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SEPTEMBER 2005 A VERY SPECIAL OCCASION Yes. I believe that is a most appropriate description of the Inaugural International Congress of the Union of Catholic Apostolate held in Poland from 22nd to the 27th August 2005. Australia was represented by 11 of us. From Western Australia Laurel Hart. John Nagle and Michael Gitner SAC. From Victoria. Mary Anne Dooley, Bill Henderson, Pat Heywood, Ronnie Maloney, Maureen Rath, Eugene San SAC, Cheryl Sullivan and myself. I would very much like to bring you their
reflections, and I hope to do that 'next time'. Meanwhile, it's
'high time' for the September newsletter to be in press. I'd like to offer 'scene setting'. The Pallottine Convention centre is at Konstancin, about 25 Km from Warsaw .The 'taxi-drivers (deacons)' made many trips to the Frederic Chopin airport and welcomed us warmly. That welcome was enhanced as we reached the high and wide gathering space of the centre, made comfortable by plenty of places to sit and made restful by indoor plants and a rippling pool. This gathering space was very much our 'social centre’ — where we could always find the makings of coffee or a cool drink and someone to share them with. It was the 'business centre' too—for the handing out of our folders, for the notice board, for tables where we could share our own particular Pallottine worlds. The bedrooms, on floors 2, 3 and 4 accommodated two or three. They were well appointed with en suite bathrooms, plenty of cupboard and hanging space—all contributing to our comfort for the important, challenging week ahead. Where did they come from, these 150 people? They came from far and wide, apostles gathering with Mary in the Cenacle, ready to share and work and pray. Get out your atlases so you'll see that they did, literally, come from the ends of the earth.—some in big groups, some one or two, but indicative of how far the vision of St. Vincent Pallotti has been carried: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belize, Byelorussia, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, Congo, England, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Kenya, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Uruguay, USA. Five main languages, indicated by the
colour of our name badges and folders, were used - English (red),
German (blue) Italian (green), Polish (yellow) and Portuguese
(grey). Participants also spoke, French, Kinirwanda and Kishahili,
Spanish. And, of course, English was spoken by us and by
participants from Canada, Congo, India, Ireland, Kenya,
The novena of prayerful preparation had helped us to focus on the theme taken from the millennium letter of the late John Paul 11—Novo Millennio Ineunte. These words were always before us, in large letters on the walls of the aula (lecture hall.) Latin:
Hora est novae inventionis caritatis In translation, it is always a challenge to get the best word, the most exact meaning. I was struck by the fact that, in this case, the other languages used words which are familiar to us though we invest them with slightly different meanings: Creativity, Invention, fantasy—enhancing and expanding our understanding of this concept. On Thursday afternoon we visited Warsaw,
especially the old city. We saw the significant memorials of
Poland's wartime suffering—that of the Ghetto and of the Uprising.
Postcards showed the extent of the destruction in 1945.
Acknowledgement too, of real reconciliation with former enemies, now
neighbours. We saw for ourselves how the old city had been rebuilt.
It appears that this has been done with modern facilities, behind
the scenes, but the old facades and streetscapes for which it was
known, have been restored, making it a really lovely city. We
enjoyed the cobbled streets and the souvenir shops and the places to
have a leisurely drink. We kept meeting 'our' people in little
groups. The afternoon ended with a joyful Eucharist at the
Pallottine provincial House. This time of respite was appreciated
and enjoyed by all— making us ready to continue, enthused anew for
the next couple of days and the time when we would come to terms
with what this 'new life' meant for us 'back home'. That, of course,
is an ongoing task. Thanks are due to many people. Everything ran so smoothly but we know that doesn't happen by accident and the planning had to stretch from Rome to Warsaw and beyond. A great way to get a feel of the Congress will be the Congress Web Site. Fr. Jeremiah Murphy— (Fr. Deny) - the secretary of the , International , UAC, tells us that work is proceeding on this project. He hopes it will be up and running in the next few weeks but will keep us informed. Keep an eye out for it when you are 'on line'. The address will be congressogeneraleuac2005 Fr. Seamus Freeman SAC, President of the General Coordination Council spoke on " The Un ion of Catholic Apostolate as a realization of the desire of the heart of God and of St. Vincent Pallotti, accomplishes its mission in the Church, sacrament of salvation for all" Here is the second paragraph of Fr. Seamus' address, the reflections that were in his mind as he began to prepare it. "The Third Millennium is a new moment in history. The German theologian, Karl Rahner, once wrote that the Christians of the third millennium will be mystics, or there will be no Christians. In a world of ever-greater participation in decision-making, in a world where free speech and freedom of choice are declared human rights, it is also true that, today, people are becoming aware of the weakness and fragility of such freedoms. In order that people might vote for truth and not for self-interest, profound spiritual formation is essential. This is why St. Vincent Pallotti placed so much emphasis on having a permanently focussed connectedness with the spiritual essentials of the revival of faith and the re-enkindling of charity. The mystic lets God decide. The mystic is one who ponders the hidden meaning of God's word, wherever he or she is. The mystic is a cornerstone that can cope with any future, while at the same time avoiding being trapped in the past. Pallotti is the Apostle of the universal call to holiness. Holiness is another word for mysticism. Authentic apostles are mystical. Authentic mystics
REST IN PEACE We pray, in gratitude, for peace and joy for
Kevin Moyle who died in Canberra on 21st August. Long
time friend, Marie Medlicott, writes: "Kevin was a member of the
Pallottine Younger Set for many years in the 50's and 60's. There he
met Janet Mac Michael, whom he married in 1964 and have three
children—Christopher, Leonie and Jonathan. At first, they lived in
Syndal, then spent some time in India, settling in Canberra on their
return to Australia. A group of former younger setters, colloquially
know as "The Mob' has maintained contact over nearly 48 years,
meeting once a year (in December) and picking up the pieces each
year without effort. The Catterals, the Walshes, the Browns, the
Torneys , the Taits, the Medlicotts, and Peter Hodgkinson who was
best man for Kevin and Janet, traveled to
John Riggs who died at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne on 24th August. Dorothy Riggs (then Wilkes) was a member of the Pallottine Younger Set and apostolic groups when I (Merle) joined in 1951. I met John then and I was pleased to be their bridesmaid when they married in October 1954. I have appreciated a long friendship with them and with their growing family of seven children, their partners now and the grandchildren. Dorothy and John were members of the first family group with the Belfrages, the Ebingers, the Raths. They played a very active part in the parish of St. Columba's, Elwood and more recently at St Anthony's, Glenhuntly. Most fittingly, the latter was the venue of the Mass to celebrate John's life. John had himself designed the Pall which was draped over his coffin, the symbols he had chosen telling of his under standing of Christian life - a candle — the light of Christ , Water— without which there is no life, Chalice and host - the Body and Blood of Christ, the symbol of Easter and resurrection.
TAIZE PRAYER Brother Roger could never have imagined the influence his small community would grow to have when he first began in 1940.He described the aim of the community simply as 'to love and be loved, to forgive and to be forgiven'. Simple, yes, but challenging and it has drawn many, many people including young people from all over the world. How sad, in human terms, that he died at the hands of someone he would have sought to help. Yes, many pilgrims have visited Taize. Many more people have been uplifted by the simple, singable music. I've had two experiences recently which convinced me of how international the music really is. One was at the Pallottine Congress in Warsaw. The other, when I had the opportunity to see the resource book prepared for the International Youth gathering in Cologne. We pray in thanks for the legacy which Brother Roger leaves and know he is now enjoying the fullness of life.
Opportunities to experience Taize prayer, Kew ,85 Studley Park Rd — the first Friday of
each month, 8-9pm.
Pallotti College Millgrove Celebration of Life..... Come together for a time of remembering, of celebrating and sharing our stories, the joys, the sorrows and our special gifts. Search together for God in our lives, face changes through healing prayer and move on in the warmth of companionship. Maureen Rath 9 751 1860, Irene Sinclair 9775 4257 would love to hear from you.
Ancient Wisdom,
New Directions Feel the Ancient Wisdom, New Directions We seek to share the ancient wisdom and seek reconciliation and peace. BOOKINGS 80 McNamara’s Rd
REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL COORDINATION COUNCIL Our Australian National Coordination Council meets about three times a year, although according to the General Statutes of the UAC, we are required, legally, to meet only once, "to share experiences of life and faith and to promote both a common spirituality and common apostolic initiatives." (Statute No. 47) In our huge country and with centres of UAC activity in both the east and the west, members of our N.C.C. feel the need to get together more than the once. We had a meeting on the afternoon of Saturday 23rd July, after the Convention Review, and the next meeting will take place in November. This year has been a busy year for the National Council and the two Local Coordination Councils, plus their sub-committees, and the reasons for the 'busy-ness' are not hard to find. Basically we're trying, all of us, to build the UAC, to re-fire our Pallottine batteries, to continue our apostolic outreaches and to re-animate our common goals. The January Convention led this charge in the first part of the year, followed by various initiatives in formation, by the establishment of a resource centre at Kew in setting up the secretariat office, by continued programs at Pallotti College, by adopting new programs in the West and by preparation for the world-wide UAC Congress in Poland in August, to which we've sent eleven delegates, two SAC members and nine lay members. Well you probably need to take a good breath after reading all that, so how much more do we need energy and enthusiasm in actuality to do all that work! That's where the teamwork comes in, and we're so lucky in the UAC people we have in our teams and on our committees. Their commitment to Pallotti's vision and mission are wonderful and we thank them all - we'd be lost with out them. The last N.C.C. meeting was mostly concerned with establishing a set of practical goals for the next twelve months, and a fewer number for the next three years. We took notice of the reports from the Convention Review and we are trying to "run with them", as the saying is. Some UAC members have volunteered to tackle some of the goals, e.g. for the Formation Ministry, three people will attempt to draw up a formation program and establish a Spirituality Team at Kew. To address the needs of some of the other Ministries, invitations will be made to members capable of assisting.
John Nagle, the President of the West Australian L.C.C., has taken on responsibility for coordinating the Perth UAC group, Friends of Epiphany. John and the Local Council at Rossmoyne are also involved in building the UAC and spreading the network in the West. For all this work, we need the special apostolate of prayer and sacrifice, and while Pallotti's direction of "Nothing without God, nothing without us" is our daily reality, we know we also need all the prayers and tangible assistance that the rest of our Pallottine Family provide for us. Keep it up - we all need one another "to revive faith and re-enkindle charity" in this new millennium.
CONVENTION REVIEW No-one could deny that our January Convention at Millgrove was a most rewarding experience and that the family atmosphere was both tangible and uplifting. But these excellent outcomes were not the primary aims of the Convention: rather, the main aims were to sort out our UAC priorities for the future and propose action plans for the realisation of those priorities in the days ahead, or as the logo had it, "Together- Bringing the Dream into Reality". And because of the practical aspect of these aims, the participants who led, or set out, the action plans on the last day of the Convention, met at Kew on the morning of Saturday 23rd July to review the past six months since the Convention, to report on what actions have occurred since then to implement those plans. The areas/issues for report and evaluation were: Prayer; Scholarship for Lay People; Recruitment of New Members; Formation; Promoting the UAC in the Wider Church; Young Adult Convention; Finance; and Victorian Aboriginal Care. The reports indicated that work has commenced in each of these areas, with varying degrees of success, hi summary what has happened is this: Prayer - because the original group membership has been depleted, two members recently began to collect some of Pallotti's best-known sayings to compile them into a handy booklet form, which will be published for both UAC and others who are interested. Scholarship - the legal deed for the establishing of the scholarship for lay people is in process and further meetings with the lawyers have been planned. Recruitment of new members - efforts have been made to reach new members and one new group has commenced at Kew in the care of Fr. Eugene and Pat. Some Pallottine Family members have brought new people to the fundraisers and a new group called Friends of Epiphany has been formed in Perth. Formation - a small group is involved in introducing the new members at Kew and in providing ongoing spirituality in older members. Promoting the UAC in the wider Church - some investigation was started about work on a liturgical project, which could be made available to the wider Church in Melbourne and Victoria. However we lack personnel and time to take on any largish project, so for the time being, this action can only be realised in small ways, e.g. word of mouth, bringing new people to any functions/events in our 'communities. Young Adult Convention - plans have been made to form a committee of young adults to organise a convention which is proposed to take place in 2006 Finance - some fundraising has occurred but while the efforts are good to see, the financial results are nevertheless low-key in nature. Aboriginal care in Victoria - Many lay missionaries and other people interested in the welfare of Aboriginal people in Victoria were invited to a day of sharing and learning, in association with the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry . This took place on Sunday, 24th July and was attended by about 25 people. Discussion followed each report and the action areas were described as four ministries, rather than six or seven action plans. There was a distinction made between ministries and projects, e.g. the establishment of the scholarship is a project, not a ministry. Likewise, financial matters and recruitment of new members are not ministries but are supportive of the four Ministries of Prayer, Formation, Youth, and Aboriginal care. The reviewing group called upon volunteers to further the development and building up of these ministries, and to contribute to the establishment of relevant committees for financial and other projects. The review, its reports and proposals will all be presented to the National Coordination Council for further assessment and planning.
PALLOTTINE FAMILY WEEKEND Usually this reunion weekend is held in October but this year, with the Congress in August taking some of our UAC family members overseas and away for some time, it was decided to schedule the weekend earlier. Whether the colder weather, or the fact that a lot of Victorians escape to a sunnier northern climate at that time of year, made a significant difference, we don't know, but only a small number of people attended this weekend. However we were blessed with beautiful weather and almost un-seasonally sunny days, and as usual, the inner spirits were shared in an equally warm atmosphere. Dean was responsible for input about the family aspect of the UAC and Pallotti's vision of the Cenacle. Pat Hey-wood and Maureen Rath led the sharing on the topics, "What I find inspiring about Pallotti" and "Why I am a Pallottine", which others followed with their personal stories on the same themes. On Sunday morning we spent a fascinating hour exploring the Gospel of the day, about the multiplying of the loaves and fish to feed five thousand men, "not counting the women and children"! It's always uplifting and enlightening to hear what others in a group find attractive or new in a Gospel passage, especially one we've heard over and over. The subsequent Eucharist we celebrated together drew on both the Gospel and our previous sharing, as Dean illustrated our UAC actions with the story-line of the movie, "Pay it Forward", in other words, don't just pay back the kindness we receive, but send it on, pay it forward by doing a kindness to someone else later. We received a great deal of food for thought, for prayer, for action and for sharing, from this time together. Thank you Dean and thank you Team members and Weekenders, for your sharing both in the sessions and in your tangible service.
IN MEMORIAM WALTER SILVESTER From Bill Henderson How do you begin to describe with words, a friendship with Walter and the impact he has had on your life. The way he connected with you, personally, with his eyes, instantly communicating his special love for you. His rich and descriptive language, his vast and intuitive knowledge of feelings and human nature, his delightful sense of mischief and fun, and alongside all of this, his simplicity. Walter saw the beauty and potential in everyone, accepting and validating our imperfections, and delighted in gathering friends around him to pray and sing and celebrate, inspiring us to search and question, living out the whole Pallotti message of empowering people to go out and be apostles. Often challenging us, but with an overriding warmth and encouragement. As a priest he was way ahead of his time, but with a great love for the liturgies and rituals of the church, and a very special gift of bringing the Gospels to life for today, he truly celebrated a Mass, sharing it with you, and made you a part of it. His utter joy in life, and living it to the full, his love of sharing and giving. We feel so much the richer for the gift of his love and friendship, and the times we were able to spend with him. Walter is irreplaceable, and leaves a space now that can not be filled.
From Sr Josephine O’Donnell (Faith Development Weeks at Millgrove)Father Wally and I had the joy of working with groups of teachers from 1974 -1991. Each year we usually held the week's course three times. Originally it was the brain child of Father Freadman who asked us to set it up in his parish church at Neerim South. Father who was Director of Catholic Education in the Sale Diocese invited not only teachers, but also priests and parents to participate. In 1977 I joined the staff of the Catholic Education Office in Melbourne, and from then on we held these weeks at Millgrove and offered them to teachers in parish primary schools. Father Wally would always start off the week on Monday morning by inviting the participants to sit in one circle and to tell the group just why they had come. He spent time with each answer. He was so good at questioning gently until he had helped each one deepen what they had said. By the end of that session they knew that they were in for something special. After morning tea I would start the catechetical side of the week, looking at the current methodology, seeing the logic in it and to its connection to life. Wally then in a later session would begin his special work of helping them begin to come to terms with where they stood in relationships -with their God, within their families and with the children they were educating. The week continued in this way, Wally and I alternating in leading the sessions - his theme of relationships going a little deeper each day, and mine developing an understanding of the meaning of 'sacrament" in everyday relationships, and the moving to the meaning of the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist, which were celebrated during the week. Wally's leadership meant that this was a truly enriching experience for all who participated in the course. He lived what he taught, and he communicated a special love for each person. Three days before Father Wally died, on the Monday of Holy Week, Fr. Readman invited some of the participants of that first week at Neerim South to come to a meal at the Salesian College Eysterfield. There were about nine of us and Father Wally. was full of life. It must have been an inspiration, for three days later, he went off to Heaven so quickly, and if anyone was ready to go, he was! Sr. Josephine O'Donnell P.B.V.M.
Carol and Marinus Elswyk We first met Walter in the 1970's. Our sister-in-law Rita was a teacher and went to Pallotti for an in-service. She went home telling her husband, Wim what an unusual priest she had met and took him there. Wim, an electrician, organized a working bee to do some of the wiring in the Taggert Wing and invited Marinus to come and help. I thought that it must be a good idea sending them both to a "monastery" for the weekend! I know that they did a lot of work but also a lot of socializing and both came home a little the worse for wear. Until then Marinus' experience of religious was of the rather strict brothers and sisters from his childhood in Holland. He now saw them in a whole new light - real people. The next challenge was to get me there - not very willingly at that stage I must admit. Finally Wim told me one day that he had booked the four of us in for a Married Couples weekend in about 1978. I was quite surprised when at the start of the weekend Walter sat us all down and asked us why we had come. I think he was even more surprised when I told him that Wim had dragged me along. But I am just so glad that he did. ! met the most caring of priests who had the uncanny ability of being able to listen to a whole group of people but hear them as individuals. He seemed to know what I was thinking better than I did and he wasn't afraid to follow up a comment or even a look when the group discussion had finished. This very personal touch in a busy weekend was one of Walter's qualities that endeared him to me and many others. From there we never looked back and have spent many happy times with Walter at Pallotti. It was also a refuge when things were not so good. His example inspired us and we had always planned to give some time to Pallotti when the time was right in our lives. By the time that we were able to volunteer our services Walter was nearly ready to retire but we enjoyed our experience on the Team. We will always be grateful for having met Walter, being able to spend time with him and having learnt so much from him. He truly does deserve to rest in peace.
COOKING DEMONSTRATION AND FUNDRAISER We even had a Japanese lady attend this function at Kew on Wednesday 13th July and Eamon Ryan, whose daughter-in-law is Japanese, was another expert who came to see and sample the Japanese goodies. The same promotions group, Oriental Marketing, who provided us with the Asian cooking demonstration back in April, obliged us again with this demonstration. About 25 people enjoyed watching the cooking and some lucky ones were able to join in the fun by assisting with the sushi making. Eventually we prevailed upon Kieko to give that last professional touch to the sushi rolls, which our brave volunteers were tackling for the first time. We couldn't help laughing when a couple of the bamboo mats were included in the rolling up! Bamboozled, would you say? But the sushi tasted good, as did the wasabi crackers, the udon noodles and the delicious crumbed pork and Japanese-style vegies afterwards. Some of us tried the green tea, while others stuck to the familiar style tea and coffee served with non-Japanese cake and lemon slice. One of the bonuses was the opportunity to catch up with lots of friends, especially the ones we don't see often. There was a happy buzz of conversation and laughter as we re-connected with one another and shared personal and family news. The raffles were a success, and we thank both Merle and the Promoters for their kind donation of the prizes. Lady Luck rewarded Merle who won the Promoters' gift of an outoor wine set and Mary Ebinger won the other prize. Our thanks to all those who came to share the day with us - we'd love to see you all again (and your family and friends) at the next fundraiser on 15th October, at the Kew Community House. You'll find the details of that one in this Newsletter too. See you then. Thanks to the Kimberley Community Profile June 2005 for permission to share some of their news
Pallottine Scholarships for Notre Dame Education students. Recently, three former parish priests of the Diocese of Broome, Fr. Ray Hevern (formerly Balgo and now Pallottine Provincial), Fr. Michael McMahon (Broome) and Fr. Eugene San (Dampier Peninsula), with Fr. Kevin McKelson, formerly of La Grange, joined staff and students in Graduation Square for the presentation of scholarships to fourth year education students Clare Stack and Vanessa Gregory. These Pallottine scholarships were developed in the 1990s to encourage posstive interaction between indigenous and non-indigenous people. The scholarships assist in the payment of tuition fees for aboriginal students involved in post secondary studies. Remarking on the significance of this occasion, the Executive Director of the Broome Campus, Mr. Gavin Greaves, said: "We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Pallottine Community and will support them in the co-ordination and promotion of their generous scholarship programme". At the 2005 graduation on the 1st July, 28 higher education students graduated with degrees in Indigenous Australian studies.
Southern Cross Aged Care comes to Broome .The September issue of Kimberly Community Profile reports that the Chairperson of Southern Cross Care (WA), Dr. Frank Prendergast, visited Broome recently to finalize agreements regarding the new Aged Care Nursing Home to be built in Dickson St. Stage 1 of this 'state of the art' facility (32 beds) is expected to be ready for occupation by April 2007.14 beds will be dementia specific with the rest for the frail aged. The project will eventually provide 55 beds, a day centre and associated community care e facilities. Hoping to recruit a st able, trained workforce from Broome residents, Southern Cross Care (WA) has joined forces with Broome, TAFE, Rubibi(traditional owners group) and the Broome Campus of Notre Dame University to work to create the training and employment opportunities for this important service for the Kimberley.
La Grange Mission celebrates. A significant anniversary was celebrated at Bidyaganga on 26th June, when La Grange celebrated its 50th birthday. La Grange had been a government feeding station but when the first missionaries arrived there was sickness and disease, hopelessness and a lack of self-esteem. The mission became a protectorate for the local aboriginal people, shielding them from local pearlers who lived along the coast. The missionaries were sensible practitioners of the Gospel who not only preached but also rolled up their sleeves to do the work that made a positive difference to peoples; lives. In refelecting on the day, Bishop Saunders recalled the work of Fr. Kevin McKelsoncal in language and culture; the hard work of Brother Richard Besenfelder as he 'battled the bush' to establish a cattle station; the lay missionary women and men who worked long hours to set up health facilities and to train local men in useful trades. This was a labour of love, the foundation for today’s viable community for which we give thanks to God.
"NOW IS THE TIME FOR A NEW CREATIVITY IN CHARITY" This was the theme of the recent UAC conference held in Poland during August. As many of you would be aware eleven of us from Australia attended this great event - and we want to share our experience of it with you. To start this process, the Mariana Community invite you all to come, hear the stories, ask questions, pray together - and have some fun, as we discuss both the conference and how we integrate the spirit/ideas of the conference into our Australian context.
Please come along - and bring something to share
for lunch. If you would like further information please call Cheryl
Sullivan
EDITOR PALLOTTINE FAMILY UAC NEWSLETTER 85 Studley Park Rd Kew Vic 3101 Email: merle.gilbo@blaze.net.au past editions
December 2007 June 2007
March 2007 [ Top of Page ] |
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Rwanda, and
USA. With great good will, and the use of gestures, especially
across meal tables, we found ways of communicating. In more formal
situations, we marveled at the skill of the translators. The
language groups took it in turn to lead our prayer and Eucharistic
celebrations, with sometimes the inclusion of the universal Latin.
As for the small group, some were of one language. Others were
Italian/Polish, Polish/English. Would that work? Would we be able to
express ourselves and share our thoughts under these circumstances?
Thanks again to those skilled in more than one language, it did work
and it worked better and better as the week went on.
Canberra
for the funeral. Kevin is the first link in this chain to have gone
to enter eternal life. We will miss him very much but pray that the
Risen Lord and his Blessed Mother will grant him peace and
happiness. Our prayers are with Janet, Chris, Leonie and Jonathan".
