EXTRACTS FROM PREVIOUS
EDITIONS
JUNE 2001 REFLECTIONS FROM FOUR PILGRIMS MEMORIES OF A WONDERFUL
OPPORTUNITY. I had so often heard about Beagle Bay, Tardun, far away, west and
northwest. It was quite unbelievable that I was one of a group who were
actually going there. Where to start? Well, Beagle Bay was really our
first stop. What a welcome from everyone but especially the old people
who told us so many stories appreciating what the Fathers and Brothers,
and the St. John of God Sisters, had done for them. At the Beagle Bay
celebration we heard for the first time Missa Kimberley". Real "heart
stuff" not "head stuff" and we rejoiced when we were a part of it again
in Broome, in Tardun! We just loved it. The Mass at Beagle Bay was full
of life and symbol- fire and water and dancing. The church is still
lacking its tower but the altar is beautiful and some of the local
people told us that their mothers had helped to put the pearl shell in
place. That was a source of great pride for them. Visitors aplenty came
to Beagle Bay that day. We from the East and the South, people from
other Kimberley communities.... Derby, Bidyadanga, Lombadina and from
Tardun, a bus full, with Fr. Ray at the wheel. After the Mass, a further
experience of "Breaking bread together" as, in the warm/sunny day, we
ate so well of the good things provided for us. Thank you very much to
Fr. Eugene and the wonderful people of Beagle Bay Our visit to Lombadina was another memorable experience. Such a
different church from that in Beagle Bay and so Australian with its wide
veranda on all sides. We ate outside under the shade of the trees and
really enjoyed our meal of fish caught locally specially for us. Next,
onwards to Derby. The high fliers went by plane and were there for the
official celebration at 9 am. The rest of the party went by road and
were grateful to Fr. Wendelin who said Mass on our arrival. Back to
Broome for a three-day stay and a good chance to 'see the sights'.
Certainly one of these was the Notre Dame University, in particular, the
very well equipped library in a wonderful garden setting. Then 'down south' for several days 'no packing up'. We were
welcomed to Epiphany (Rossmoyne) heartily by the whole community and
looked after so well by Lena and Roy Lynch. It was a time of lots of
laughs and many stimulating, in-depth discussions. This was a time of
rest for body and spirit. On the road again! To New Norcia for an overnight stay and of
special interest because the chapel of the Benedictine Monastery
contains a Marian picture, given to the first Abbot, Don Salvado, by
Vincent Pallotti. I can only say Tardun was yet another highlight -
certainly a wonderful end to a great tour. Everyone was so hospitable!
Thank you to the children who hopped out of their beds to make them
available for the visitors. Thanks to Br. Vim who shared his knowledge
of the past - the agricultural school and the present including Wandalgu
Arts. Bishop Justin came from Geraldton for the main celebration. Again
the Missa Kimberley - liturgical dancing by the young people, the Dooloo
story describing how fire came to the Yamatji people, wonderful music,
especially the hymn "Send down the fire", accompanied by clapping of the
sticks. So much preparation and effort had gone into it all. I can only say that it was 'the trip of a lifetime' and I wouldn't
have missed it for worlds! We were so wonderfully looked after
everywhere. Thanks for the driving and the time and making us feel we
belonged. I could go on and on….
This story is from Maria Rohr. What was it the psalmist said? Looking up the dictionary meaning of celebration and comparing it
to our celebrations, I think the compilers of the dictionary have a bit
of work to do! It would be easy to go from place to place in the memory
and briefly outline the physical aspects of each celebration ... but I
can't do that ... our celebrations were much more than a particular
happening on a certain day at a certain time ... well forget the
'certain time'. We experienced Beagle Bay time, Lombadina time,
Pallottine time and none were on the clock ... how wonderful. When people of one mind and heart embrace with rituals expressed
in word, song, movement and story then we can have celebration. From the
Latin Mass of Day one at Beagle Bay to the finale at Tardun it was a
journey to remember and live out. The Latin Mass took us back in history and liturgical time - it
was good to remember and acknowledge our past in that way too. On
hearing that we were to have a Latin Mass the reactions were many and
varied and this pilgrim moved from 'oh my god' and 'Father can you remember
the words?' to 'Well we have some wonderful Latin Hymns and this could
be really uplifting - musically anyway'. Under the trees at Beagle Bay we experienced oneness in offerings
of soil and water brought from great distances, The Missa Kimberley is
our language, we identify easily and the words find a home in us. Truly
breaking open the bread, breaking open lives, saying sorry, listening to
stories of the people and their personal struggles, their gratitude to
the Pallottine Fathers; healing hurts and praying that from here we
would move forward. Not drowned in the pain of the past but lifted up.
Gathered at the cemetery we remembered those who had served so well and
who had left a lasting legacy. This was truly celebration! The breaking of bread continued in the meals graciously prepared
and shared by our hosts and as we journeyed in the troop carriers from
place to place. There were celebrations at Middle Lagoon too - the spirit was
everywhere! Gathered under the trees at Lombadina was a more 'manicured'
celebration but conscious of a community that had suffered personal
disunity we prayed and sang and laughed together. One of the altar
servers asked if all the pilgrims were Nuns?? Well there was certainly
one Nun and no one counted the formers. Here the breaking of bread
continued with a BBQ lunch and some were fortunate to take in the
breathtaking beauty of the sea and sand just hidden from view. What a
privileged people. In Derby Fr. Lorenz welcomed the pilgrims in his infectious and
entertaining way. Again within the Sunday morning Mass a very special
welcome was prepared for the pilgrims followed by a beautiful spread.
Only those pilgrims who flew to Derby were at the morning Mass so
another Mass was offered on Sunday evening for the late arrivals. The
uniqueness of each gathering continued on in our conversations as we
travelled from place to place. Perhaps we just wanted to make each
occasion last as long as it could. A bit like children at Christmas,
totally spoilt but sharing the gifts. And my, was it good to be spoilt.
Then it was down to Broome where the celebrations had their own special
magic. There was Vera at the door of the Church to welcome us ... the
prayer of faithful by mainly elders of the community sharing with us
their journey, their joys and their sorrows. Words so simply beautiful you were left in no doubt as to their
meaning. The Missa Kimberley had by now become an integral part of our
liturgies and bound it all together in a way. We were being broken open
by words from Fr. Seamus and Fr. Michael. Words that gave us hope for the
future. We were in a happening time and a place of "Unfinished Business"
as Fr. Seamus said. Living the memorable days at Rossmoyne and Riverton with liturgy
and book launches and more food, of course! A wonderful coach tour
around Perth and Fremantle culminating in a meal at the Esplanade Hotel
in Fremantle where we were joined by the Rossmoyne community. Journeying
home in nothing less than a Limousine. Classy Pilgrims!
The Mass at Rossmoyne was planned for outdoors, but the rain which
was so badly needed, decided to fall and so we went indoors. Moving
processions and music. The opening words of the homily - "A lovely, soft
day" . Indeed it was. Speaking further of this sacred place; of
purifying the memory and looking to the future with renewed energy...
Seamus spoke of Pallotti's most divine gift being a call to
collaboration. How we are the offspring, the descendants of an
encounter... The merging of old and new stories. At this stage in the
journey we had sat with Vincent Pallotti every day and if we hadn't been
'friends' with him before the pilgrimage I'm sure we were growing in
friendship by the time we reached New Norcia. So much so that standing
before the picture of Our Lady of Good Counsel, given to the Monks by
Pallotti, I for one felt a tingle ... and I'm not really into 'tingles'.
I was relieved to know others felt it too. In Geraldton Fr. Kelvin, Br.
Barry and their community welcomed us to their sacred place. Words from
the homily come to mind 'Tell my apostles to go to Galilee, there they
will find me". And other thoughts about the universal family and
diminishing the distance between us were lived words and I have no doubt
we all found him there amongst his people. Tardun was a fitting finale. They were great days of being
together, enjoying the stories and the history which surrounds Wandalgu
Hostel. We all chose ways to immerse ourselves in this place and its
people especially the children. I noticed girls preparing uniforms for
netball, so for me it was on the bus with the netball team. I told them
I was the 'cheer squad'. There we were freezing cold on and off the
court and the 'cheer squad' was calling out - as one does -. 'come on
Wanda'. I thought that made it pretty obvious as to my allegiance only
to be told by one of the girls 'you can't say that miss, it's a rude
word!'. So from then on I had to get the whole word out. In case you are
wondering, yes, we won. Didn't take long to become 'we' did it? And
perhaps that was at the heart of all the celebration, the We. Homilies were an integral part of every celebration. I think Fr.
Seamus commenced his final homily at Tardun with the words 'Brothers and
Sisters - for that is what we are'. He spoke here again of encounter,
seeing beyond our own needs, that fear holds us back and that together
we can do a lot of good. Celebrations don't just happen. People make them happen and how do
we say thank you to so many people, so much preparation over so many
days? Perhaps the following words go close... I thank my God, each time
of think of you. And when I pray for you, I pray with joy! CENTENARY PILGRIMAGE. People. In that spirit, we marvelled at individuals in the different
communities who prepared and participated in wonderful liturgy as MC’s,
readers, singers, gift-bearers, dancers, water-sprinklers,
smoke-carriers and musicians. In that spirit, community people welcomed us, prayed with us,
sheltered us, entertained us, fed us, transported us and often, in the
background, worked long and hard to help us celebrate with them. In that spirit, we were met and sent off with a blessing from
airports, community centres, hostels, the Broome university campus,
beach cabins, the lot! The warmth of hospitality of everybody - the
Pallottine communities, Fathers and Brothers; the Bishops, Chris
Saunders in Broome, and Justin Bianchini of Geraldton; the "mobs" of
Beagle Bay, Derby, Djarindjin-Lombardina and Bidyadanga; the Haydocks at
Notre Dame University campus in Broome; the Rossmoyne community; Lena
and Roy at the Retreat Centre; Denise and her team, Nan, Laurel, Rose
and Dallas; Eric and Ernest at Riverton; the crew at Beachlands in
Geraldton, and our "house parents" at Wandalgu, Tardun, Kaye, Christine
and Woofy, - we'll never be able to forget their heartfelt welcoming and
sharing, their joy in celebrating with us the past 100 years of
Pallottine missionary endeavour- How those pioneer priests and brothers would rejoice today if they
could see the dedicated service of Aboriginal people to other Aboriginal
people. Pallotti's ideals are bearing fruit in the teaching outreach of
Olive Boddington to young artists at Wandalgu, in the nursing care of
Maryanne Martin at the Broome Aboriginal Medical Service, and in the
pastoral care of her son, Andrew at the Drug and Rehabilitation Service,
in the wisdom of newly-elected Kimberley Member of Parliament, Carol
Martin in her description of the various stages of reconciliation, and
in the hidden, long hours of work of the team at Rossmoyne. We will all have these and other special people in mind when we
reflect on the pilgrimage experiences we were so fortunate to share. To
one and all, named and un-named here, we can only offer our deep respect
and gratitude. You gave us your insights, your labour, your love. Thank
you and God bless you.
ANOTHER PILGRIM'S STORY. I had known the Pallottines for many years and knew of their
coming to the Kimberleys in 1901. I knew people who had visited 'the
West' and some who had worked in Tardun but I had not met any aboriginal
people. What I knew of them was only from the press that is, of course
through our eyes. I wanted to get to know them through their eyes and I
believe I had a great opportunity to do that, finding them quiet, shy
people very proud of their families and their traditions. First to
Beagle Bay - place of history and of that unique church. It was
obvious that the love of the people for 'their' country had been born
and bred into them. What was also obvious was their love and respect for
the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers. The Mass was a truly wonderful
celebration. The Missa Kimberley was sung so sincerely and with such
enthusiasm and so many people took part. Unforgettable is the word I
must use. Our "B and B" at Middle Lagoon seemed somewhat spartan, especially
before we got our bearings. Then, we saw the sunrise and wondered what
we could complain about. We did however appreciate a little luxury for
our night in Derby. Thanks to Fr. Wendelin for saying mass for those of
us who had come by road and had not reached Derby in time for the
official celebration. We had spent only overnight in Broome before
heading north and west to Beagle Bay, Lombadina and Derby. Now we had
three days to experience this unique town. We sat and talked with the
people. They talked about their lives and their God. They really did
talk to God and continued to do so in yet another wonderful Eucharist. I
had been told that Cable Beach was 'out of this world' and it was, at
all times of the day and especially at Sunset. It was great to have that
early morning swim (5.50am!) and a dip several times during the day. At Rossmoyne, we rejoiced at seven nights in the same bed, single
rooms too, but much more ... Mass in the chapel, wonderful sharing in
the evenings, a chance to look around and a coach tour of interesting
Fremantle. Then, on the road again. We headed to New Norcia for one
night (as it happened, we could have enjoyed two) and on to Tardun,
arriving on Friday and leaving on Sunday. I have a very touching and
tangible memory. I noticed a flower drawing on the wall of my room and
thought it belonged to the girl (Tymika) who had kindly vacated the room
for me. As I was packing to leave, I found it with my luggage and a note
"To Nan from Tymika)... I'll treasure that simple gift. Tardun had
special memories for several of our pilgrims. For example, for Trish
Forster who had been there as a lay missionary 30 years ago (as a
19-year-old) and being still a country 'girl' was glad to be out on the
farm with Br. John. All too soon, it was time to start the journey
towards Perth but this was via Geraldton and a short time to see some of
the landmarks. These included St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and nearby
the Anglican Cathedral with its marvelous stained glass windows. Sr.
Carthage (Cis) fulfilled a lot of dreams in this trip. One that she
achieved in Geraldton was to paddle in the Indian Ocean. On to Perth and
Melbourne for a late night arrival. I can only say, over and over, how
glad I was that I went. Everybody shared with everybody else! And I can't wait to go back with my husband, Ron.
SEPTEMBER 2001
Thanks to Joan Verbolle, for recording this important occasion for us. The celebrations were held on Sunday, 6th May. We commenced with a concelebrated Mass at 3pm, the nine participating priests including Fr. Eugene San from Beagle Bay and Fr. Dean Bradbury from Riverton. An Aboriginal painting from Beagle Bay was presented to Syndal parish, and in turn, an altar frontal was given to the Beagle Bay community.
Following the Mass, the community gathered in the Narthex for a
chance to socialize and to reminisce with the many visitors who had
returned to the parish for this occasion. An extensive historical photo
display in the Narthex provided a ‘trip down memory lane’, while drinks
and finger food were served. Many parishioners and guests ‘continued’
the celebration in the hall, beautifully decorated in the anniversary
colours of ruby and gold. It was a fantastic atmosphere and the dinner
was excellent. The ‘singing mums’ as well as a song or two from Fr.
Hennessy entertained us.
Speeches were made to honour the occasion and presentations were made to Fathers Flynn and Hennessy and to Brother Kevin, to mark their long service to the community. A report in the Parish newsletter summed it up " Both the liturgy and the dinner were outstanding and memorable occasions with a wonderful atmosphere of joy and fellowship prevailing".
DECEMBER 2001 Rest in peace - Br. Michael Booth. I t was a chance meeting with a lay missionary that led Michael to decide that he could use his many talents as a lay missionary in the Kimberley. That was in 1964. After more than 6 years at the hostel in Derby, he took a further step and decided to become a Pallottine. That led to a year’s novitiate at Millgrove and a second year at Tardun where he was greatly impressed by some of the veteran German brothers who had laboured so long to establish the Society in Australia. After profession, he came to look after the boys’ section of the hostel at Rossmoyne. He worked hard to make sure his charges had the best of facilities, schooling and opportunities. The efficient way in which the hostels ran and the very congenial and tidy surroundings were a tribute to his talents and dedication. Despite his demanding work load, he managed to indulge in his passion for gardening, painting and classical music.Before we go any further, let’s look back further in Michael’s life, through the eyes and the memory of his twin sister, Margaret Jansen. Margaret and Michael were the younger members of a family of four but were separated when their mother died in their early childhood. Michael was brought up by the Sisters of Charity, one of whom was still corresponding with him this year. Margaret was brought up by the Sisters of Nazareth.. again in a group of about 100 children but both children were happy and remember being well looked after and having lots of fun. The twins kept in touch and began corresponding regularly when they were 17 years old. Margaret and her husband Peter came to Australia in 1952 and Michael followed in 1958. Continuing Michael’s story. When the Rossmoyne hostels closed, he went to work in Mullewa with Fr. Joe Butcher, with whom he had worked in Derby, and became a welcome part of the Mullewa community. Ill health necessitated his return to Perth, where many hospital admissions were needed but he dealt with his limitations with patience and good humor. Many confreres (including Br. Pat Bicknell from Melbourne) joined in
a celebration of his courageous and generous life.
MARCH 2000
CONGRATULATIONS, Yes, this is a special time for Br. Patrick (better known as Br. Pat or even Paddy!). On 24th February, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his profession as a Pallottine brother. Born and bred in North Melbourne, the youngest of four children, Br. Pat went to school at St. Michael’s. No, in spite of his North Melbourne origins, he’s not very interested in Australian Rules football, not even the Kangaroos. Like many young people of the 30’s, Pat undertook an apprenticeship. His chosen trade was that of cabinet-maker.
After profession in 1950, he went to Beagle Bay as carpenter so that Br. Joseph Tautz could go to Balgo. To the uninitiated, being a carpenter and being a cabinetmaker seem to be much the same. Not so! It was about this time that the Shrine was to be built at Kew and Br. Pat’s skills were needed for the special building. Then a new and different role. He went to Sydney to cook for the students. That was a challenging task but he probably learned some ‘tricks’ for the next step which was looking after the boys at Beagle Bay. Back to the ‘south’ and a short time at the dairy at Wesburn until, in 1963, he came to Kew. It is Br. Pat who mostly opens the door and who never fails to offer a cup of tea or coffee. It is his joy too to prepare for Mass each evening and to make welcome those who come. So it was appropriate that the Mass of thanksgiving was celebrated at Kew where Pat was joined by confreres and other friends. He was thought of by many people who couldn’t be present in person. Greetings came from Western Australia and from Fr. Seamus Freeman (Fr. General) from Rome. Let us pray with and for Br. Pat on this very significant occasion.
MARCH 2000 FOLLOWING UP A PROMISE IN THE DECEMBER NEWSLETTER. Yes, there was a promise in the December Newsletter. It was that we would tell our readers about the first official SAC/UAC gathering, held in Perth (Rossmoyne) at the beginning of December. SAC members from the East, and from north and south of W.A. were joined by three UAC members from the East and one from Perth, one from Geraldton, one from Broome. Considering the vastness of our country, this was a great representative group and it was exciting to meet and greet each other. We wanted to tackle the question, put in cricketing terms: Can St. Vincent score another century for Australia? We wanted to see how the message of St. Vincent relates to Australia in the 2nd century of Pallottine involvement. We wanted to focus on the real issues, those of passionate concern to us all. We wanted to harness passion, energy, responsibility.
other group. It was developed by all present in answer to the question: What am I passionate about? What issues do I believe are the vital ones for us to tackle with our aims in mind? Our deliberations were greatly enhanced by the imaginative way the hall was decorated. For example, large and striking aboriginal paintings. We gathered around a central ‘Piazza San Vincenzo Pallotti’ and when we adjourned for coffee, or any other time we felt the need, it was to the nearby Café Ponte Sisto. There was real energy and enthusiasm as we wrote of our passion on our pieces of paper, spoke to it briefly and put it in a time slot on the big wall chart, inviting others of like enthusiasms to join with us at a nominated time and location. The ‘office’ made it possible to quickly print out a record of each discussion, so it was available for all. Our conversations ‘over coffee’ and our reading of the outcome of other groups brought about an expansion of ideas, a widening of our vision, more challenges yet a synthesis of the whole. The working towards ‘What are the priorities?’ was put on a more formal basis on our last day. We nominated the major topics and identified related issues, recognizing how much overlap there necessarily was. We did agree on priorities, realizing that they will have different emphases in different situations. You’ll see what I mean from some examples, ‘How supportive has the SAC been in the transition from mission to
community?’ Throughout our time together, Brendan had reminded us of the "Law of Two Feet." We didn’t have to ‘hang around’ if we didn’t want to!! And he reassured us that ‘The people who were present were the right people’, ‘The time we spent together was the right time’. It was that freedom, that participation of the people who wanted to be there, our shared celebration of the Eucharist , our overall honesty with each other and openness to the Spirit which made this occasion memorable and I believe life-giving. As I said, the follow up, the developments will be different in different circumstances but what had gone before made it possible to draw together… The vision of St. Vincent Pallotti ( our vision) according to our time and place. "Vincent experienced the love and mercy of God so overwhelmingly that his greatest desire was for all to share this experience of God’s infinite/limitless love. Therefore it required a universal apostolate. All are created in the image of God, which gives us value and dignity. (The ‘I’ mentioned in a few places above is Merle Gilbo. Often, as editress, I add my thoughts in this little newsletter. This time it has been as participant in this unique and memorable Perth experience, for me a real highlight and I believe a major step forward in our understanding of what it means to be Pallottine.)
JUNE 2000
JUNE 2000 A CELEBRATION IN THE MARIANA COMMUNITY Easter Monday, 2000, was an occasion of
celebration for the Mariana Community. The foundation group members -
Kathleen Curtain, Margaret MacLean and Barbara Shea have reached the
40th For Barbara and Margaret, their initial consecration took place in the Shrine in Kew while Kathleen had her ceremony at La Grange. The community celebrated the anniversary at Oak Maree, Millgrove with Eucharist, followed by lunch. Frs. Walter Silvester and Edmund Wehrmaker were the con-celebrants of the Mass. The Mariana Community looks forward to many more such celebrations in the coming years.
SEPTEMBER 2000 FR JOHN LUEMMEN Thanks to the ‘someone’ who was ‘on the spot’ at Riverton, for sharing this special occasion with us all
As Fr. John was to be in Limburg, Germany on the 9th July to celebrate with others of his class of 1950, we, here in Riverton parish, celebrated this auspicious occasion on 25th June. The celebration was in two parts.1.A High Mass 2. A social gathering in our new parish hall. The Mass was concelebrated by Fr. John, Fr. Dean Bradbury SAC (our parish Priest), Fr. Michael McMahon (Pallottine Provincial), Fr. Bryan Tiernan SAC, and Fr. John Lisle, a diocesan priest. Bishop Robert Healy graced the occasion with his presence and in his address, praised Fr. John for his service to the Aboriginal Community through his dedication to the education of their children in the Pallottine Mission Centre, which Fr. John built and administered for a quarter of a century. The church was filled to capacity and the Mass was recorded, not only by video tape and photographs but in the memories of all that attended. The Senior choir, under the leadership of David Templeman gave their usual sterling effort, which enhanced the prayerful dignity of the occasion. Fr. Michael, in his homily, spoke on CHANGE, as it affected the Church and how it was affecting the life of Fr. John! For, from being a very active man (A BUILDER), he has had to SLOW DOWN!! The Liturgy of the Word and of the Eucharist was produced in leaflet form to allow the congregation to participate in the Mass and to keep in memory of the occasion. After Mass, all moved to the hall, recently dedicated as the Fr. John Luemmen Hall, in gratitude for the service Fr. John had rendered to the parish community. All were ready to enjoy the refreshments provided by the parish social committee and many helpers. The event was MC’d by our own Eric D’Souza -in a very informal way. The President of the Church Council, Nigel D’Souza presented Fr. John with a framed scroll, signed by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, and an airline ticket to Melbourne to visit another confrere, ordained with him. Cyril Fernandes spoke on behalf of the parish, ably portraying Fr. John’s life, not only as a builder of the parish but as a true friend in the parish community. He also pointed out to Fr. John, despite all the accolades he was receiving, all would pray that, one day, he would receive the ultimate reward in heaven. The present parish priest, Fr. Dean also spoke with high praise of Fr. John’s achievements in the parish of Riverton. In his reply, Fr. John admitted that after a life of active work, and not having any hobbies, he would still have to concentrate on saving souls! This he has started to do by re-kindling his interest in the OVER 55 group in the parish. A photographic record of both parts of the
celebration was made by the over 55 Group. Nigel D’Souza made a video,
with many congratulatory and well-wishing messages from his friends and
parishioners. SEPTEMBER 2000 FR. KEVIN McKELSON Fr. Kevin McKelson celebrated in Broome, in Bidyanga (formerly LaGrange) and in Melbourne, all places important in his life. Broome first We’re grateful for the July issue of Kimberley Community Profile from which we’ve been able to prepare this account of events in Broome. It was a happy co-incidence that 2nd. July, the actual day of Fr. Kevin’s ordination, was the day of the annual diocesan Mass for Aboriginal Sunday in Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Cathedral,Broome. Fr. Kevin was joined by members of his family from Melbourne and, as concelebrants, diocesan and Pallottine confreres. Among those who read the Prayers of the Faithful, three did so in local languages, especially that of Bidyanga where Fr. Kevin was Parish Priest from 1961-1994. It was while he was there that, with Fr. Matt Digges, he composed Missa Bidyanaga, later to evolve to be Missa Kimberley. It was this Mass which was sung so joyfully on 2nd. July. As Fr. Michael McMahon expressed in his homily, "No work has been nearer and dearer to Kevin than his work with Liturgy. He has listened and laboured to hear and understand the words, the customs, the symbols." Bishop Saunders picked up this thought when he spoke during brunch at the Broome Civic Centre. He commended and thanked Fr. Kevin for "his years of toil in the dry, dusty lands of the north" and for his "generosity and dedication during 50 years of inspiring priesthood." He congratulated him on being a "studious and accomplished listener, competent in many aboriginal languages" and on his zeal to translate the Gospel and its message of Good News into Aboriginal languages, signs and idioms. Other parishioners brought glimpses of Fr. Kevin’s other endeavour, his success as a basketball coach, his earliest moves into rock’n’roll music, his hand in card games when the school badly needed funds. Later in the day, Fr. Kevin, with Fr. Matt Digges traveled to Bidyanga for a second mass and a performance of Fr. McKelson by Jessica Bangu.
SEPTEMBER 2000 ANOTHER GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION Fr. Walter’s celebration was, most suitably, at Pallotti College, Millgrove, where he spent nearly half of his life as priest and which he had a major hand in building. It was appropriate too that the UAC Co-ordination
Committee (Eastern group) planned this
The readers were people who, by their lifestyles and their actions reflect the universal apostolate, so dear to the heart of St. Vincent Pallotti and to Fr. Walter. They were from the early apostolic groups in Kew, from the Mariana community, married couples, lay missionaries, religious brothers and sisters, members of other faith communities. Concelebrants were Fr. Walter’s Pallottine confreres; among them was Fr. Roger McGinley (himself ordained more than 50 years) who spoke of Fr. Walter’s life - of his home and family in Silesia, his decision (as a young boy) to become a priest, the disruption and the suffering of the war. Then a new phase with ordination and arrival in Australia to a very different way of life. His appointment to Kew brought him into contact with the group of young people, the Pallottine Younger Set and an ever growing number of people who were searching for a listening ear. Fr. Roger marveled at Fr. Walter’s ready availability and great energy. The next ‘phase’ was seven years as provincial, with the necessary traveling from East to West to North. After he was relieved of that responsibility, he ‘found’ many other needs and many, many people in need. Among them veterans of the Vietnam War at Rockingham, one ex-serviceman serving others. Then the decision of the Council to make Pallotti College, not a seminary or a youth centre but a centre for adults, a task entrusted to Fr. Walter. Those who came were looked after by the team gathered there. Fr. Roger quoted someone who had been a team member of Fr. Walter, they said, "He inspired a sense of community that has not been seen since the days of the Acts of the Apostles. Religious, priests and laity were all one family. Everyone would love you and support you and the visitors. Walter touched all and all lived in the spirit and it made a difference. All felt at home". The Mass continued. Altar cloths, flowers and candles were brought forward to the altar; bread and wine and the chalice, carried by Walter’s sister Edith, visiting from Germany. Have you heard the Millenium"Our Father?" The familiar words sung to the just as familiar melody "Should old acquaintance be forgot" Congratulations to whomever recognized how appropriate that it would be on this occasion. The Communion hymns too described the spirit of joy and thanksgiving "Lord, I lift your name on high" and "Now thank we all our God". Needless to say, many people wanted to speak but a couple were entrusted with what all of us would have liked to say. Jim McKenna, a very early member of the Kew groups and, Fr. Michael McMahon, Provincial who, as always, showed great skill in simply getting to the heart of the matter. Fr. Walter felt there wasn’t much he could say. Yes, it had in fact been expressed in that beautiful liturgy. He led us in a Marian hymn, and this part of the celebration came to an end with the rousing and challenging "Shine, Jesus,Shine"! As always, the cooks and team at Pallotti College provided a wonderful meal. 450 people took some catering for but it was done and most tastefully too. The serving appeared to happen ‘by magic’ in two big venues and meanwhile there were wonderful opportunities to ‘share our stories’ yet another truly Jubilee occasion.
December 2007 June 2007
March 2007 Extracts from 2000 - 2002 [ Top of Page ] |
To
just say that his Golden Jubilee of Ordination into the Catholic Church
Priesthood was held on 9th July 2000 is so inadequate. One
must know the man, and I know I speak for all the parishioners of Queen
of Apostles Parish when I say, "He was and is, an incredible
man". I will not dwell on this point at this time but will
recommend that you obtain and read a copy of Fr. John’s autobiography
‘Led by the Spirit’, written with Sr. Brigida Nailon, CSB, and
dedicated to the memory of Edith Little and ex students of the
Pallottine Centre, Rossmoyne. W.A.
