sale.catholic.org.au www.sale.catholic.org.au Published by Catholic Media Gippsland, Diocese of Sale, 8 Pearson St., Sale Printed by Latrobe Valley Express, Morwell. Editor: Colin Coomber Member of Australasian Catholic Press Association & Australasian Religious Press Association Published monthly except January. Deadline for advertising copy and contributions for the next issue is Monday, November 1. Issues distributed free through schools and parishes from November 10.
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The electronic version of Catholic Life continues to be highly popular with readers able to access the whole paper at once rather than having to download individual pages. They can leaf through pages and enlarge the image to read it on the screen. Some people have reported difficulties with this feature because moving the image is linked to the roll of their mouse and those with unsteady hands find the text zipping all over the screen. Reading can be simplified by clicking on the eye symbol at the top of the enlarged page. This unfolds a drop down menu from which you select the hand which engages a drop and drag feature. Click and hold the left mouse button, slide the mouse to show what you want to read, then release the mouse button. When you want to move down or across the item, just click, hold and drag again. To reduce the image so you can see the whole page at once, just click anywhere on the image.
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as Along the Track, Liturgy, Bishop’s Homilies etc. For instance by clicking on ‘Bishop’s Homilies’ it opens up a list of Bishop Prowse’s homilies which can be sorted in date order by clicking on ‘Date’ which then puts the latest homily at the top of the list. An advantage of accessing the PDF file this way is that you do not have to download it but can still read it by clicking ‘View’. The alternate way of reading a particular homily is to click the ‘Bishop Prowse’ tab at the top of any page, then click ‘Homilies,’ followed by the particular one you want, which then opens a pop-up so it can be downloaded in PDF format and read. Back issues of Along the Track can only be accessed from the ‘Downloads’ tab. The file contains only those reflections which have appeared on our site since the Web site upgrade. A full backlog of more than 80 Along the Track reflections is available from the Catholic Education Office Web site www2.ceosale.catholic.edu.au/ along_the_tracks.aspx
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Catholic Life, October 2010 - Page 3
Preparing for ordinations
BISHOP Christopher Prowse with Deacon Dariusz Jablonski (left) and seminarian Tao Pham. SALE - Two candidates for ordination moved a step closer to their big days at a special Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on September 19. Seminarian Tao Pham who is studying at Corpus Christi Seminary, Carlton, was formally admitted to candidancy for ordination as a deacon. He will be ordained next year.
Bishop Coffey returns BISHOP Emeritus of Sale, Jeremiah Coffey has returned to Australia following months of illness in Ireland. He returned to Australia late last month and following several weeks in Sale has returned to his home in Paynesville. The bishop became ill while on an overseas trip and had two major operations. He had to recuperate before being passed well enough to travel back to Australia.
Deacon Dariusz Jablonski, Berwick, reaffirmed his priestly intentions. He will be ordained a priest in the cathedral on Saturday, November 27, at 1pm. He previously made his vows of celibacy and obedience on his ordination as a deacon. The road to ordination for both men began overseas. Tao Pham spent several years in a seminary in Vietnam before being accepted by Sale Diocese to continue his seminary studies here. During the admission ceremony Tao publicly declared his resolve to complete his preparation so that he will be ready to be ordained next year. Bishop Prowese said the pastors and teachers in charge of Tao’s formation had given a favorable account of him. Deacon Jablonski studied in his native Poland and was ordained a deacon in 2004. He spent time in the United States and Rome before coming to Australia two years ago. Following negotiations with the bishop of his home diocese, he will be ordained as a priest for Sale Diocese. During the Mass, Bishop
Prowse spoke strongly, urging Catholics to live out their vocations, be they as a priest or religious, married couple or single. He also introduced a man who may enter the seminary next year as a student of Sale Diocese.
Triple launch at Sale cathedral INVITATIONS are being sent out to a triple launch taking place at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, on November 9. A reception is being held to launch the new book on the cathedral by Sale historian and author Peter Synan. Coupled with this will be release of the master plan for major works to be conducted at the cathedral and the launch of a major appeal to raise funds for the proposed works. The Synan book is titled Three Springtimes: Chronicles of St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale and will be available after the launch for $40 a copy. It is a hardback book with a limited print run and it is expected to be keenly sought. Bishop Prowse announced his plan to refurbish the cathedral as Mother Church of the diocese when he announced that he would be moving his home and diocesan offices to Warragul in 2011. The master plan has been developed in response to that desire and includes major works to the interior walls, roof of the assembly area, toilets, kitchen
and lighting. The appeal for funds will be diocese wide and has the support of several high profile patrons.
Performance of ‘Requiem’ this weekend WARRAGUL - Verdi’s Requiem will be performed in Warragul this Saturday, October 18. West Gippsland Chorale, Camberwell Chorale and ther Camerata Orchestra combine to present the major work. The 150 voice choir and 50 piece orchestra will be conducted by Douglas Heywood. Limited tickets are believed to still be available from West Gippsland Arts Centre box office on 5624 2456 or www.wgac.org.au for $38 adults, $36 concession and $25 students. A second performance will be at Hawthorn Town Hall at 2.30pm on October 31.
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The Catholic Development Fund Serving the Diocese of Sale Telephone: (03)5144 4311 Email: cdf@sale.catholic.org.au The Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale is not subject to the provisions of the Corporation Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Deposits with the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale are guaranteed by CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose. We welcome your investment with the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale rather than with a profit orientated commercial organisation as a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. Neither the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Sale are prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; contributions to the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959; the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Catholic Diocese of Sale.
Page 4 - Catholic Life, October 2010
God’s grace at work in saints
Toasted Jesus?
WHAT next? A United States entrepreneur is marketing a toaster which sears the image of Jesus on each slice as it toasts. The Jesus toaster is retailing for $39.95. Inspired by the Florida woman who claimed several years ago that a toasted cheese sandwich miraculously ended up with an image of the Virgin Mary on it (that half-eaten sandwich sold for $28,000 on eBay!!) he originally decided to make toasters which created various sporting logos. However, exorbitant licensing fees made him shelve that idea and he decided he would market the Jesus toasters and had 3000 made in China.
Off to Holy Land
SALE parish is having a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from mid-February to early March. It will be led by administrator Fr Bernard Buckley. There are some places left on the pilgrimage after a few had to withdraw for various reasons. If you are interested in taking part contact Fr Buckley on 5144 4100.
More saints?
INTERESTING to see the conjecture on who might be the next Australian saint. Latest suggestion is Sr Irene McCormack, a West Australian religious sister who was murdered in Peru by the militia in 1991. The Church in Peru is pushing for her to be officially recognised as a martyr which is one of two ways sainthood can be recognised. There is also a suggestion that Catholic Women’s League
founder Mary Glowery’s name could be put forward. A talented doctor, she became a religious sister and went to work in India. A popular from years gone by but apparently with no organisation to push her Cause is Caroline Chisholm who did wonderful work with migrant girls in the early days of Australia. Chisholm had brief national recognition when she appeared on the $5 note but once the $1 and $2 notes were axed in favor of coins, she was replaced by the Queen. It appears that protocol demands that the ruling monarch should appear on the lowest denomination banknote and so Elizabeth II’s image went from $1 to $5.
Not again
WE mentioned a couple of months ago the error by a Catholic publication which claimed a schoolgirl heading to Rome for the canonisation was a “descendant” of Mary MacKillop. It has happened again with another capital city publication running an article on one of Mary’s “descendants.” Both papers obvious don’t know what the word means because the woman in the latest article is a distant relative, but is definitely not descended from Mary.
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OVER hundreds and hundreds of years the Church has singled out a bewildering array of people we now call saints. If we read their life stories no two are alike. Some of them lived lives of great heroism and bravery, others virtually lived and died in obscurity. Some lived lives of poverty, some lived in the highest castles in the land. Some were mystics, locked in lives of contemplation, others were activists, reformers in the world in which they lived. Some died peacefully while others died in painful execution. So many of them died so long ago, in different times, in different cultures. What do they have to offer us today? Now that Mary MacKillop is joining that list, as Australia’s first saint, what that means to you and I takes on added significance. By and large, saints were ordinary people who accepted an extraordinary responsibility and did their very best. They were not perfect. Rather, at whatever time they may have lived, in whatever circumstances they found themselves, we see in their lives the Gospel come alive in a special way. We do not seek to glorify them but to acknowledge and praise the wonder of God’s grace at work in them in such a remarkable way. And to remind ourselves that that same grace is offered to each of us The fact is, we need people like Mary MacKillop. We need saints. We need heroes and heroines. We need people who dedicate their lives to serve others, who reflect the best in humanity. In Australia, people like Caroline Chisholm, Mum Shirl, ‘’Weary’’ Dunlop, Fred Hollows and Mary MacKillop are people who can inspire us to greater things, who call us to a deeper response, who remind us of what is important and enduring in life. What inspires us most in our own spiritual journeys is not clever ideas or theories about holiness, but holy people to whom we can look for example and encouragement. Such people are walking gospels. They show us how the gospel can actually be lived out in daily life. Their lives also, then, become another source of gospel wisdom. Saints can be role models. While we have some remarkable role models in the saints of the past, still inspirational today, role models for our own world, our own circumstances are perhaps even more urgently needed. Thank God that the grace of
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God is still active, is still inspiring and working in remarkable men and women in our midst. And in us, if we let it! Mary and her followers have been extraordinary examples of living gospels in this country, working at the grassroots of people’s lives. They continue Mary’s keen eye and compassion for the marginalised. From the early times of European settlement across this country, they shared the burdens of coping with its isolation, huge distances and remoteness. They were often the first to bring education to the more remote areas. Those conditions were often harsh and extraordinarily difficult. They continue to help the most vulnerable, including the aged poor, people released from prison, and children who find themselves in so many situations of need and difficulty which seems such a hallmark of life at this restless and often uncaring stage of history. Like Mary, they follow in the footsteps of Christ, meeting people where they live and work and rejoice and suffer, where they seek to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Under Mary’s continuing inspiration, they live out the Gospel message in practical ways by impacting on the ordinary moments of life. Under Mary’s continuing inspiration they work to be a visible presence of the love of God. Mary was an activist – she travelled far and wide in the cause of bringing the good news of Gospel to this country in such practical ways. She was not crushed by opposition, by the lack of resources in the face of such huge and unremitting
needs. She is an example of courage and persistence. But it is easy to forget that her last years restricted her travels - rheumatism and strokes had made old age very difficult, she was confined by her illness, but her life was still inspired with her unswerving belief that God was her companion, that God walked with her – her life still burned with her passion for the ways of God. If we need proof that Mary was a saint, if we need to see a miracle, just look at the legacy this passion has inspired in those who continue to follow her. Do we still need saints today? What can we take today from Mary MacKillop’s life? Her commitment to social justice and equality might be sufficient; surely Australia would be a better place if we continued to follow Mary’s example. But there is even more. People like Mary MacKillop help us focus on Jesus and his ways, they help us see what his message looks like for us today, in this culture, in this place at this time. After all, the Church defines faith as ‘a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, making oneself a disciple of him…to think like him, to judge like him and to live as he lived (GDC #53*). We could well benefit from looking at Mary MacKillop who knew this land and this people but who above all was open to the grace and the belief in the practical power of God to enliven and work in an ordinary life. After all, the same God offers the power and wonder of that same grace to each of us! *General Directory for Catechesis: Rome 1998
Officer students shine OFFICER - The bar was set high as over 200 audience members flooded to the small St Brigid’s School in Officer for the performance “Blame It on the Boogie”. All 56 students performed an item within their class groups. The concert also featured the school’s guitar group, Irish dancing, solo vocalists, drama and the very popular school choir. The concert was choreographed by the school’s music teacher Cathy Edwards. Principal Ken Gale said “It
was a great opportunity to showcase our performing arts curriculum to parents and the wider school community.” “It is definitely one of the highlights of the year and it is a pleasure to say that every child in the school was involved. The response from the school community has been outstanding.” The school concert has been a great achievement for the small Catholic primary school that only opened its doors at the beginning of 2010.
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Catholic Life, October 2010 - Page 5
Historic migrant and refugee Mass at Pakenham By Regina Abraham PAKENHAM - “WE are one body, in this, one Lord!” This scripture was the underlying theme of this landmark celebration, held for the first time in the Diocese of Sale for the Refugee and Migrant Sunday on August 29. For many of us migrants, this gathering was a foretaste of what Heaven would be like, where all tongues, (Philippians 2:11) representing many countries of the world, would worship the name of Jesus together. The Mass was colorful and the celebration was hosted by St Patrick’s Parish, Pakenham. Chief celebrant was Bishop Christopher Prowse with Frs Stephen Onuoha, Matthew Joseph, Bernie Mahony, Peter Slater, and Jacob Thadathil, concelebrating, assisted by Deacons Mark Kelly and Dariusz Jablonski. Seminarian Christopher Keast coordinated the Mass ensuring a smooth flow from start to finish. The celebration began with a procession led by women and children of the Indian community dressed in their colorful traditional dress, holding plates of flowers with lighted candles depicting the light and presence of Christ, from the colonnade into the Church. They were followed by people dressed up in their cultural attires. Next were the altar servers, deacons and priests and finally the bishop, who walked ceremoniously in the shade of an Indian ponnala kuda (decorated umbrella). The procession with the ponnala kuda is a traditional wel-
BISHOP Christopher Prowse under the special ponnala kuda, flanked by Deacon Mark Kelly and Vicar General Fr Peter Slater. come accorded to royalty in the state of Kerala, Southern India. The ponnala kuda is a symbol of honor and is usually used only on liturgical feast days and in Eucharistic processions. Using such a welcome for this inaugural Migrant Sunday Mass was recognition by the Indian community of the sanctity, sacrifice and the authority of the priesthood and the royal priesthood of all the people of God! The multicultural touch given to the day was experienced at the celebration of the Mass which had readings in Indonesian and Polish. Representatives of Spain, Italy, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Malta, Holland, Tongan Republic, Malaysia and India said the
THE Sudanese migrant choir performs the song of welcome.
prayers of the faithful with the projected translations in English. One could not help but notice the care taken by the organisers to reach a good percentage of all migrant communities found within the diocese. The Western region youth members formed a choir for this occasion, all the hymns for the Mass were sung in English. In his homily, Bishop Prowse welcomed the migrant community into Australia and especially welcomed the culture of respect and rich faith that the migrants brought from Africa, Asia and India. He spoke warmly of his interactions with the migrant community and the impression they had left on him.
He mentioned that each migrant at the Mass had a story to tell and he would love to hear some of these stories. I could not help but marvel at the lavish spread of afternoon tea hosted by the generous St Patrick’s Parish and all those who came to Migrant Sunday; food of virtually every nation was on offer. While we shared the meal, we also shared our stories with one another. For many it was of fond memories of funny instances of cultural differences on arrival in Australia; for many others, there were stories of trials and victory. I was happy to share my own story too with the other migrants I befriended at the meal. My family and I were not refugees, but we had lost all our wealth and property in India and like our Father Abraham we, guided by the Victorious Right Hand of the Lord, came to this new land. We brought no fortune, had no friends, no visas, no jobs, yet, in our hearts, we had the hope that the Lord who brought us here would establish us in this country. After seven and a half prolonged years of struggle we won the victory to remain in Australia. This year our family, as very proud citizens had a say in this country’s governance and cast our votes for the very first time. I was glad to hear that in all the stories, many migrants like my own family, have had an experience of a truly loving and welcoming people of Victoria, in particular within the Catholic Church! The time spent together at the meal was wonderful and I will cherish photos taken with new friends and the memories of that day. I will always remember Fr Stephen Onuoha and the Sisters of the Nativity (all from Nigeria) in their beautiful traditional dresses. One could not help but notice the number of young people at this Mass, a hopeful sign for the future of the Church in the Diocese of Sale. To quote Chrisanne Widrose, a youth member from St Agatha’s, Cranbourne, who migrated to Australia about six years ago, “The migrant Mass, for me was a wonder! Together with the love of the Mass and the fulfilment that comes from receiving our Lord in the Mass came the joy,
love, happiness and laughter. “This stemmed from every individual’s ability to bring something that is a deep part of their culture, ingrained into everything they did that day. “It spoke to me of color and brightness, right from the candlelit processions of the Indian community to the profound greatness and simplicity of the song of the Sudanese community. “ These occasions for me stand in stark contrast to the troubles and strife that we face as teenagers and young adults in the battle to maintain our faith in the wider community. It gave me hope for the future and filled my heart with gladness!” I wish to express the heartfelt gratitude of the migrant community to all who were involved in making this day a great success and also an occasion to look forward to in the future. Special thanks to Bishop Prowse for his support, the host parish and the Migrant Sunday Committee Core Group.
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Page 6 - Catholic Life, October 2010
Moving diocesan offices is a generational change WHEN Bishop Prowse first spoke to me about his intention to move the diocesan administration to Warragul, he spoke of it as “generational change.” Generational change it is indeed! It is an organisational and a cultural shift for the Diocese of Sale that marks an extraordinary point in our history. I write from the point of view of Catholic Education, which has had its roots in Warragul ever since the Catholic Education Office was created in 1973. Of course, there are a number of reasons the Office was established in Warragul rather than in the cathedral city of Sale. It is a significant inconvenience to have the Bishop and his office 110km away. However, Warragul it was because, for one, it was closer, even then, to the demographic heart of the diocese. It was clear that it was to be in the western end of the diocese that growth of population, of parishes and of schools was to take place. How very true that prediction has been shown to be. The second significant reason for the location of the Catholic Education Office in Warragul was, quite simply, due to the extraordinary generosity of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion. These wonderful women, who had labored so hard and so well in Warragul, found their reducing numbers called to other ministries in the Church. At that point quite amazingly, they gifted the building to the diocese, as they also gifted what
is now the Sion Campus of Catholic College Sale. The Warragul building continued its life as a school for quite some years, until well after Marist Sion College was created in 1975. The Catholic Education Office had occupied only a small part of the building at the time, as the range of its activities was limited. However, when history and governments intervened, the scope of its activity and responsibility grew and it continues to grow significantly. The CEO now requires ever greater numbers of staff, and today we are close to 50. But while the Office is close to the bulk of the people, close to the majority of the schools, it was far from the Bishop and far from the cathedral. Of course, it was also far from a good number of Catholic schools, in Orbost, Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale, Stratford, Yarram and others. It is a geographic inevitability that the tyranny of distance must always be a reality in country dioceses such as ours. Now, though, we welcome the move of the diocesan offices to Warragul. Now, Catholic education can be seen to be the integral part of the mission of the diocese that it is, not a separate entity situated in another town. We all recognise that the move to Warragul is not universally welcomed by Catholics, particularly in the eastern part of the diocese. Some people in our schools have mentioned to me that they feel somewhat abandoned as I am sure some others
with Talking Peter Catholic Ryan Education do, too. Yet, the Bishop, in his wisdom, has sent a strong message that Sale will always be the Mother Church of the diocese and the cathedral city, Sale, will always be the place of the Bishop’s chair. A substantial effort will soon be underway to renew and refresh the cathedral building. That is an exciting development in our cathedral city. Certainly, the loss experienced by schools and by some other Catholics east of Traralgon, must be acknowledged. However, at the same time we must acknowledge the sense of separation that the growing population in Berwick, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Narre Warren have experienced for so long. The Bishop’s Office and the Cathedral were very far from them. I am quite certain that many of our people in those parishes and schools do not real-
ly appreciate that they belong, not to the Archdiocese of Melbourne, but to the Diocese of Sale. The heightened sense of belonging to this diocese that the Bishop’s move will provide will be welcome indeed. With the Bishop’s move to Warragul, to share the gift left by the Sion Sisters with us in Catholic Education, we see a wonderful blessing. Catholic Education can now be seen in its rightful place as a part of the organic work of the Church, sharing in its mission to evangelise those that have never been Christian, to revitalise those who still enjoy the privilege of belonging actively to Church and to invite back those for whom the institutional Church has lost some of its meaning in their personal search. All three of those groups are very present in our Catholic schools. The Church reaches to
them in many ways and Catholic schools are a major arm of that work. As director of Catholic education, I look forward to having my Bishop close by. I look forward to the time when the staff of the Catholic Education Office can share morning tea with those other diocesan workers who share our mission. Our being together is more than a convenience. It is a powerful statement that we are together in our work, that we are of one mind through many actions to bring God’s Kingdom to people and to bring people to God’s Kingdom. The work of the Church is one. We, together, are part of that one. As I write, architect’s plans are being drawn to develop and adapt the Warragul site. That is part of the physical symbolism of the workers of the diocese sharing a common mission. Indeed, something as simple as being able to share morning tea is a powerful statement in itself. It is an exciting move, one that will not be without its challenges, certainly, but an important one for us in Catholic Education, an important one for all who work for the diocese and an important one for all Catholics in the diocese.
St John’s students jumping
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SHOWING how its done, a student easily handles the double ropes during the Jump Rope for Heart day. KOO WEE RUP – St John’s throughout the term. The chilThe children also enjoyed fruit Primary School sports coordina- dren were red hot as they show- after the event which was kindly tor Belinda Bartolic recognises cased their skipping skills such donated by Lang Lang that Jump Rope for Heart is a as double Dutch, link jumping FoodWorks. fantastic program as it is all and criss cross. about learning how to keep fit and healthy. It improves the children’s strength and confidence in physical activities and builds healthy bones and muscles. The children have lots of fun with their class mates and play lots of skipping games too. WITH CARE AND DIGNITY WE RESPECTFULLY At the same time they will be SERVE THE DISTRICTS OF: helping save Australian lives by LEONGATHA/KORUMBURRA (03) 5662 2717 asking their family and friends Paul and Margaret Beck to sponsor them for being a part of this fun program. St Johns FOSTER (03) 5662 2717 raised $3196.20 that will go Paul and Margaret Beck towards research to help the WONTHAGGI/INVERLOCH (03) 5672 1074 fight against heart disease and Ray and Maree Anderson strokes. The Jump Off day was a great PHILLIP ISLAND (03) 5952 5171 success with children demonRay and Maree Anderson strating the skills they learnt MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
Catholic Life, October 2010 - Page 7
Health insurance - a financial healthy choice AUSTRALIA’S Medicare and our public hospital system gives us one of the best public health systems in the world, one that is the envy of most countries. Recent funding situations have indicated that the system is under strain, and as our population ages, it will be both difficult and expensive for governments at any level to maintain the health system as we know it. I recently had the misfortune to spend 25 days in a private hospital in Melbourne, for “elective” surgery. By elective I mean that it wasn’t an emergency - yet - but would have been within months. I would have been forced to wait
until that point before I could have been treated at a public hospital in West Gippsland. Anyway, this started me thinking about the benefits of private health insurance. I’ve always had some cover, my firm has a group scheme for our employees and we also offer it to our clients, so I have a demonstrated belief in it. But the last few weeks have brought home just how much benefit it has been. The most common reason for not having health insurance is cost. The basic cost of midrange hospital only cover for a family ranges from about $2750 to $4000 per year.
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The Federal Government allows an up front deduction of 30 percent so this comes down to about $1750 to $2800. These are still noticeable amounts, however, and potentially beyond the means of many. But what cost health care? Taxpayers already pay 1.5 per-
Japanese students on a visit
WARRAGUL - Marist-Sion College enjoyed the company of 17 students from their sister School, Aoki Junior High sSchool, in Japan during August. The students were accompanied by principal Shimada and Miss Akahori, and spent a week as guests of students and families from the college. During the week, students from both colleges participated in a variety of cultural activities designed to give the visiting students a taste of life in Australia. Marist-Sion College has had a sister school relationship with Aoki Junior High School for over 10 years. This ongoing connection enables the students to learn about the people, culture and language of the other nation through first-hand experience and personal relationships. Last year, students from Marist-Sion visited Aoki, which
is in the Nagano Prefecture in Japan, and were warmly welcomed by the principal, the staff, the students and others within Aoki village. The students experienced firsthand the Japanese culture of respect towards others and a community acceptance of responsibility to work for the common good. It was lovely to see the strengthening of friendships between Marist-Sion students and their guests throughout their stay. The visiting students were able to practise their already commendable English skills, and the Australian students took the opportunity to practise their conversational Japanese. Among the long list of activities experienced during their stay, was a welcome to Baw Baw Shire at the council chambers by the mayor Cr Adam Tyson, and
a trip to Healesville Sanctuary. The college is grateful for the generosity of the families who extended their hospitality to the students, making such an exchange possible.
cent of taxable income as part of the Medicare levy. Individuals who earn over $77,000 and don’t have private health cover also pay an extra one percent of their income, so there’s a penalty but probably only for those who could afford private cover any way. For a couple or family, the combined income is taken into account and needs to be over $154,000 before the levy is applied. The levy is applied according to how many days of the tax year a taxpayer held health insurance. Another incentive to take out health insurance before the age of 30 is that if cover is held continuously, then a health fund won’t be able to charge any age based loadings of insurance premiums ever! A 55 year old without cover can expect a loading of 64 percent above the rates I mentioned earlier. Now that’s an incentive. If your over 18 children don’t have cover, you may want to give them this article. So, what do you get? No stay in hospital is cheap. My stay would have cost me in excess of $25,000, when we add in surgery, theatre fees, anaesthetics and the like. It costs over $1000 per day to be in a private hospital. I don’t know anyone who would like to afford that. Equally, it’s more than 14
years worth of my current premium and the fund can’t add a penalty next year. And my wife is covered, so it’s nearly 30 times my share of the premium. I think that’s great value. A quarter of Australians over 35 are likely to develop cancer and a third are likely to have a heart problem. While the initial condition may be treated in a public hospital, the only way you may be able to access the ongoing treatment you want may be through a private hospital, where you have your choice of surgeon (very important) and choice of time, equally important. When it comes to which health insurance you want, look closely at the level of premium and also the level of cover. Health funds contribute to the cost of care provided to cover up to the Medicare recommended fee. Some will ensure that there is no “gap” payment, too, but these funds are those with the higher premium. Some surgeons do not subscribe to the ‘no gap’ principle either, so you need to ask both your fund and your surgeon. I’m happy with my cover. It’s balanced between paying as little as possible but getting a service I need when I need it. What’s your like? • This report is intended to provide general advice. In preparing this advice, David Wells and RBS Morgans did not take into account the investment objective, the financial situation and particular needs of any particular person. Before making an investment decision on the basis of this advice, you need to consider, with or without the assistance of an adviser, whether the advice is appropriate in light of your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.
Relive the Cathedral History in this stylish new book Highly-regarded Sale historian and author Peter Synan has written a history of St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, titled Three Springtimes. This publication will be officially launched by Bishop Christopher Prowse at a function in the Cathedral on Tuesday, November 9. This hardcover book will retail for $40 and will become a keepsake. It is an ideal coffee table book and will make a great present for Christmas. It is full of photographs from the earliest years of the Cathedral, through until today. Remember the changes which have taken place in three development stages and recognise faces of people who have been part of Cathedral life.
Available after the launch from Sale Cathedral Parish, Bishop’s Office and Catholic Development Fund. An order form to secure your copy will be published next month.
Page 8 - Catholic Life, October 2010
Finding Home in Jesus retreat in January
BISHOP Christopher Prowse with Br Lalith Perera at last year’s retreat. NARRE WARREN - The weekday at 7.30pm, will focus on ‘Come as you are’ daily retreat living the Christian life in the begins in Our Lady Help of Christians parish, Narre Warren, midst of a secular world. The 10 days will conclude with on Friday, January 28. The weekend of January 29-30 ‘Finding Home in Jesus’ retreat, will be a great opportunity to with Bishop Christopher Prowse prepare for the week ahead with and Lalith Perera, on February the Four Steps retreat. There will be the opportunity 5-6 at St Francis Xavier College, to receive the sacrament of rec- Berwick South campus. onciliation on Saturday evening, Information brochures and adoration time on the Sunday contacts will be available in all and ending with Mass. The teaching and prayer, each parishes.
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Sion pioneers to be honored SALE - Many travellers on the Princes highway stop to admire one of the most outstanding buildings in Sale. Mother Raphaela designed the Gothic building with architects Reed, Tappan and Smart. She had arrived from France at the age of 30, the leader of a group of seven Sisters of Our Lady of Sion who came to Sale in 1890 to open the first Catholic secondary school. Builders were Wynne Braggs and Co, and construction began in November 1892. The building of Sion Convent, 1892 – 1893, was a blessing for Sale’s working class. The depression of the 1890’s had begun. Amongst its immediate casualties were those working in the building trades – but over 30 men found work at the convent. The bricks were made in a kiln in adjacent Raglan St., grooved Waurn Ponds stone from the Geelong area is found at the entrance door; and the window sills are Castlemaine stone. All of these materials have stood the test of time for over 100 years! However, Mother Raphaela felt that her work would not be complete until a chapel was built. Despite being confined to a wheelchair for the last five years of her life, she followed the construction with keen interest, making sure every detail of her plan was implemented. The chapel was completed in 1901. Sadly, mother Raphaela died 16 months later and is buried at the Sale Cemetery. Over 60 Sisters of Our Lady of Sion are buried in a special area at the cemetery, and include the graves of six of the seven sisters who arrived in 1890. (Raphaela,
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Mother Raphaela, aged about 30. Charitas, Osmond, Sabina, Philomena, Martina). Sr. Edwardine is buried at Warragul. Celebrations of these remarkable lives 120 years later, and the work of the Sisters who came after them, are planned for the weekend of November 13-14. There will be an opportunity to celebrate 120 Years of the presence of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion in Australia at a Thanksgiving Mass to be celebrated in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, at 11am on November 14 by Bishop Christopher Prowse. The Ceremony will be followed by a sit-down spit roast dinner at
the Sion Campus. Many local families have connections which date back over 100 years, to the very beginnings of the school and over the next few weeks, leading up to the celebrations, Catholic College Sale would like to hear those stories, and see any photographs, old uniforms or memorabilia you have. Copies of photos and stories may be directed to the Promotions Officer, Catholic College Sale, PO Box 594, Sale, 3850, or email to lwhitehill @ccsale.catholic.edu.au.
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THE Sion chapel under construction in 1901. Note the large stone blocks in the foreground.
Catholic Life, October 2010 - Page 9
World Mission Day 2010
Reach out. Give life Don’t turn away from Baucau leprosy mission IN 1989, the Bishop of Timor-Leste, Carlo Belo, SDB, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, invited the Congregation of the Sisters of the Followers of Jesus to work in Baucau with health care and to assist people with leprosy. While leprosy is a disease that is curable, sadly there are still people suffering from it, and the stigma attached to it. Catholic Mission supports many centres around the world that not only treat people who suffer from this disease, but heal them from the stigma attached. People’s lives are changed monumentally, by simply showing them compassion that they deserve. The sisters opened a clinic for those suffering from leprosy in 1989 while they lived in a small structure belonging to the diocese which they adapted for their needs; not quite a convent. This building was one they used as both a convent and a clinic and have waited patiently for their turn. With Catholic Mission’s assistance, the sisters have been able to move, and make way for a new parish centre. One and a half hectares of land was
found and purchased nearby for them where they plan to build a new convent and clinic. The sSisters want to stay close to the patients suffering with leprosy, those people they have grown to love and trust the sisters, and who form the core of their ministry. Adonia Kodia is a gardener, he is 60 years old and has been living in the clinic for a short time, even though he became sick with leprosy almost nine years ago. He is taking medicines so is still contagious. His open wounds are dressed daily by the sisters. He is married with three grown up children. Joanico (Niko) Philipe da Costa is the youngest of the patients cared for at Baucau. He is 25 years old and from Ossu. He became sick with Leprosy at age 16, but quickly sought care from the sisters so has no physical signs of having suffered through the disease. Niko has lived in the clinic for nine years and assists the sisters in caring for the other men. It is through education and understanding that fear and prejudice towards leprosy patients is changing. The St Damian
Leprosy Clinic in Baucau, Timor-Leste offers all the people living there personal dignity. Throughout World Mission Month we are all called upon to challenge our own prejudices and fears that we may carry. If you would like to know more about projects that Catholic Mission supports
around the world or to make a donation visit www.catholicmission.org.au. Become a regular giver to Catholic Mission’s work with communities, children or church leaders all around the world. Call 1800 257 296 to become a partner today.
Orphanage looks to harvests THE biggest cost incurred by orphanages is food. Many orphanages around the world with land nearby attempt self-sufficiency by planting vegetables, fruit and nut trees and if they’re fortunate, they’ll keep minimal livestock. The Missionary Dominican Sisters of the Rosary run two orphanages in Timor-Leste, supported by Catholic Mission. One is in the suburb of Bidau in Dili and the other is seven hours out of Dili in the mountains in the town of Soibada. At the Bidau Home there are 52 orphans, ranging in age from four to 22 years, while at Soibada there are 74.. The children have come from varied backgrounds and circumstances. The orphanage has to provide for all the basic needs of the children including clothing,
food, school materials and school fees and health costs when necessary. Running costs for the home in Bidau alone, are nearly $30,000 per year. The biggest cost to the sisters, not surprisingly, is food. In order to alleviate this problem and to become more self-sufficient, the Dominican Sisters have begun the process of purchasing 2.5ha of land outside the capital Dili. They have raised half the funds themselves, and are looking to Catholic Mission to assist with the other half, a further $30,000. By putting the deposit down on the land, they have been given permission to harvest bananas from the property, a treat the children enjoy. There is a need to install a pump on the well and build a shed for storing farming tools.
Building rock by rock ABOUT 150km from Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, is the small village of Ossu. In Australia, that’s not too far to drive, but in Timor-Leste, it is a five hour journey. Roads are still a crumbled wreck, with the country suffering a severe hangover from the independence struggle of the people from Indonesia back in 1999. It was a violent and bloody struggle that left the country’s infrastructure decimated. The people living in Timor-Leste are poor, but happy. In Ossu, the local parish is a thriving one; 21,000 people who attend Mass at St Theresina. Fr Tiago Soares da Costa has been parish priest at Ossu for three years and during that time has seen the number of people attending mass grow exponentially. Some 1500 people fit in the current building, while there are a further thousand people outside. None of them can hear him, as there is no sound system, but they are together, in community, and praying from the heart. Fr Tiago is eager to rebuild St Theresina’s to accommodate the growing parish, and due to the poor condition of the building itself. He has started a ten cent fund in the community, so that each time anyone attends mass, they donate 10 cents, and bring a rock, which will be used in the foundations of the new church. Stone by stone, the people of Ossu, in
FR Tiago inside the simple church which is being built rock by rock. Timor-Leste are rebuilding their community and their church. Stone by stone, the parish of Ossu in Timor-Leste is binding its community in faith. As Jesus said to his disciple Simon/Peter: ‘On this rock I will build my Church’. “October is World Mission Month, and a time for us to recognise that we all need to build, stone by stone, our faith, love and compassion for each other.” said National Director of Catholic Mission, Mr Martin Teulan. Please give generously in your parish appeal envelope, or donate online at Catholic Mission’s website catholicmission.org.au. Call 1800 257 296 for further information.
SR Yohana tends the sores on leprosy patient Joanico at the St Damien Leprosy Clinic in Baucau.
Page 10 - Catholic Life, October 2010
Yarram sister ran priestless parish in Mallee By Colin Coomber YARRAM – Running a priestless parish in Ballarat Diocese for six years was a remarkable experience for Sr Margaret Brown rsj. In serving in the dwindling Mallee town of Sea Lake, she
had a glimpse of what if must have been like for the early Josephite Sisters who went out to serve in poor rural areas. Back from her time at Sea Lake and a sabbatical in the United States, Sr Margaret is now pastoral associate at Yarram.
In response to the shortage of priests in the vast Ballarat Diocese which covers a vast area in the west of the state, the diocese introduced a series of parish leaders to serve the small rural communities. It is possible to travel over five hours from Ballarat to Mildura without passing through a town with a resident priest. Sea Lake has about 500 residents and the parish covers three other small towns, with a parish primary school in the main town. It is principally a broad acre cropping area within the wheat belt and is a few kilometres from Victoria’s largest salt water lake Lake Tyrrell whose shallow waters are home to a major salt extraction industry. Both Sea Lake and Ouyen have appointed parish leaders to run the parishes and Sr Margaret was chosen to be one of these. Before going to Sea Lake in 2003, her only experience living on her own was a three month period in Warragul when she was working for the Catholic Education Office. Having always been in community with other sisters, she was unsure of how she would handle solo living but her Warragul experience gave her confidence she would be right in remote Sea
Lake. Her role include conducting funeral services if there was no Mass and the bishop authorised her to perform baptisms and so she performed a handful of these each year. During her time as parish leader, the parish was visited every second weekend by a priest from Ballarat who said Masses at Sea Lake, Culgoa and Nandaly, however, since she left the parish last year, it has been served from Wycheproof and Birchip. Sr Margaret said her role was made easy by good support from the diocesan office which made sure she was not left out on a limb. The hardest time was the first few months when she was building up contacts locally and with the diocesan agencies. Living in isolation was made easier by regular telephone and email contact with other Josephite Sisters. She also took greater interest in the wider news from the province, following happenings within her congregation, anniversaries and birthdays. She is no stranger to Gippsland, having served a total 21 years here starting with her postulate at Newborough and later serving at Maffra, Morwell, Morwell East, and Heyfield.
She lived at Traralgon while she was working at the School Support Centre at Morwell, which served both government and Catholic schools in the region. She later moved into support services with the Catholic Education Office, working out of an office in St Patrick’s campus of Catholic College Sale, while living in Maffra. After leaving Sea Lake, Sr Margaret took sabbatical leave at Sangre de Cristo near Santa Fe in New Mexico. She undertook a renewal course for priests and religious which was attended by people from 19 different countries who were working in 24 countries. It was an experience to share the different stories of those from rich and poor countries. The stories from those from Asia and Africa were far different to those from attendees from the developed world. The Sangre de Cristo Centre is owned by the De La Salle Brothers but is operated by a team representing different congragations. • The Ballarat model is not one adopted in this diocese to solve priest shortages. Here we have parish priests covering two adjoining parishes and we have no parish leaders.
Peter MacKillop - youngest of eight children Mary By Sr Mary Fermio rsj
Sr Margaret Brown rsj
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PETER, the youngest of the MacKillop family was born on October 27, 1857, when the population of Melbourne was over 410,000. The family was again in financial difficulties, having not long returned from Sydney where Alexander had unsuccessfully tried to find employment. Flora, pregnant with Peter, had returned with the other children to Port Melbourne, and found herself and the children stranded. Mary and John walked
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Peter MacKillop
One of the few images of the short-lived sibling of Mary MacKillop.
the 12 miles to Somerton to get transport. Peter was baptised at St Paul’s Church, Coburg, on November 20, 1887. During his childhood the family moved from Somerton to Collingwood, to Richmond and then when he was about six, to Portland where he attended school with Donald, who was then 10 years old. In the new year of 1866 the family was again dispersed and Donald and Peter remained with their mother in a small cottage in Hurd St., Portland, where Flora took in lodgers. Peter also spent some time at Penola with his uncle Donald MacDonald where his “nice open manner” impressed Fr Woods, who declared Peter could become a bishop, after he showed some determination to be a priest. When he was 16 years old Mary arranged for Peter to go to the Jesuit College at Sevenhill in South Australia. Here he was universally loved and in danger of being spoiled, according to Mary. But Peter was not a keen student and tried to avoid studies when he could. In 1875 he wrote to Mary and pleaded with her to allow him to leave school and go to work, as he had by then decided the priesthood was not for him. After leaving school he was diagnosed with a heart disease, but Peter hoped that by following doctor’s treatment and getting employment, he would recover his health. At this time he became engaged to Miss Lucy Marshall but his hopes of a full recovery were futile. His illness was named as cancer – a kind that had the doctor
MacKillop & Family
Part 8 baffled. From Norwood, where he had been living, he moved to uncle Peter MacKillop’s home at Lara, near Geelong. His mother and sister Annie cared for him and Mary was with him when he died on July 23, 1878. Peter was buried with his sister Maggie and his MacKillop grandparents at the Melbourne General Cemetery. Annie relates that Lucy Marshall died only a few days later. Flora had now lost her husband and four of her children. She stayed on with her brother-in-law Peter at Lara. In 1883 when her daughter Lexie died, Flora was able to write to Donald, her Jesuit son, “I consider myself one of the truly blessed mothers, being the instrument in God’s hands of rearing all my children, and that under great difficulties, for God’s glory.” – January 3, 1883. Sources: Resource material, Mary MacKillop’s Family, Sr Philomena McGuigan rsj.
• Next month: Annie MacKillop, concluding the series
Catholic Life, October 2010 - Page 11
An Australian saint for the whole world St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Mary MacKillop Australia’s first saint By Debra Vermeer MARY MacKillop will become Australia’s first declared saint when she is canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter’s Square, Rome on Sunday, October 17. This will be an historic day for the Church and for the nation, as the Universal Church recognises Mary as someone who lived a life of heroic goodness, borne of her closeness to God and her
About her early life she writes… ‘My life as a child was one of sorrow, my home when I had it a most unhappy one.’ For much of their lives the family was dependent on relatives for shelter and support. At age 16, Mary became the main provider for the family. She worked as a governess, then as shop assistant in the stationers Sands and Kenny and finally as a school teacher in Portland, Victoria.
miners into isolated outback areas and live as they lived. Mary and her Sisters soon moved into Queensland and eventually to NSW, Victoria and New Zealand. The Sisters moved freely about the colonies, wherever they learned of a need, a freedom which was resisted by some bishops and others. In 1871 Mary became the subject of a campaign by some of the priests of Adelaide who complained to the Bishop about Fr Woods’ direction of the Order and Mary’s administration and personal conduct. \This culminated in Bishop Sheil excommunicating Mary from the Church. Shortly before he died in 1872 Bishop Sheil recognised his mistake and lifted the excommunication and Mary was completely exonerated of any wrongdoing. As a result of these events, she made the epic journey to Rome by sea in 1873-74 to have the rule of her Order approved by the Pope himself. Despite her growing poor health, Mary’s Sisters continued to flourish in their work for the poor and needy in Australia and New Zealand. She died in North Sydney, on the site where her tomb now lies, in 1909, aged 67.
for us before the Lord and is to be publicly venerated by the whole Church. Canonisation is a double statement – about the life of the person and also about the faith of the people who are alive at this moment. They are as much a part of the canonisation as the person who is being recognised. Sr Anne Derwin, the Congregational Leader of the Sisters of St Joseph, said Mary’s canonisation will be an occasion for gratitude and an opportunity for personal reflection. “Mary MacKillop lived her
life with an unwavering sense of gratitude and confidence that God would always provide,” she said. “She spoke over and over of ‘our good God’ and she lived with grateful receptivity of God’s love and all that God’s love asked of her in life. She truly imitated the Christ to whom she had committed her life. “At this historic time, let us be truly grateful to God for the gift of Canonisation which calls us to renewal of our commitment to Christ and to the mission of God in our world”.
A long journey to Mary’s sainthood
The road to Sainthood
MARY MacKillop at her desk. She was a prolific writer of letters to family, friends and Church leaders and fortunately may of these letters survive. They helped to show what a remarkable woman she was and paved her way to canonisation. love of all she met, particularly the poor and marginalised. In canonising her, the Church holds Mary up to us and to all who come after us, as a special companion and example for us in our own lives.
Who was Mary MacKillop? Mary MacKillop was an ordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life. She was born in Fitzroy, Melbourne on January 15, 1842 to Scottish immigrants, Alexander and Flora MacKillop. The family home for Mary and her seven siblings was faithfilled, but often turbulent and troubled due to Alexander’s various failed business dealings which created insecurity in the family income.
At 18, Mary moved to Penola, South Australia, to work as a governess/teacher for relatives. With a real heart for educating poor children, Mary was soon teaching not only her cousins but many other children from the local area. At Penola, she met Fr Julian Tenison Woods and together they started a school for poor children. In 1866, the pair became co-founders of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. It was the first religious order to be established by an Australian. Over the next several years the Order grew and the Sisters travelled the countryside setting up schools, orphanages for abandoned or neglected children and other good works for those in need. They were prepared to follow farmers, railway workers and
Even at the time of her death, those who knew her, or knew of her extraordinary work, spoke openly of her holiness – her heroic goodness. Cardinal Moran, the Archbishop of Sydney, is reported as having said after his final visit to her that, “This day I consider I have assisted at the death bed of a saint”. The Australian press, both secular and religious, were uncommonly united in speaking of her holiness, her heroic service of God, her open hearted love for the poor and deprived, and her determination to bring a Catholic education to the children of the colonies. Ordinary people also exhibited extraordinary signs of devotion to her. After many years gathering together the necessary information on Mary’s life, the official Cause for the Canonisation of Mary MacKillop was begun in 1925. In January 1995, Pope John Paul II beatified Mary MacKillop during a Mass at Randwick Racecourse, Sydney. This followed official recognition of a woman being miraculously cured of cancer after praying for Mary’s intercession. The recognition in December 2009 of a second miracle, also a woman being cured of cancer, ensured Mary’s path to Canonisation.
A Saint for our time
The Church does not make a saint – it recognises a saint. Canonisation is the act by which the Holy Father declares in a definitive and solemn way that a Catholic Christian is actually in the glory of heaven, intercedes
MARY MacKillop’s saintly qualities were recognised during her lifetime and after her death, the principal celebrant at her requiem Mass is said to have remarked “Today I have buried a saint.” After her death on August 8, 1909, Mary was buried at Gore Hill Cemetery in Sydney. Her remains were disinterred in 1914 and she was reburied in in North Sydney. In 1918 the newly elected Superior General of the Josephites Mother Laurence O’Brien raised the possibility of beginning the cause for her beatification with the apostolic delegate. From 1926-29 Archbishop Michael Kelly, of Sydney Archdiocese, presided over a tribunal process to gather information but this was indefinitely shelved in 1931. Cardinal Norman Gilroy reopened the cause in 1951 and delivered a report to Rome. In 1973 Mary MacKillop was official declared a “Servant of God” by Pope Paul VI through the Papal Legate to
the Eucharistic Congress held in Melbourne. A decree granting the introduction of the cause was announced. The Positio, an intensely supervised historical and critical account of her life and virtues, was commenced in 1984 and on completion in 1989, it was presented to the Holy See. Pope John Paul II issued a decree on June 13, 1992 comfirming that Mary lived a life of heroic virtue and she could now be known as Venerable Mary MacKillop. In July 1993, a decree was issued confirming that a miracle had taken place through her intercession. opening the way for her to be beatified. Pope John Paul beatified her in Sydney on January 19, 1995, naming her Blessed Mary of the Cross. A second miracle through her interscession was accepted last year, paving the way for her sainthood which will be conferred this Sunday.
Page 12 - Catholic Life, October 2010
An Australian saint for the whole world St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Cathedral bronze is a masterpiece
Diocesan celebrations THE official diocesan celebration of the canonisation of Mary of the Cross MacKillop will take place after the pilgrims return from Rome. It will be in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, on Friday, November 12, at 11am. Student and parish pilgrims from Rome have been asked to join with the priests of the diocese and others in celebrating this special Mass for Mary MacKillop. Light refreshments will be offered at the conclusion of Mass. On the following day the Ecumenical Commission is hosting ‘Mary of the Cross MacKillop - A Great Australian’ with Bishop Christopher Prowse and guests Presenter is Sr Lynette Young rsj and it will be at Mary of the Cross Hall, St Michael’s Parish, Church St Traralgon from
1.30pm to 4pm. Afternoon tea to follow. Various parishes across the diocese are planning celebrations to coincide with the canonisation this Sunday. Some of these are listed in the third Mary MacKillop Bulletin on our Web site. No doubt there are others, so please check with your parish offices.
ST Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, is home to a spectacular bronze bas relief featuring Mary MacKillop. It is by world renowned textile artist Annemieke Mein of Sale and was commissioned in 1994 by former Bishop of Sale, Jeremiah Coffey. The two part cast sculpture features a piece of Mary MacKillop’s original 1909 cedar coffin which was provided by the Sisters of St Joseph in North Sydney. The piece of ebony-colored wood is sealed beneath a layer of epoxy resin over Mary MacKillop’s heart. In designing the work Mein decided to acknowledge that Mary MacKillop was Australian-born and has included eucalypt leaves, buds, blossoms and nuts. She chose the common Gippsland species southern blue gum to acknowledge the profound influence Mary and the Sisters of St Joseph had on education in all parts of the region. The smaller part of the sculpture features an arrangement of a Bible, Honarium and visitation record book and the Josephite Rule book to acknowledge her dedication as a teacher, educator and relentless social welfare worker. The sculpture has three Js, to continue links with the Josephite emblem which features three Js for Jesus, Joseph and John the Baptist. The main part of the sculpture
featuring Mary’s likeness features two of these, in the flow of Mary’s veil on the left-hand side, and in the other side of the veil where it sweeps into the curved gum leafs. The third J is designated by the overall flow of the two pieces of the sculpture. The face of Mary depicts her at age 40 when she was at the height of her vocation. The facial features noted include the differing size of her eyes (the right eye was perceptively smaller than the left), the heavier right eyelid and the distinctive “Mona Lisa-like” lips. Mary’s head has been deliberately tilted, inspired by early photographs of her which often showed her with a tilted head. Mein said the tilt enhanced the sense of loving, endearment and humbleness. The sculpture also features the Josephite emblem with its distinctive zig-zag pattern, overlayed by the three Js and a cross. Its development came from the blue appliquéd ribbon which was stitched to the front of the Josephites brown habit and the crucific which they tucked into their belts. The relic from Mary’s original cedar coffin was obtained in December 1993 when her remains were raised from the crypt and transferred to a new coffin and placed in the newly constructed shrine at Mount St., North Sydney.
Aboriginal community’s gift
RUMOR has it that Yarramborn Josephite sister Sr Sharon Theresa who featured in our August issue of Catholic Life will participate in the offertory procession representing the Josephites at the canonisation Mass. She took her final vows last year and now works as a hospital chaplain in Melbourne. NOT sure where his information came from but in a 1989 article in the Australian by columnist Max Harris he likens Mary MacKillop to a “wild colonial girl” who dressed in male attire for great effect in a male dominated society. He writes: “Mother Mary MacKillop the greatest Australian in our history. She took on the diocesan power of the … Irish priesthood, got herself excommunicated, but fought back to liberate young women to go into the wilderness to educate the poor and deprived barefoot children of the bush.” MARY MacKillop obviously had a strong ecumenical drawcard because in those tough early days of the Josephites, and while she was excommunicated, her benefactors included an elderly Jew and an affluent Anglican lady from the governing squattocracy. It would have been seen as strange in those days when Catholics were treated as second class citizens by the powers that be. GOT a spare $275? If so you can get a gold coin with a multi-colored image of Mary MacKillop on it, which has been produced by the Perth mint. There’s also a 99.9 percent silver coin for $89.50.
CathNews special editions THE weekday electronic Australian Catholic news service CathNews is publishing special editions until Sunday, October 17 – the date of the Mass in St Peter’s Square. On the weekends, the editions have been appearing in your inbox during the morning; during the week, the special editions are being delivered every afternoon. These special editions will be available only to CathNews subscribers. To receive CathNews for free go to www.cathnews. com.au and click on the subscribe button halfway down the right hand side of the home page.
Saintly briefs
BISHOP Prowse with the coolamon., flanked by diocesan Aboriginal representatives Colleen Harney (left) and Marion Pearce of Bairnsdale. THE Aboriginal community has presented Bishop Prowse with a coolamon burnished with the image of Mary MacKillop. It was presented at the pilgrim sen-off in Warragul by bairnsdale parishioners Marion Pearcee and Colleen Harney
who are Sale Diocese representative of the Victorian executive of Aboriginal Catholic Ministry. Mrs Pearce, who made the bark coolamon, explained that in former times they were used for carrying food and even babies.
She explained the various symbols on the rear which included a cross, an Aboriginal message stick, gum leaves, footprints and an eagle. Both women are going to Rome for the canonisation ceremony, their first trips overseas.
MIKE Brady, who wrote the famous football songs Up There Cazaly and One Day in September, has launched a song written in honor of Australia’s first saint, called In Mary’s Hands. Brady, who was commissioned to write the song and worked closely with the Sisters of St Joseph, said “Initially it was difficult because I didn’t want it to sound like a pop song or a trite piece of jingoism but the more I read about her, the easier it was.. “Even if you take the spirituality and religion out of it, she was still an amazing woman.” Now some of us are old enough to remember Brady when he was part of leading pop trio MPD Ltd, named after the first initials of members Mike Brady, Pete Watson and Danny Finley.
Catholic Life, October 2010 - Page 13
An Australian saint for the whole world St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Special stamp issue takes some licking AUSTRALIA Post will recognise the canonisation of Mary MacKillop by releasing a new commemorative stamp series on October 18. Australia Post philatelic group manager Noel Leahy said Australia Post was marking the occasion with a special stamp issue to recognise the selfless acts of this inspirational heroine. “This is truly history in the making and we’re certain that these stamps will be treasured by Australians for years to come.” The new stamps will feature a photograph of Mary MacKillop taken during the 1890s, used with the permission of the
Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. The Mary MacKillop stamp series has been designed by Adam Crapp from Australia Post Design Studio who also designed the Mary MacKillop prepaid envelope released in April 2010. The stamps will be available for purchase from October 18 at all participating Australia Post retail outlets while stocks last. They will also be available from the online shop. To find out more or to order from the Mary MacKillop stamp series, go to auspost.com.au/stamps
What is the process to sainthood? THE canonisation process is one which many people do not understand. Perhaps the most important point is that the Catholic Church does not make saints – it recognises them. It is a lengthy process to declare a person to be a saint. The Church looks at the life of the person, what he or she did, how they reacted to the events of life, what people wrote and said about them, and what they wrote and are reported to have said themselves. Another important process is that of continuing devotion. When the person died did the people keep their memory alive. The would-be saint is said to have a charism which influences others long after their death. The first step towards canonisation is beatification which is a public declaration by the Holy
See that the person has lived a heroically holy life, is with God, has the power of intercession with God for us and is a model for the faithful to emulate. Beatification recognises a person as a saint for a particular region and that is why Blessed Mary of the Cross had been called Australia’s first saint since her beatification 15 years ago. Once beatified it allows the person to be honoured by special liturgies and prayers in that region. All baptised people are called to holiness and many people are holy without being declared saints. Beatification and canonisation are public recognition that a person is worthy of veneration because the holiness of their life has been examined and proved. The beatification process begins in the diocese where the person died or a miracle is said
See MacKillop the musical THE musical MacKillop plays in Melbourne for two days only on the weekend of October 23-24. Featuring a cast of 80, the musical has leading Australian opera singer Joanna Cole in the lead role of Mary MacKillop. The music has just closed after a 10 day season in Sydney and will have only three performances in Melbourne. It was 10 years in the making with composer Xavier Brouwer working closely with various Sisters of St Joseph and Fr Paul Gardiner SJ, the former postulator of Mary MacKillop’s cause. It details her life from birth in
Fitzroy in 1842 through to her death in Sydney in 1909. The music includes Scottish folk tunes, songs of colonial Australia, traditional indigenous music and contemporary works. The performances are at 3pm and 7.30pm on October 23 and 1pm on October 24 at the Besen Centre, 87-89 Station St., Burwood. Individual tickets are $45 ($40 concession), group tickets (min. seven tickets) $30 each, and family tickets (2 adults and 2 children under 18) $120. Bookings through www.mackilloptickets .org.
ARTES CHRISTI PRESENTS A NEW AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL
to have occurred. In the diocesan phase, the writings of Mary MacKillop were examined, stories and testimony concerning her reputation for holiness were collected from people who knew her or had heard of her. Once the Vatican accepted her cause of beatification in 1973, she was given the title of “Servant of God.” Then began an examination of cures attributed to her intercession and one of these was chosen for study. All the information was sent to Rome where medical specialists had to give an opinion whether the cure could be explained by scientific means. Much hinges on the miracles as the original illness has to be medically proven to have existed and then proven scientifically to have been cured with assistance from no other means such as
surgery or drugs. A theological examination of the miracle looks at whether the cure took place in the context of prayer to God through the intercession of the holy person, and that God is then recognised as curing the person. If declared a miracle, beatification can then take place, as it did for Mary MacKillop in 1995. For canonisation a second miracle has to be proved and following rigorous study the Pope may declare a decree for canonisation and this generally takes place some months later in Rome. Canonisation means that the saint will now be recognised world-wide and be venerated as a saint for the universal Church, with their name in the universal Church calendar.
St Mary or St Maria? WAS Mary Helen MacKillop’s really Maria Ellen McKillop? Her baptismal records from St Francis’s Church, Melbourne, show she was baptised on February 28, 1842 as Maria Ellen, daughter of Alexander McKillop and Flora Anne McDonald. As is the case with many babies, the family preferred to Anglicise the conferred names and call the child Mary. But what of the surname? There was much conjecture over the years with the Mc and Mac being used almost as often as each other. Mary preferred to spell her
name MacKillop but it seems that at times others in her family went with McKillop.
Music & Lyrics by Xavier Brouwer STARRING JOANNA COLE AS MARY
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Saintly briefs MENTION was made recently of how the Josephites seemed to be more successful in the bush communities than other religious Orders. The sisters struck a cord with the tough shearers and timber cutters in the way they looked after the children in the outback schools. Dressed in their heavy brown habits in 40 degree heat, (100 degrees Fahrenheit in those days) the sisters could be seen standing out in the centre of a playing field umpiring football or cricket. When the tough bushies saw the Joeys at work, they knew that they had the best interests of the children at heart. It’s a dedication which became legendary in the bush and the Joeys drew respect from both people of all faiths and none. WHILE Australia is celebrating the canonisation, so are our Kiwi compatriots on the other side of “The Ditch”. Mary MacKillop established the Josephites in New Zealand and made three trips to the country. Her longest visit was her first from January 1894 to March 1895. The second visit was cut short by the death of the Mother General and Mary had to return suddenly to Australia. Her third visit in late 1900 was to have been a short one but she was sent to Rotorua for health reasons, to rest and bathe in the sulphurous thermal waters. It was here that she suffered a severe stroke and after some time was conveyed in a special coach to Auckland where she recuperated for seven months before returning to Australia. CATHOLIC Church Insurances has really come to the fore in assisting dioceses around Australia celebrate the unique experience of an Australian saint. Sale Diocese has received a large contribution towards the cost of the celebration and events surrounding it. Some of the money has already been spent. It is being used to pay for the pastoral associates and religious sisters reflection day on Mary MacKillop which was held back in August, the pilgrims send-off last week, printing of prayer cards, the Sale Diocese celebrations of the canonisation at St Mary’s Cathedral on November 12 and the ecumenical celebration at Mary MacKillop Hall at St Michael’s Primary School, Traralgon. Each diocese is a shareholder in CCI and also receives annual returns. from the company’s operations.
Page 14 - Catholic Life, October 2010
An Australian saint for the whole world St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Good prizes for Catholic Life readers CATHOLIC Life is giving away books, DVDs and stamp packs to commemorate the canonisation of Mary of the Cross MacKillop. We have three stamp packs courtesy of Australia Post each featuring a first day cover of the new MacKillop stamp, a stamped Mary MacKillop postcard and a sheet of 10 stamps in
a cardboard folder. There are three copies of the DVD Mary: The Mary MacKillop Story featuring Lucy Bell as Mary which have been provided by Roadshow Entertainment. As well there are four copies of the new Mary MacKillop Prayerbook for Children from our good friends at John Garratt
Publishing. The books will be given away as prizes in our coloring contest on page 19. To be in the draw for a stamp pack or DVD, you will need to send us an envelope with your name and full postal address on the rear and the first name of Mary MacKillop’s father. Address the envelope to either
MacKillop DVD Contest or MacKillop Stamp contest, c/Catholic Life, PO Box 183, Sale, 3853. Separate draws will be conducted for each, so if you want to be in the running for both a DVD and a stamp pack, you will have to enter each draw. Winners will be announced in the November issue of Catholic
Indigenous tones add to ceremony A SALE schoolteacher and respected member of the local Aboriginal community will perform at the Exhibition Building in Melbourne before the canonisation. Gavin O’Shanassy will play the didgeridoo during a performance of the Dawn Mantra which will be beamed live to Rome. He is part of an ensemble backing the Bendigo Youth Choir and Da Capo Singers. O’Shanassy is a teacher at Guthridge Primary School which has a large number of indigenous students and also
directs a children’s Aboriginal dance troupe called Young Spirits. He was contacted to play the digeridoo after having previously played it at the Melbourne Days in the Diocese event at Telstra Dome during Sydney World Youth Day. He also played at the Aboriginal welcome at the Knob Resrve, Stratford, during the visit to the Cathedral Parish of the World Youth Day cross and icon. O’Shanassy attended St Thomas’s Primary School in Sale.
Ecumenism alive in Mary’s life Gavin O’Shanassy
3 parts to ceremony THERE are three parts to the canonisation ceremony. The first part involves the reading of a brief boigraphy of the six people to be canonised, followed by short readings or prayers written by each of the Blesseds. The second part is the Rite of Canonisation at which the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, accompanies the Postulators, to formally request the Pope have the names of the six written in the Book of Saints. The Pope responds by proclaiming the canonisations after which relics of the saints are placed near the altar. The third part is the eucharist which follows on immediately after the Prefect and Postulators exchange a sign of peace with Benedict XVI.
The other new saints will be: • Stanislaw Soltys, called Kazimierczyk, a Polish professed religious of the Order of Canons Regular Lateranense (1422-1489). • Andre Bassette, Canadian professed religious of the Congregation of the Holy Cross (1845-1937). • Candida Maria de Jesus Cipitria y Barriola, Spanish founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus (18451912). • Giulia Salzano, Italian foundress of the Sisters Catechists of the Sacred Heart (1846-1929). • Battista da Varano, professed nun of the Poor Clares and foundress of the Italian monastry of St Clare at Camerino (1458-1524).
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By John Cooney THERE is something singularly appropriate about including an ecumenical event in the celebration of Mary MacKillop’s canonisation. In his biography, An Extraordinary Australian Mary MacKillop Fr Paul Gardner SJ makes the point very forcefully. After she had been excommunicated by Bishop Sheil, Mary stayed with Protestant friends in order to avoid embarrassment for the Catholic community (p.107). At a time when Mother Mary was plagued with money worries because the sisters were teaching children of very poor parents, the Barr Smith family of Adelaide gave her 2000 pounds towards building a convent (p.237). And the Protestant Dr Benson did not charge the sisters for his services (ibid). Again, Bishop Moran asked Mother Mary to conduct Confirmation classes for some 30 men. Mary held the classes over a period of some months in the large drawing room of an hospitable Presbyterian family (p.455) The Scottish connection is pervasive for this year is the centenary of the World Missionary Conference held in Edinburgh in 1910. The gathering recognised ‘that churches and ecclesial communities needed to deal with their divisions if they were to be effective voices proclaiming the gospel of Christ’.
The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference has marked the centenary by issuing a pastoral letter The Impulse of God’s Grace. The pastoral letter includes expression of Pope Benedict XVI’s deep concern about ‘the growing aversion to the Christian faith’. There is need to discover new, intense methods of evangelisation. Fortuitously, the Scottish connection resurfaced when Pope Benedict started his recent Papal visit to the UK in Edinburgh. Once again Pope Benedict stressed the challenge presented by widespread secular attitudes; and the consequent need for fresh approaches to proclaiming the gospel of Christ. In this he received strong support from the heads of other religious bodies that he met during his visit. The Catholic church did not take part in the World Missionary Conference in 1910. However, it has been an active member of various Councils of Churches that have grown out of the 1910 conference. In this regard, the Sale Diocese is a member of the Victorian Council of Churches. Happily, there are strong ecumenical relationships that have developed within many parishes within the diocese. Anyone interested in knowing more about ecumenical involvement at the diocesan level can obtain further information from Fr Peter Bickley, Traralgon, or from John Cooney 5148 9220, jandjcooney@bigpond.com
Saintly briefs TO mark the canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop this Sunday, the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference has deemed that the liturgy normally used for the saint’s feast day be used in place of the 29th Sunday in ordinary time. The Proper for the Saint should be used on this Sunday at all Masses with the Readings being those set for the normal observance of the Feast Day of Mary MacKillop which is celebrated on August 8. Those reading at Masses this weekend should download a copy from our website www.sale.catholic.org.au. Just follow the MacKillop Quick Link from the front page. OPERATION and maintenance of the historic Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery has been handed over to the Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria by the NSW State Government. The cemetery was Mary MacKillop’s original burial place and is also the burial site of a large number of her contemporaries and Australian Jesuits. Her original gravesite is marked by a plaque on a memorial obelisk about 3m high. The plaque reads: ‘The place whereon you stand is holy ground’ Exodus 3:4-5. The body of Mary MacKillop (Mother Mary of the Cross) Australian-born foundress of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart was interred here from August 1909 to January 1914 when it was transferred to Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel, North Sydney. Many of her early followers remain buried in this place. RIP – The Friends of Gore Hill Cemetery, 1987. THE renowned Jesuit winery Sevenhill Cellars is releasing two celebratory wines to mark the canonisation of Mary MacKillop. Sevenhill has long links with the MacKillop family as Mary’s brothers Donald and Peter attended the boarding school there in the 1870s. Donald went on to complete his initiate training as a Jesuit there before becoming a priest, serving on the Daly River (Darwin) Mission. The Sevenhill winery was establish in 1851 to make communion wine and is the oldest winery in the Clare Valley. It branched out into table wines long ago and the Mary MacKillop wines are a 2009 shiraz and a 2010 sauvignon blanc Semillon. Price is around $99 for a six pack. Check the Website www.sevenhill.com.au.
Catholic Life, October 2010 - Page 15
Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?
(Mark10:17)
Student leaders meet at Warragul
Good Youth News with Jess Denehy & Kelly Lucas WITH the canonisation of Mary of the Cross MacKillop just around the corner it has been a pleasure to journey around the diocese to participate in RE 4 the Rabble: a Glimpse into the Life and Spirituality of Mary MacKillop this last month. Each session, facilitated by the Sisters of St Joseph, has brought new inspiration and awe. While we were obviously aware of Mary MacKillop’s story before these sessions, meeting her through the eyes of the Josephites has given us a flesh and blood Mary whose life and
work are all the more impressive. Her youth, guts and complete abandonment to faith make her an extraordinary role model for all Australians but especially for young people. Mary was a young woman who defied convention and the social norms of her time to live the life God called her to. And she did this with grace, humility and unassuming wisdom. We often hear how living life today as a committed young Catholic is somewhat counter cultural. With this sentiment in mind Mary’s example of defying
society’s expectations in favour of the life God calls us all to is both extraordinarily inspirational and completely timely. As all the canonisation celebrations swing into full gear we’d like to urge you to take some time out to meet this strong yet humble, faith-filled young woman. We’d like to send a special thanks to Sr Margaret Brown rsj, Sr Rita Malavisi rsj and Sr Christina Scannell rsj for introducing us afresh to the young woman who is about to become Australia’s first canonised saint.
Catholic youth at convention
HAPPY faces of some of the participants at the three day convention. A THREE day weekend just “You are the ones who support completed at the Australian the young heart of the Church. Catholic Youth Ministry Your role is important and the Convention has reinvigorated Bishops of Australia want to hundreds of youth ministers continue to support you in this from around the nation. ministry.” Presenters from the USA and Dr Bob McCarty and Dr around Australia came to help Maggie McCarty from America strengthen the formation of were able to share more than 28 youth ministers, shaping the years of national experience in vision and direction of youth leadership in youth ministry with ministry in Australia and sharing the participants. covering resources, skills and networks for ‘Foundational and Inspirational youth ministers. Youth Ministry’, they told par“The Australian Catholic ticipants that the changing Youth Ministry Convention was Church landscape requires youth a huge success. A significant ministers to adapt their event in the life of the Church approaches in bringing the mesand for youth ministry in sage of Christ to young people. Australia” reported Malcolm On the final day, the Bishops’ Hart, Senior Youth Ministry Conference delegate for youth, Projects Officer for the Bishops’ Bishop Joseph Grech, Commission for Pastoral Life. Sandhurst, commissioned the The convention brought delegates to spread the Gospel together almost 400 participants message throughout Australia, from youth ministry in schools, with a passionate and charismatparishes, communities, move- ic exhortation to grasp their ments, religious institutions and identity and mission as dioceses from Australia and visi- Christians with both hands. tors to the Convention from “You must take the passion New Zealand. you have for Christ to the young A strong component of the people of the Church. You are to convention was the forging of ground yourselves in the scripstronger bonds between the tures. God has called each one of Australian Catholic Bishops you to this vital ministry in the Conference and youth ministers. Church.” The seven Bishops who taught, Christine Anderson a diocesan prayed and mentored the youth youth ministry worker from ministers over the three days Brisbane commented “The conwere inspired to see the large tent and process was both exhilcrowds gathered and the enthusi- arating and challenging and I am asm of participants. excited and hopeful for the BCPL chairman Bishop future of the Church and youth Eugene Hurley, Darwin said ministry.”
GRACE Humphreys from Catholic College Sale shows her excitement with some of the morning tea snacks on offer. IN preparation for the Year 10 Gathering Day, student leaders from around the diocese got together last month at the Catholic Education Office in Warragul. Led by Sr Rose Duffy and Robyn Lewry, the students were prepared both practically and spiritually to lead a day on the life and spirituality of blessed Mary MacKillop.
Bishop Eugene Hurley A special feature of the conference was its accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing, with a small team of Auslan interpreters translating keynote addresses and workshop proceedings for these participants. Conference resources will include a DVD of the presentations and some workshops, showing speakers and Auslan interpreters. This DVD will be available as a resource for the whole youth ministry community, including the deaf and hard of hearing. The Bishops and many young people commented on this amazing ministry which was inspiring to those who attended. To order DVDs contact: Malcolm Hart, (07) 3109 6806 or email youthministry.catholic. org.au
Working in school groups students selected an aspect of Mary MacKillop and developed interesting ways of presenting this to the year tens including drama, song and multimedia. The leaders also had a lot of fun learning icebreakers and games with Kelly Lucas from the Youth Ministry office and packing the morning tea for the day.
Sponsorship gifts to help youth to Madrid WHY not sponsor someone you love to participate in World Youth Day 2011 and make a huge investment in their spiritual future! Gift certificates are currently available for purchase from Harvest WYD Tours, the pilgrimage tour agent for our diocesan pilgrimage to WYD2011. Pope Benedict XVI has issued a special invitation to the young people of the world to join him for WYD2011; “...You, my dear young people, are the hope of the Church! She expects you to become messengers of hope, as happened in Australia, during World Youth Day 2008, that
great manifestation of youthful faith that I was able to experience personally, and in which some of you took part... “I invite you here and now to participate in this great gathering of young people with Christ in the Church.” A gift certificate towards a loved one’s WYD2011 Madrid pilgrimage makes a fantastic birthday, graduation or Christmas gift and could well be a faith investment like no other! Contact the Harvest office on 1300 MADRID (1300 623 743) or visit its website www.wydtours.com for more information.
Page 16 - Catholic Life, October 2010
St Mary’s call to service NEWBOROUGH - The Grade 6 students at St Mary’s School in Newborough recently completed a six week service program at the Latrobe Valley Hostel. The staff at St Mary’s School in consultation with the staff from the hostel, paired each student with a resident. This relationship was built on over consecutive visits. The students entertained the residents with singing and different readings. Together they
enjoyed activities such as chess, cards, golf and make-up and nails. The program was a continuation of the confirmation program celebrated earlier in the year. The students were encouraged to be of service to other people in our community and invited to try and make a real difference in someone else’s life. The program was a tremendous success with huge benefits
for both the students and the residents. The students were inspired at how wonderful they felt actually making a difference in someone else’s life. School organiser Trish Mulqueen said “Catholic schools have a unique mission and our call to service of others is paramount within this mission. This program gave our students the opportunity to live out our faith”.
Parish farwells Sr Jose Noy MAYA Stenfors enjoying the company of resident Margaret Raue.
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IONA – Sr Jose Noy rsj has been farewelled by Iona-Maryknoll parish after five years as sacramental coordinator and pastoral associate. There were several farewells as each church community in the parish acknowledged and showed their appreciation of the works she had done in the schools, instructing those wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith, visiting the sick and willingly helping others in any way should could. Parishioners gathered in Columba Hall, Iona, for the formal farewell on September 12. Victorian Provincial Leader of the Sisters of St Joseph Sr Josephine Dubiel was present and recalled the long association the parish had with the Josephites and hoped that this could continue in future. Fr Thomas Mannakulathil thanked Sr Jose for the help and support she had given him since he moved to Iona a year ago. On behalf of parishioners
Sr Jose Noy (centre) flanked by Josephite Provincial Sr Josephine Dubiel and parish priest Fr Thomas Mannakulathil. Marcia Wilkinson thanked Sr Jose for her ministry, her unfailing kindness, friendliness and attention to detail. No job large or small was ever left done. Her support for the Catholic Women’s League and its members was particularly appreciated.
A lovely cake made by Val Yates was inscribed “In appreciation of all the dedicated and tireless work you have done so lovingly in our parish, Sr Jose.” A farewell gift and flowers were presented and Sr Jose thanked everyone for their support and friendship.
Catholic Life, October 2010 - Page 17
Unique fire memorials allow time for reflection LABERTOUCHE - One of Centacare Gippsland’s bushfire community recovery counsellors, Thérèse Kearney, attended the official opening of one of three unique bushfire memorials. Community members gathered with Community Development Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, Victorian Bushfires Reconstruction and Recovery Authority chair Ian Dicker, and Baw Baw Shire mayor Cr Adam Tyson to recognise the Black Saturday memorials. Mrs Kearney was present at the Labertouche memorial opening which also attracted about 60 people plus primary school students and staff. Located near the entrance of the Labertouche Public Hall, the rock wall memorial offers seating around a bronze centrepiece of a burnt tree. The Jindivick memorial opening attracted about 30 people to the Nangara Reserve. Located along the walking track, the artistic sculpture features three tree pillars and seating. Nearby are bollards created by school students, a mosaic and an inter-
pretive sign. The Robin Hood Reserve is the location of the Drouin West memorial, which features a rotunda, memorial stone and seating. The opening attracted about 25 people. Ms D’Ambrosio stated “The three memorials provide a place for the community to gather and reflect on the experiences of last year, as well as providing a focus for individuals while they grieve and recover – they will help us to never forget and to move forward.” Centacare Gippsland has been funded by Sale Diocese, Melbourne Archdiocese, and Centacare Gippsland Bushfire Appeals to provide confidential counselling to bushfire victims as well as conduct and participate in community projects within the Gippsland communities of Baw Baw Shire and Latrobe City. Centacare Gippsland can be contacted on 5133 6020 (Latrobe City) or 5622 1188 (Baw Baw Shire). • Photo and story details with permission from Warragul and Drouin Gazette.
AT the opening are (from left) Baw Baw Shire fire recovery officer Lucas Paull, Baw Baw Shire Mayor Adam Tyson, Labertouche CRC vice president Lorraine Box, builder Geoff Ferrier, Centacare Gippsland Bushfire Recovery Counsellor Thérèse Kearney and Community Development Minister Lily D’Ambrosio.
Insight into personality of Bishop James Corbett THE article below on Bishop Corbett, the first Catholic bishop of Sale, is reprinted from Footprints, July 1976. Footprints is the journal of the Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese Historical Commission. John Gavan Duffy, a prominent Catholic layman of the time, was a son of Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, Young Ireland rebel and Premier of Victoria. IN writing a literary masterpiece about Bishop Corbett after his death, John Gavan Duffy describes him as ‘more like a French abbé in appearance.’ He was ‘an inveterate snufftaker. Amongst his snuff boxes was one which was a great favorite. Like some safes it could only be opened by an intricate way of moving pointers over discs, and the Bishop was very proud of the fact that the foreign shopkeeper in whose shop he had seen it gave it to him because he had opened it when every one else had failed.’ (Austral Light, July 1912). Duffy describes him: ‘And what a picturesque figure he was when he assisted at the great ceremonies of the Church in our Cathedral! I have rarely seen a more impressive personality. Tall, statuesque, with a flowing beard and dignified demeanour, he looked more like some great ecclesiastic of the Middle Ages or of the Eastern Confession, than a modern Bishop located in the wilds of Gippsland’. ‘His dress, appearance and demeanour differed to a large degree from those of the ordinary Irish Catholic priest, and he was fond of telling a story of how, when he landed in Cork, upon a visit to Ireland, he got into a jaunting car, and in answer to the driver’s “Where to, your honor?” said: “Drive to the Bishop’s,” and presently, to their mutual surprise, found himself interviewing the Anglican prelate. ‘All the excuse the driver made was: “How the divil – I beg pardon, your reverence, it slipped out – could I know that you were one of the rale clergy – there’s such an outlandish look about
Gippsland History with Patrick Morgan
you?” Duffy goes on to infer that on the snuff-taking habit Sale’s first bishop would be disqualified for canonisation, nevertheless he was a worthy prelate. ‘He had a heart of gold under an outer husk of reserve. He was a cultured gentleman, a scholar, a fast friend’. So much in brief of the pen picture. What of the details? James Francis Corbett was born in Limerick; road address, according to the writer’s file Tanyard Lane (which doesn’t sound Irish, and may not be cor-
rect). Priesthood studies were received in Belgium and Le Mans, Paris. After ordination in 1858 he returned to his native diocese, spending five years’ service at St John’s Parish, Limerick, Drumcollogher Parish, and Kilcolman. As Duffy remarks: ‘We may be sure that he carried out his duties with all the zeal, with all the punctuality, with all the devotion that have characterized his labours in our midst’. For reasons of health and with the urge to help where priests
were sorely needed, he came to the Melbourne Diocese, arriving in August 1864. Immediately assigned to the new parish of St Kilda, he served for a short time as Bishop Goold’s secretary. In fact, looking at the correspondence relating to the Goold era, it can be claimed that Corbett was one of the few among the clergy who didn’t come into conflict with the pragmatic leader – except on one occasion and that of no great moment. He presided over the completion of the ornate St Mary’s Church, and as well built many other churches and schools in the district that today embraces at least half a dozen parishes. The Presentation Sisters were brought in from Limerick in 1873. Later he introduced the Christian Brothers to extend the field of Catholic education – a cause he had very much at heart. We find him on an Education Committee in 1877 to found a Catholic (University) College, which succeeded many years later. In the previous year he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity and made a Vicar Forane – distinctions which kept him under scrutiny as an ‘episcopabile’. On the death of Dr Goold in 1886 it was decided to proceed to the formation of a fourth Victorian Diocese - a delayed intention when new dioceses were planned in the 1860s and 1870s. So Corbett was consecrated first Bishop of Sale in his beloved St Mary’s at St Kilda on 25 August 1887 by Archbishop Carr – making the fifth consecration of a bishop in Melbourne. Boarding the train with its engine decorated in blossoms and evergreens and relishing the
company of four other bishops, he left behind the tears of admirers at St Kilda to be greeted with the cheers of future subjects at Sale. The assignment was a tough one – especially in relation to staffing a scattered area with priests. There were four when he arrived and within a short time three of them returned to Melbourne. Contrasting the Directory entries of 1890 (the first to publish same) with that of 1912, we can asses the growth of the ‘mustard seed’. In 1890: five priests, 17 churches, 49 Mass stations, seven Catholic schools, three parochial districts. In 1912: 19 priests, 48 churches, 11 primary schools, nine parochial districts, three secondary schools, two communities of nuns: the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion, and the Sisters of St Joseph. A very human story of the man (among others) is related by Duffy in his Austral Light article of July 1912. On a second visit to Ireland ‘he fell in with the celebrated writer Cannon Sheehan. I (Duffy) asked him if he had ever read Sheehan’s My New Curate. He replied: Read it? Why, I wrote part of it. I told him two of my best stories, and he has gone and put them in the book’. As Duffy points out, Corbett just failed to achieve his Silver Jubilee as St Kilda pastor, and his Silver Jubilee as a bishop. He had just failed to see the completion of the sanctuary in his cathedral, dying at the age of 79 on May 29, 1912 – a few months before the announcement that Mgr. Mannix was to become a Coadjutor in Melbourne. A worthy pioneer who’d come from the Shannon to Gippsland!
Page 18 - Catholic Life, October 2010
Cranbourne parishioner’s first book a parable CRANBOURNE - Long time St Agatha’s parishioner Charles Fivaz published his first book in August this year. Entitled, Heartland, it is a parable about the Body of Christ – the global Christian community over the ages. Fivaz was inspired by the true stories of two people: Br Roger of Taize, who founded a community of Christians who live beyond denominational boundaries; and Sam Clear, an Australian Catholic youth leader who risked life and limb on an incredible pilgrimage around the world, walking over 15,000km for the cause of Christian unity. Clear has recently been “talking the walk” to Catholic schools in Victoria and elsewhere in Australia. Fivas also drew from his past experiences of a number of years as a parish representative on the Sale Diocese Ecumenical Council. The council fosters dialogue and engagement with Christians of other denominations in the diocese. The challenge of not only crafting a first novel but getting
Charles Fivaz
it published was daunting for this occasional freelance writer. “I needed to test the waters first,” he said. So he adapted an excerpt from an early draft of Heartland into a short story entitled Hannah’s Dreamtime and submitted it to Avant Press. Winning third prize in the Avant Press National Short Story Competition and having it published was a definitive sign for him to persevere. Then after more than a dozen drafts the short story became a short novel. Also encouraging were his personal contacts with other Christian writers like Anne Hamilton, Philip Yancey and Fr William Bausch, a well known American author and Catholic priest. Fr Bausch endorsed the book publicly with the comment, “Heartland is thoughtful and engaging … and there is real magic in the tale.” What’s the book about? The author explains: “Heartland is a story about a runaway farm girl in search of her roots, looking for healing, and about her father who must let go of everything in
his quest to find her. “They’re on an emotional roller-coaster, journeying through the land and through their history. It’s a rite of passage for both of them, and when the farming community gets involved they too are challenged and transformed.” An indigenous tribesman plays a significant role as the heroine’s mentor. He tells her stories, using myth and fable to engage and encourage her. But what’s Heartland really about? It’s a parable that Christian readers will have little trouble figuring out. And even secular readers have said they get a lot from it. A retired South African journalist called it “an enthralling read for anyone concerned about moving forward from the hurts of the past to a unified and forgiving future.” And they should know! But there is a special message there for the Christian reader. Heartland: A Parable can be ordered through book stores, or at www.heartlandaparable.com.
Newman: In his own words IN MY OWN WORDS, by John Henry Cardinal Newman, compiled by Lewis Berry, published by Liguori, distributed by Rainbow Books, hardback, 114 pages, rrp $27.95. JOHN Henry Newman has just been beatified by Pope Benedict during his history visit to England and this makes this book timely reading. Newman was an Anglican priest who headed the Oxford Movement in the 19th Century, then changed course to become a Catholic priest. This caused many of his influential friends to sever relationships. He was a deep thinker of high intellect and despite never being a monsignor or bishop, he was surprisingly elevated to the College of Cardinals. This book is part of the In My Own Words series which has also featured Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, Henri Nouwen, Joan Chittister, St Pio of Pietrelcina, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II, St Therese of Lisieux and Thomas Merton.
Mary MacKillop story out on DVD Talking about Books
The depth of the man’s thinking has had a great influence on the Church over the past century, particularly on the thinking and theology of our current pope. This is why Pope Benedict chose to beatify Newman instead of sending a Cardinal or senior Vatican official to peform the ceremony as is normal. His thinking on the trinity, the Mass and sacraments, Our Lady, saints and heaven make interesting reading, as does his chapter on the development of doctrine. Saving some of the best for last is a section on Catholic education, politics and history, which, although written more than 100 years ago, still contains a lot of wisdom in this modern age. MY VERY FIRST PRAYERS, compiled by Juliet David, illustrations by Helen Prole, published by Lion Hudson, distributed by Rainbow Books, hardback, $14.99.
The compiler of this book provides a short biography of Newman’s life before laying out a series of quotes from writings and sermons. Newman was a great intellect and reading his works is sometimes difficult but this book captures just a paragraph here and there to lead readers into a deeper understanding of the man. Newman talks about the reality of sin and evil, faith and reason, conscience and Catholic teachings, conversion to Christ, prayer, Christian life and the Church in a changing world.
MANY parents find it difficult to find the right words to introduce their children to prayer. Some they have forgotten the prayers of their childhood while others feel that those formal prayers are from a different era and they want more modern ones. This delightful book with colorful cartoon style illustrations, covers the best of both worlds. There are some great old fashioned prayers, generally short ones in simple language for little children. The book has been specially created for parents to use at bedtimes and if the child wants to keep the book to look at some pictures while falling asleep, there is no danger of the book being damaged. All pages are thick board
which makes this special book virtually indestructible, even in the hands of a two year old. THE ONE STOP BIBLE ATLAS by Nick Page, published by Lion Hudson, distributed by Rainbow Books, hardback, 128 pages, rrp $24.99. OFTEN when we are listening to or reading the Bible we hear of places and peoples who share the Middle East with the Jews. However, we have no real understanding of where these places are and this book makes a valuable guide. Page is author of over 60 books, many specialising on Bible history, both others have been novels, plays and children’s story books. This latest book is part of a series of One Stop books produced by the publishers, following on from guides on the Bible, Christianity and Jesus. The Bible Atlas covers not only locations but also the topography and climate. The book is laid out in historic periods covering the Old Testament, then followed by the periods of Greece expansion, the Maccabeans and Hasmodians and then the Roman. There is a clear descriptions and colorful maps covering the time of Jesus and the journeys of Paul. Photos of ruins and sketches of major temples and timelines assist in making this book a pleasurable read. The beaut thing about it is that each section covers only one or two pages and is written in easy to understand language. You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to make sense of it but everyone would benefit by knowing more of the lands and the peoples who dominate our Sunday readings.
A NEW release of Mary: The Mary MacKillop Story on DVD by Roadshow Entertainment has been made to co-incide with the canonisation of Bless Mary of the Cross MacKillop. The DVD has been available in shops for several weeks. It is a re-release of the original 1994 production featuring Lucy Bell as Mary. The movie spans 60 years with the dramatic recreations of Mary’s life interspersed with comments from historical consultant Fr Peter Gumpel, broadcaster and biographer Clare Dune and Sr Margaret McKenna and Sr Maria Foale from the Sisters of St Joseph. Watching the DVD gives viewers a better understanding of Mary MacKillop, born of struggling Scottish migrant parents and destined to found the Sisters of St Joseph. It talks of her visions, beginning around age 6, in which she was guided by a beautiful lady. She had no understanding of what it meant but wrote about the experience when she was about 20. Mary MacKillop was a battler for the poor and underprivileged and this comes through strongly in the film. Her battles with Church authorities and her visit to Rome to meet the Pope are featured.
A special feature of this release is inclusion of Talking About Mary, a series of interviews with Sr Mary Casey rsj, film director Kay Pavlou, Rev. Bill Crews and Osman Karolia. Pavlou has directing Macleod’s Daughters, Under One Roof and Desperately Seeking Sheila. Lead actor Lucy Bell has previously featured in Oscar and Lucinda, The Square and Wildside. The film runs for 71 minutes and retails for $29.95. Catholic Life is giving away three copies of the DVD to coincide with the canonisation. See page 14 for details of how to enter.
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Catholic Life, October 2010 - Page 19
For the Young and Young at Heart Time for a Laugh Mary MacKillop Book prize STEPHEN Spielberg was assembling a cast of action movie actors for his new film on famous musicians. Sylvester Stallone said “I’ve always admired Mozart’s music, so I’ll play him.” Bruce Willis said “I’m a great fan of Beethoven, so I’ll like to play him.” Steven Seagal said “I love waltz music, so I’ll be Johann Strauss,” Arnold Schwarzenegger simply said “I’ll be Bach!” A MAN sees a sign in front of a house: “Talking Dog for Sale.” He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. He goes into the backyard and sees a black mutt just sitting there. “You talk?” he asks. “Yep,” the mutt replies. “So, what’s your story?” The mutt looks up and says, “Well, I discovered this gift pretty young and I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.” “I was one of their most valuable spies eight years running. But, the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn’t getting any younger and I wanted to settle down.” “So, I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings there and was awarded a batch of medals.” “Had a wife, a mess of puppies, and now I’m just retired.” The man is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. The owner says, “Ten dollars.” The guy says, “This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?” The owner replies, “He’s such a liar. He didn’t do any of that stuff.” ONE day a man met an old friend and asked him if he was still dating the same girl. “No” said the friend. “She wasn’t too bright. Just the other day she decided to ride a horse for the first time. Without any instruction she hopped on and took off at full gallop. “Everything was fine for a minute until she started losing her grip and began sliding down the side of the horse. She started grasping desperately at the reigns and the horse’s mane. “The horse kept it’s pace up
as she bounced up and down on the ground with the horse’s hooves pounding away inches from her head. The horse might have killed her if it were not for an alert supermarket employee who ran over and unplugged the thing!” A SCHOOL teacher of preschoolers was concerned that his students might be a little confused about Jesus Christ because of the Christmas season emphasis on His birth. He wanted to make sure they understood that the birth of Jesus occurred for real. He asked his class, “Where is Jesus today?” Steven raised his hand and said, “He’s in heaven.” Mary was called on and answered, “He’s in my heart.” Little Johnny, waving his hand furiously, blurted out, “I know, I know! He’s in our bathroom!!!” The whole class got very quiet, looked at the teacher, and waited for a response. The teacher was completely at a loss for a few very long seconds. Finally, he gathered his wits and asked Little Johnny how he knew this. Little Johnny said, “Well... every morning, my father gets up, bangs on the bathroom door, and yells, “Good Lord, are you still in there?!” A COUPLE was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. Their domestic tranquility had long been the talk of the town. A local newspaper reporter asked the secret of their long and happy marriage. “Well, it dates back to our honeymoon,” explained the man. “We visited the Grand Canyon and took a trip down to the bottom on the canyon by pack mule. We hadn’t gone too far when my wife’s mule stumbled. My wife quietly said, ‘That’s once.’ “We proceeded a little further and the mule stumbled again. Once more my wife quietly said, ‘That’s twice.’ We hadn’t gone much further when the mule stumbled the third time. and my wife took out a gun and and shot the mule dead. I started to yell at her for her treatment of the mule when she looked at me and quietly said ‘That’s once.” A WOMAN asked a friend how her young son was getting on after graduating from university as a doctor. “Oh, he’s doing fantastically well. “Every now and then he can afford to tell a patient there is nothing wrong with them!”
FOR a chance to win one of four Mary MacKillop Children’s Prayer Books just colour in the picture above and send the entry in to Catholic Life. The best four will win the prize.
Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Age . . . . . . Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Send entries to: Colouring Contest, c/- Catholic Life, PO Box 183, Sale. 3853
Fill in the spaces . . . Use the following words to fill in the missing details about the life of Blessed Mary of the Cross MacKillop
• Rome • letters • saint • Fitzroy • first • • women • Penola • mother • Sisters • excommunicated • 1. MARY was born in ..................... in 1842. 2. Mary looked after her family when her .................. became ill. 3. Mary met Fr Julian Tenison Woods in ....................... 4. Mary opened the .................... St Joseph’s School in a stable at Penola in 1866. 5. Mary was joined by other ..................... who helped her. 6. Mary began the ...................... of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. 7. Mary wrote many ..................... to her Sisters to help them in their work. 8. Mary was ........................... from the Church. 9. Mary travelled to ................... to meet the Pope. 10. Mary is Australia’s first ..............................
Finally a couple more gags THE young boy asked his dad to clarify what he was learning about the Bible at school. He pointed out the teacher had been telling about how the children of Israel built the temple, how they crossed the Red Sea and how they made sacrifices. “Didn’t the adults do anything?” THE tax officer phoned a priest and explained he was auditing a tax return from one of his parishioners. “Can you confirm that he donated $300 to the school building fund,” asked the tax man. The priest throught for a while and replied “I can’t recall it. I will have to check my records but I can assure you that if he didn’t make the donation he soon will.”
Page 20 - Catholic Life, October 2010
St John’s fete a great day THE annual fete at St John’s Primary School, Koo Wee Rup, will take place on October 24. As always there will be great food, rides, demonstrations, competitions, a variety of stalls, showbags, an auction, raffles, clowns and lots of music. Those attending can pick up a bargain at the stalls which include white elephant, fruit and vegetables, cakes, plants and craft. There is even an art gallery and lots of prizes to be won.
StVdP Berwick gets its new soup van BERWICK - The St Vincent de Paul Society Berwick received its long awaited brand new soup van last month. The official handover took place at St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield and couldn’t have been possible without the support of the sponsors – Harris Freer Toyota, J.P Shinners Plumbing, Norden, Sheedy Muir Good Guys and St Francis Xavier College Beaconsfield. The ceremony took place with all sponsors in attendance as well as a number of volunteers, fami-
Quick calendar
ly and friends. It was an excellent culmination to a very busy first year of operation for the van. In April 2009 the Berwick Region of St Vincent de Paul recognised a need for this service in the area. After months of preparation and research the van was finally on the road in September 2009. The clientele has grown from about five people per night to upwards of 60 people per night. The van is in operation
Wednesday and Sunday nights and travels to Berwick, Narre Warren, Hampton Park, Cranbourne and Pakenham making a number of street stops as well as visiting rooming houses and hostels. It delivers hot dogs, soup, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, fruit and biscuits to people in need in the area. Berwick Soup Van president Lauren Harvey said “The success of the van would not be possible without the support of all our sponsors and countless vol-
unteers.” There are about 100 volunteers who help out with the van from making sandwiches, soup, knitting scarves as well as the people who work on the van. Lauren said “The support we have received from the community has been overwhelming. It allows us to reach many people which is very pleasing.” If you would like more information on the Berwick Soup Van please contact Lauren on 0418 136 969 or at berwicksoupvan @gmail.com.
‘Mad scientists’ for a day
What’s on & when October 15 – Memorial of St Teresa 17 – Canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Rome, followed by Bishop Prowse’s walking tour at 3pm. Live TV and Web broadcasts in Australia 17 – South region celebration of MacKillop canonisation and Mary MacKillop College Expo, Leongatha 18 – Feast of St Luke, evangelist 21 – Valley region meeting, Newborough, noon 24 – St John’s Primary School, Koo Wee Rup, fete 27 – Meetings of Council of Priests and Consultors, Sale, noon 27 – Finance Council meeting, Sale 29-31 – Official parish visitation to Maffra and Heyfield parishes by Bishop Prowse 31 – Annual St Sofia festival at St John’s, Koo Wee Rup, Italian Mass at 9.30am, followed by procession 31 – 11am Mass and lunch to celebrate refurbishment of St Laurence’s Church, Leongatha, and canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
November 1 – All Saints Day 1 - Deadline of November Catholic Life 2 – Melbourne Cup (public holiday) 2 – All Souls Day 5-7 – Official visit of Bishop Prowse to Koo Wee Rup and Iona parishes 9 – East region meeting, Orbost, 10.30am 9 – Launch of new Peter Synan book, Three Springtimes: Chronicles of St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale and launch of Cathedral master plan and appeal. 10 - Catholic Life published 10 - South region meeting, St Laurence’s parish centre, Leongatha, 11.15am 10 – Gathering of religious of diocese and mass, 11am 11 – Opening and blessing of new facilities at St Ita’s School, Drouin 12 – Diocesan celebration of canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 11am 12 – Civic reception by
Wellington Shire to mark 120th anniversary of arrival of Sisters of Sion in Sale, 6pm 13 – Ecumenical commission, ‘Celebrating Mary MacKillop – A Great Australian’, Mary of the Cross Hall, St Michael’s School, Traralgon 13 – Memorial of St Francis Xavier 13 – Celebration of 120th anniversary of foundation of Our Lady of Sion Convent, Sale. 14 - Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral at 11am, followed by luncheon to mark 120th anniversary of foundation of Our Lady of Sion Convent 14 – Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Perpetual Help shrine at St Mary’s Cathedral, 2.30pm. 16 – Central region meeting, St Joseph’s parish meeting room, Warragul, 7.30pm 17 - Official opening new facilities at Nagle College, Bairnsdale 19-21 – Bishop Prowse’s official visit to Moe parish 20 – Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting, Moe 21 – Solemnity of Christ the King 22-26 – Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference plenary session, Sydney 24 - West region meeting, St Agatha’s parish centre, Cranbourne, 10.30am 27 – Ordination of Deacon Dariusz Jablonski as priest for Sale Diocese, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 1pm 27 – Victorian State Elections 30 - Deadline of December Catholic Life
SOME of St Michael’s mad scientists pose for a photograph in the laboratory coats. TRARALGON - As a conclusion to their inquiry topic on science, Grade 3 and 4 children from St Michael’s School in Traralgon had a fun day recently dressing up as mad scientists. Term 3 was spent studying the
science topics of water, light, magnets and electricity. The children were asked to get into small groups, research a small, safe experiment and present it in front of the other children.
Teachers presented awards for the most innovative and interesting experiments. This proved to be a fun learning day and there were some very clever and imaginative costumes.
Year 10 leaders gather in Sale
December 2 – Valley region Christmas lunch, Morwell Club, noon 8 - Catholic Life published 12 – Polish Mass, Sacred Heart Church, Morwell, noon 15 – Council of Priests and Consultors meetings, Sale, noon 18 – School holidays begin 24 – Christmas Eve 25 – Christmas Day 26 – Boxing Day 27 – Public holiday in lieu of Christmas Day 28 – Public holiday in lieu of Boxing Day 31 – New Year’s Eve
SECONDARY school leaders with Sr Rose Duffy csb (rear left) after the liturgy in St Mary’s Cathedral. The students are wearing T-shirts designed by Kyle Missen, of St Patrick’s Primary School, Stratford, which emphasises the Australian focus of MaryMacKillop’s ministry with Mary is set against the background of the cross, Southern Cross and Uluru. SALE - The annual Catholic Education Office Year 10 Gathering was held last month in Sale. Students from around the diocese gathered together for a day of fun, faith and friendship all lead by year 10 and 11 leaders, powerful peer to peer ministry. After a warm welcome and prayer from Sr Rose Duffy and Robyn Lewry, the leaders took over and revved everyone up with ice-breaker games. Taking
some good advice the leaders kept things quick paced and interactive. Then it was time for the serious part of the day. Working with the other leaders from their schools, students presented to the whole group on the life or spirituality of Mary MacKillop. For many of the leaders this presentation was very close to their own hearts as many have been selected from their schools to travel to the Canonisation in
Rome this month. The year 10 participants were fantastic and a real credit to their schools. Thoughtful questions and comments and attentive listening was held throughout the day. The time together was then completed at the Cathedral with a final liturgy. Everyone left the day with a small gift, a Mary MacKillop pin and good memories.
Catholic Life, October 2010 - Page 21
Kelly gang scare and an armed robbery in Moe By Terry Synan DID Ned Kelly and his gang ever come to Gippsland? Some people believed Ned, as a younger man, had crossed the ranges and either worked in the province or delivered and/or received stolen horses. Others suspected the gang, or some section thereof, would do so during the height of the 1878 – 1880 Kelly paranoia period. A few villains with criminal intent, sought to cash-in on Gippsland’s Kelly gang anxiety, and executed a Kelly style “bail-up”. Surprisingly, little attention is paid to this aspect of the Kelly phenomenon although Peter Synan’s Gippsland’s Lucky City: A History of Sale does highlight the impact of the Kelly escapades and the social instability they precipitated beyond North-Eastern Victoria. “Sale and district were in a high state of nervousness”, he writes. “Rumors were rife that both Ned Kelly and Joe Byrne knew Gippsland well and that a hold-up on this side of the ranges was imminent”. Such was the level of concern and anxiety, he continues, “that the Walhalla monthly gold escort by 1879 was armed to the hilt”. By way of further evidence he continues: “Moreover, the Bank of Victoria and other banks took extra precautions. Reportedly, in December 1878, large quantities of gold, coins and bank notes were brought into Sale from district banks and conveyed for safe keeping to Melbourne”. The Kelly gang had demonstrated with considerable panache their capacity to relieve in broad daylight country banks of their accumulated wealth. On December 9, 1878 the gang emerged from the Strathbogie Ranges at noon and, in a genteel manner, took charge of the Younghusband Station on Faithfield’s Creek outside Euroa and made prisoners of everyone there. Then at about 4.30 pm Ned, Dan Kelly and Steve Hart, presented themselves with guns drawn to Mr Robert Scott, the manager of the Euroa branch of the National Bank and his two tellers, demanding to make a withdrawal of all the money residing in the bank’s strongroom. Next, Ned Kelly opened the strongroom with the reluctant manager’s keys and relieved the Bank of 1942 pounds in notes, gold and silver plus 31 oz of smelted gold, five bags of cartridges and two revolvers. February 8, 1879 found the Kelly gang in Jerilderie locking up the two local police in their own cells and sleeping the night on the police station floor. Next day Steve Hart and Joe Byrne donned police uniforms and had Mrs Devine, a policeman’s wife, walk them through the town to assess the layout of the local Bank of New South Wales and the Royal Hotel next door. After another night’s sleep on the police station floor, they rounded up some 30 locals into the hotel before Ned and Joe Byrne, dressed as troopers, held up the bank; collecting 691 pounds from the counters and 1450 pounds in banknotes from the safe. The gang left Jerilderie at about 3 pm warning the locals that if any of them left the hotel before 7pm they would have their heads blown off. After the Jerilderie hold-up the
THE bank hold up in Euroa from the Illustrated Australian News, December 2, 1878. gang vanished into the ranges for Bank of Australasia, heard a novices on a bushranger’s the following 16 months and all gentle knocking on the back errand. the resources of the Victorian door of his bank residence. When arrested they had in police force seemed powerless to He opened it to find two tall their possession two loaded sixapprehend them. males, one with a white coat and shooter revolvers and some addiDuring this long hiatus prior revolver. A scuffle ensured as tional cartridges. One had some to the Glenrowan siege on June Munro successfully resisted the recently inflicted facial injuries 27, 1880, rumors of their where- assailants. Luckily, the revolver’s per compliments of the resistant abouts abounded across north- cap snapped, but appeared not Moe banker. eastern Victoria, southern New to fire. The would-be robbers The Shanks were brought back South Wales and spilt across the then ran off minus their hats and to Sale in the night train and ranges in Gippsland. Bank money. were met by “a great concourse Authorities became edgy. This happening caused consid- of people assembled on the platBy late December, 1878 the erable excitement some short form to await their arrival”. Gippsland Times editorialised on time later in Sale, the centre of (Gippsland Mercury, November “what is becoming known as ‘the the Gippsland police district. 6, 1879). They were “charged Kelly scare’ “ because in the pre- Reports circulated that the Kelly with committing an assault with vious week the Melbourne gang had struck at Moe. In the intent to robbery under arms”. papers reported that the Kelly’s absence of Kabat, Sergeant The presiding magistrate was Mr were supposedly on their way to Scanlon was informed by Mr Alfred Howitt assisted by Mr J North Gippsland “and that their Coverdale, Sale’s postmaster that Little JP. Again a large crowd presence might be looked for in an attempt had been made to filled the court room. some of the smaller and unpro- stick-up the Moe Bank. The Sale assize court heard the tected towns as…” (Gippsland The Sergeant immediately case in February, 1880. Mr Times, December 23, 1878). applied to Mr Cutten, Sale’s sta- Justice J Wilberforce Stephen (of This rumor resulted in large tionmaster for a special train. 1872 Education Act Fame) sums of banknotes, gold and This was quickly granted. presided. The Shank brothers other valuables being removed Within half an hour the train pleaded guilty and received three from the Banks at Bairnsdale, was ready to convey police and years goal each, most likely Stratford, Rosedale and Maffra their horses to the scene of the served at Pentridge Prison, and conveyed to Sale in readi- action. Melbourne, where Ned Kelly ness for shipment by train to Sergeant Irwin was placed in had served time a little earlier. Melbourne. It was argued that charge of the police contingent. An interesting postscript is such precautions would circum- Also accompanying them on the worthy of note. Judge Stephen vent a possible Gippsland attack train was Dr Archibald was quite narked about the if such was contemplated. Macdonald, Sale’s sprightly and whole case. He believed these The paper also reported that impulsive medical doctor, plus villains should face the full force fresh supplies of arms and Mr Palmer, the manager of of the law. He had hoped to senammunitions were promised to Sale’s Bank of Australasia. tence the Shanks to 15 years local police so that they were betOn arrival at Moe the force of each but was prevented from so ter able to resist any Gippsland police was divided into two. One doing because of what he called outrages as those visited on group, including Constable Beck the “misplaced mercy” of offiEuroa and Jerilderie. and Dr McDonald, was cers of the Crown who had Walhalla, with its highly rich despatched westwards towards opted for a lesser charge (to Long Tunnel Mine, was assumed Trafalgar and the other checked which they pleaded guilty) than to be a prime Kelly target, espe- out the Moe locality. the one that could have applied. cially the monthly gold escort As daylight dawned and evi- Stephen called the work of the conveying refined gold to dence of escape tracks were court officers “a blunder” and Melbourne. revealed, the would-be bank rob- misplaced mercy. Each monthly escort carried bers were located on the platDr Macdonald later received some 30oz (worth about $40,000 form of the Trafalgar railway vice-regal recognition for this in today’s money) and a Kelly station and arrested. Apparently Moe escapade. The Governor of attack was feared. Six fully their escape plan was to follow Victoria presented him with a silarmed troopers accompanied the railway to Trafalgar and ver service for his role in the capeach escort under the charge of catch a train home. ture. Superintendant Leopold Kabat, All agreed that the attempted Sale also had some Kelly then in charge of the Gippsland hold-up was very amateurish admirers who worked for a Kelly police district. and quite unworthy of any Kelly reprieve from the gallows. They However, it was during associations. The Kelly’s only obtained some 40 signatures, November, 1879 that an actual held up banks in broad daylight though had to withstand many Gippsland “Kelly” robbery was all agreed. The culprits were refusals to sign their petition. staged. At about 9 o’clock in the brothers Robert and James Lastly, Gippsland was visited evening on the first Wednesday Shanks aged 21 and 23 respec- by a post-gallows Kelly gang of that month, Mr Hector tively. They were the sons of happening. This occurred in Munro, the manager of the Moe farmers residing near Drouin – Warragul.
Daniel Kennedy was a teacher in the Greta Catholic school where he may well have taught young Dan Kelly. He was also a selector and, most importantly, a police spy informing on Kelly gang happenings. His non-de-plum was the “Diseased Stock Agent”. He also helped his widowed sister, Bridget O’Brien, run Greta’s Victoria Hotel, a prime location for gathering Kelly gang intelligence. After the Glenrowan tragedy, the hanging of Ned Kelly and the Kelly Royal Commission (where his role in the saga would become known) he left northeastern Victoria for “health” reasons coming to Warragul. There he purchased the Crown Hotel on Queen Street opposite the railway station in 1883. It burnt down in 1888 and Kennedy rebuilt it as the present Orient Hotel. Kennedy became a leading townsman in Warragul supporting all good causes such as the Warragul and West Gippsland Agricultural Society, the Warragul Racing Club and the Warragul Fire Brigade. Soon he was elected to the Warragul Council. He was also a leading member of St Joseph’s Catholic Parish. Warragul’s citizenry was unsure who Daniel Kennedy really was. He was obviously a person of talent and capacity. People knew he had been a school teacher and would have noted he assisted Fr James O’Neill, in March 1889, to examine the Catholic school students, concluding that the quality of their work “reflected the highest credit upon the teacher”. Further, they knew he had been involved somehow with the Kelly saga. Accordingly, some concluded that his real name must be Thomas Curnow. This was the Glenrowan teacher who heroically flagged down the special police train from Benalla before it encountered the breach in the railway line that Ned Kelly had organised. (The Path of Progress, Hugh Copeland, 1934). In 1888, just before the Crown caught fire, Kennedy had a visit from a second-tier member of the Kelly gang which set tongues wagging. He was Isaiah Wright, known as Wild Wright, both a bare-fist fighter and a loyal Kelly lieutenant. An uncomfortable blast from the past had caught up with Kennedy. Wild Wright was not charged for either accommodation or liquid refreshments. Kennedy did arrange a bareknuckle fight for Wright with a bushman from Leongatha who handsomely won the encounter. That same year the Catholic priest, Fr Thomas Egan, whose Wangaratta parish incorporated Greta and Glenrowan during the Kelly gang days also turned up at Warragul as parish priest. Fr Egan died tragically at Warragul on October 13, 1888, the consequence of over exertion after a sick call to Jeetho beyond Poowong. Daniel Kennedy had overextended himself financially rebuilding his hotel. He was caught out by the 1891 depression and became insolvent. He eventually moved to Melbourne becoming an AMP agent and died there in 1921 aged 78 years. So concluded the Kelly saga for Gippsland.
Page 22 - Catholic Life, October 2010
world news ... Tsunami response helps to build a stronger Samoa
A CYCLONE proof home being built to replace one destroyed by last year’s tsunami. SAMOA - Caritas Australia applauds the courage and determination of Samoa’s recovering coastal communities as they reflect on a year of loss and renewal on the anniversary of the devastating 2009 Pacific tsunami. On September 29 last year, 19 villages on the south eastern coast of Samoa’s Upolu Island were shattered by a tsunami wave that reached 400 metres inland. At least 140 lives were lost and from Aleipata to Falealil thousands were left without homes, resources and vital infrastructure. Caritas Australia’s chief executive officer Jack de Groot, said: “Bolstered by the support of AusAID, the International Caritas Confederation, and the generosity of so many Australians, Caritas mounted a $1.5 million Samoan reconstruction program that has saved lives and seen homes rebuilt, families
reunited, schools enlivened and communities renewed. “The strength of Caritas response in Samoa is its community based approach. Within six hours of the tsunami our partners were responding to the immediate needs of desperate coastal communities, and over the past year we’ve been working at the grassroots to rebuild and strengthen communities for the long term.” In the wake the tsunami Caritas’ local partner delivered emergency food and water aid to almost 300 families in the affected communities. One year on, Caritas has facilitated the construction of 70 cyclone-proof fales (traditional Samoan homes) for families across Poutasi, Salea’aumua, Satioa, Maninoa, Satalo, Vaovai and Sa’anapu. Mr de Groot said “As well as being one of the first organisations to address the immediate and tangible needs of the affect-
Madrid gearing up for WYD invasion SPAIN - Some 7000 volunteers are already hard at work to prepare the next World Youth Day, which will take place next August in Madrid. María Dolores Jaureguizar, assistant director of the event’s department of communications, reported this during a press conference in the Holy See last week. The 2011 Madrid World Youth Day “is never asleep” because “someone is always awake” working for this event, she stated. She noted that many families in Spain have offered their homes to the hundreds of thousands of participants who will arrive from different parts
of the world. Jaureguizar reported that there were also close to 70 community managers who translate the news of the youth day into 18 languages so that it will come to young people “in their language, the language of the social networks.” More than 200,000 people had become fans of the youth day through the online social networks. “They send us all kinds of suggestions, from the way to design the pilgrim’s cap (which will really be necessary with the heat of Madrid in August), to proposals of cultural activities of all types,” she added.
ed communities, the Caritas network has sought to empower families to overcome the obstacles of their tragedy. “The provision of new school uniforms, coupled with compassionate psycho-social support, has enabled hundreds of children – terrified of the ocean – to confidently return to coastal schools. Caritas partners have also facilitated mentoring and youth leadership training in all but three of the affected communities, empowering young people to play an active role in longterm, community emergency preparedness. “There is of course deep respect and gratitude for Australia’s support of the reconstruction, but Samoan communities can also take great pride in everything they have achieved. Our role as partners in crisis is to nurture and nourish that determined spirit as vulnerable communities take the reins on their own reconstruction.”
world news ... Catechism translated into Pidgin for PNG Catholics PAPUA NEW GUINEA - The Catechism of the Catholic Church has been translated into New Guinea Pidgin, or Tok Pisin, the most prevalent language in Papua New Guinea. Bishop Francesco Sarego of Goroka led the team of clerics and theologians in the translation project which has just been completedy. It noted that the prelates throughout the country have “joyfully approved the invaluable work.” The catechism immediately went to the press, and each diocese in PNG received 5000 copies to sell to the public at a minimum cost. Missionaries, catechists and faithful are overjoyed to have this translated text.
The desire was expressed to continue translating educational films on scripture and the saints into the local language. The news article noted that there have been requests for a greater investment in Catholic evangelisation through print, radio, television, films, DVDs and CDs, along with the spiritual and professional education of people who will work in this ministry. A little over a quarter of Papua New Guinea’s near 6 million people are Catholic. Though Tok Pisin, English and Hiri Motu are official languages of the island, it is Tok Pisin that is widely used and understood. English and Hiri Motu are each spoken by less than 2 percent of the population.
Pope Benedict stresses importance of faith ITALY - Benedict XVI is underlining faith as the foundation of the Christian life and the fundamental thing to ask of God. During a pastoral trip to the island of Sicily, the Pope celebrated an outdoor Mass in Palermo. In his homily, he spoke about faith, “which is the foundation of the whole Christian life.” The Pontiff noted: “Jesus taught his disciples how to grow in faith, to believe in him and entrust themselves to him more and more, to build their lives upon the rock. Thus, they ask him: ‘Increase our faith’ (Luke 17:6).” “It is a great request that they make of the Lord,” he affirmed. “It is the fundamental request.” The Holy Father continued: “The disciples do not ask for material goods; they do not ask for privileges; rather they ask for the grace of faith, that orients
and illuminates life as a whole; they ask for the grace to recognize God and to be able to abide in an intimate relationship with him, receiving from him all his gifts, including those of courage, love and hope.” “Faith — trusting Christ, welcoming him, allowing him to transform us, following him completely — makes humanly impossible things possible in every situation.” He said that “the wicked one, he who does not act in obedience to God, puts his trust in his own power, but he is leaning on something fragile and inconsistent — that is why he will slip, he is destined to fall.” On the other hand, the Pope said, “the just man” puts his trust “in a reality that is hidden but unshakable, he trusts in God and because of this he will have life.”
UN report on hidden Congo crisis CONGO - Following release of the long-awaited United Nations report on human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 1993-2003, Caritas Australia is calling on Australian to ensure peace and dignity for the millions of people marginalised by conflict in the Congo. According to the UN, the report describes in excess of 600 incidents of human rights abuses against Congolese civilians – in particular rape and genderbased violence – that took place between in the 10 years of bloody conflict. Caritas Australia chief executive officer Jack de Groot said: the extent of the humanitarian crisis in the Congo was almost inconceivable yet it went largely unnoticed by the rest of the world. The situation for women and children is abhorrent. Even today, Congo remainedone of the deadliest places in the world to live, and was funda-
mentally the most dangerous place to be a women. “The United Nations report collected testimony from thousands of witnesses; from Caritas Australia’s extensive experience in the Congo - from the stories we hear from our partners and the vulnerable communities they serve - there’s no doubt the UN report at last tell the story of a nation plagued by extreme poverty, institutionalised violence and horrific rape.” The Congo war claimed up to four million lives and on average 45 women and girls were raped daily. Each year more than 1400 vulnerable civilians were killed deliberately as a result of clashes between Congolese and Rwandan militia and every day 1500 people continue to die from preventable diseases. “The emergency in the Congo barely registers on the public radar, yet the scale of atrocities is so immense and confronting
that we ought to be compelled to respond. Today we’re calling on Australians to reignite their compassion for the victims of Congo’s silent emergency and take action with Caritas to bring an end to the enduring conflict. “In 2009, Caritas Australia issued the Forsake Voices report highlighting the shocking realities of life for women, children and marginalised communities in Congo – we were overwhelmed by the public’s response and support for our partners working in Congo. We’re eager to reignite that energy and call Australians to action.” Together with its local partners, Caritas works to care for and empower the victims of rape, helps to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and works to overcome the structural causes of extreme poverty through early education and vocational training.
Catholic Life, October 2010 - Page 23
Feast day celebrated
Classifieds public notices
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I WISH to thank the good people of the Diocese of Sale for their prayers and messages of support during my recent illness and convalescence in Ireland. I am pleased to be back in Gippsland and cathcing up on the news I missed during my absence. Pleaase accept this message as my personal thank you. - Bishop J.J. Coffey Paynesville
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Bishop’s Family Foundation If you are making or updating your will, you may consider leaving a bequest to the Bishop’s Family Foundation. The Bishop’s Family Foundation has produced some easy-to-read booklets explaining bequests which may be an advantage to read before seeing your solicitor to prepare or update your will.
THANKS for prayers answered St Joseph and St Jude. A very thankful mother.
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LOCH - The feast day of St Matthew falls on September 21 and since Fr Matthew Kannalayil arrived from India to the Parish of Korumburra earlier this year, the parishioners who attend weekly Mass at St Vincent’s, Loch, elected to invite him to say Mass on the previous Sunday, then help celebrate his namesake’s feast day with a cuppa and supper afterwards. Some of the Church community prepared a history of St Matthew outlining the attributes that he had and how he became the patron Saint of tax collectors and accountants.
It was read to Fr Kannalayil and the congegation following the prayers of the faithful and Father was pleased to be presented with the account later. When Saint Matthew is seen in paintings and stained glass windows, he is depicted with illuminated manuscripts and with a purse or money-bag. Occasionally, he is seated at a desk, with money spread out before him. As the Evangelist, he appears with book, pen, and inkhorn, and generally an angel standing by dictating the Gospel to him.
Warragul netballers at state championships
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FR Matthew Kannalayil with some of his parishioners celebrate the Feast of St Matthew.
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WARRAGUL - St Joseph’s Warragul netballers did themselves and their school proud by representing the Forsyth Region in the State Netball Championships. They were one of the eight teams out of a possible 1400 schools that competed in the Championships which were held at Waverley last month. In their first match St Josephs played St Mary’s Swan Hill. The Joeys girls took a while to find
their form struggling somewhat in the mid-court and they lost 28-9. In the second game the Joeys met Mother of God Primary School and while the girls played well the opposition defence was just too good and St Joseph’s lost 20-9. By the third and final game the girls had found their form. Joey’s came out guns blazing against Beaconhills College, giving them a real run for their money. At
half time the scores were even, then Beaconhills stepped up to win 16-8. Beaconhills eventually went through to win the grand final. It was a fantastic effort from all the girls, they displayed great teamwork and sportsmanship and enjoyed the experience of the day. Special mention must go to the awesome defence from Maddy Pratt and Lara Commadeur who fought tirelessly all day.
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Sale student off to indigenous science program SALE – A young Aboriginal student at Catholic College Sale has been given an opportunity to attend an innovative summer school program of science and technology. Ben Yarram will be among 30 indigenous students from around Australia who will come together in Adelaide in December to participate in the Aboriginal Summer School for Excellence in Technology and Science for the 21st Century (ASSETS C21). The students come from the Torres Strait Islands in the north east to South Hedland in the North West and everywhere in between. Ben has earned the opportunity to attend this innovative, fullyfunded summer school program. ASSETS C21 provides a unique, academic and culturally enriching experience for a group of students every year with a challenging academic program delivered at the Australian Science and Mathematics School, Flinders University, the RiAus Science Exchange and the CSIRO facility in Adelaide. Students will explore cuttingedge science through investigations in Nanotechnology. They will see how science applies to
everyday living by learning about preventative health. The curriculum involves problem based learning with experts in various fields and collaborative research. Students will share their findings through technology focused presentations. The program also has a cultural component, where students interact with traditional elders and role models to enhance cultural understandings, stimulate personal growth and develop the leadership capabilities of these Indigenous young people. Professor Peter Buckskin, Patron of ASSETS C21 and an eminent, nationally-respected Indigenous Academic at the University of South Australia leads this part of the summer school program.
Meet the state champions
STMichael’s Primary School, Berwick, has been crowned state champions at the Tournament of Minds held at Latrobe University Bundoora last month. The team of seven grade 5 and 6 students were victorious in the Applied Technology division. They have now qualified to represent Victoria at the Australasian finals in Darwin on October 23. This is the first year a team from St. Michael’s has won their regional final let alone the State final.
Celebrating Italian day By Remy and Jack MORWELL - Sacred Heart Primary School celebrated Italian day, with a different range of activities. All the children were divided
into five different groups, and then they went around the school completing the different activities: pizza making, pasta making, art, Italian music and dancing, Italian story telling and Italian fun and games in the afternoon. Children were allowed to dress up in either Italian colors or Italian clothes.
At lunchtime each student received a free gelato, (Italian ice-cream) either lemon or chocolate. Overall we could see it was a great day by the smiles on peoples faces and a huge thank-you to all the parents helpers and especially Mrs. Manuele for organising the fantastic day.
NADIA with her pizza at the Sacred Heart Italian Day.
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