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SAC
SAYS THANKS TO At the commencement of our centenary celebrations we spoke of the focus that we should have during this year. One aspect was expressed as: "We have so much to thank God for" This short expression of thanks concentrates on the input of the laity. It is better expressed as the input of UAC or the non-SAC part of the Pallottine family. We have been reminded again and again in excerpts from the writings of Vincent and in the whole approach of our SAC leaders that Vincent founded a whole Church movement consisting of Clergy Religious and Laity. In this acknowledgement of the role of the laity, we are reflecting how the vision of Vincent has taken shape over the last hundred years in Australia. All the Pallottine family must acknowledge the charism of Vincent. The presence of the laity in the operation of the Society is not a temporary solution to a pressing problem but a genuine expression of the way that Pallottines do business. Right from the start of our Apostolate various religious institutes, commercial firms and generous individuals helped the struggling Pallottines labouring in the Kimberley. The very survival of the Kimberley adventure was due to a real cooperation between the SAC and the local people, with the vibrant communities formed by them and the outstanding Churches at Beagle Bay and Lombadina outstanding examples of this cooperative ministry. The farm at Tardun was built on the hard work and sacrifice of the Brothers, Priests and Aboriginal helpers. When our first foundation was made on the Eastern seaboard the generosity of many clergy, religious and friends of the Pallottines enabled the struggling community to survive. A Pallottine auxiliary was formed and their input was an irreplaceable component of our continued existence. The names and memories of so many of these people are often distant memories. Their support was vital and their legacy is still with us. Gradually as the role of the laity in the Church became better understood acknowledged and clarified their role in the operation of our Parishes, Houses and Missions expanded. Many of the longest existing bonds with the SAC come from people who worked in the spirit of Vincent in various SAC enterprises. Without their input the apostolate would have diminished. Without their input the SAC would not have been the type of Pallottines that Vincent intended. The Marianna Institute are a special group of women inspired by Vincent yet independent in their community life. As co-workers in some fields and as geographically separated workers in other apostolic fields yet the charism of Vincent has been lived. Individuals have worked for long or shorter periods in the various fields of SAC endeavour. They have given a powerful witness of the Pallottine charism as lived by the laity. They worked and cooperated in building effective apostolic communities according to the mind of Vincent. These people have lived out their vocation in the Church according to the mind of Vincent. We as SAC have been privileged to work with and alongside them in the Pallottine family. The last hundred years have been a privileged time for us SAC of the Australian Region. To all members of the Pallottine family we say hearty thanks for the privilege of working together with you. We promise you our prayers and request yours. For the next hundred years, the SAC say, "more of the same please". Mike McMahon SAC Pallottine Regional Leader 2001 [ Up ] |