CELEBRATIONS IN ABUNDANCE... ACROSS OUR WIDE BROWN LAND.

First in Perth.  Fr. John Flynn had been born in Perth and, except for time he was parish priest of Syndal, spent all 40 years of his priesthood in WA. It was obvious that he should celebrate in the parish of Queen of Apostles in Riverton and, fittingly, it was a truly wonderful occasion.

Though Victorian born - Daylesford, in fact - Fr. Joe Kearney has spent most of his 60 years as a priest in ‘the West’. In fact, his only sojourn in the East was the term he served as provincial. So, Rossmoyne was the setting for many friends to gather in appreciation of this wonderful life.

Fr. Ray Hevern, celebrating 40 years of priesthood, is another Victorian who has also spent most of his priestly life in the West. He took this opportunity to meet up, in Sydney, with the priests with whom he had been a student all those years ago.

Pallotti College, Millgrove, was the setting that Fr. Roger McGinley chose for his celebrations -Thursday - open to all but more convenient for priest friends and then Sunday for those in the workforce during the week. Fr. Roger is by means of being a ‘migrant’ also. He was born in Sydney and came to Melbourne for his novitiate and, the rest, as they say, is history. Fr. Joe’s Melbourne gathering was at  ‘Carmel’ where his sister Pat –Sister Joseph - lives. That was another great day, made really historical because three ‘60 plus’ Pallottines were present. Fr. John Hennessy 61 years, Frs. Joe and Roger 60 each, a grand total of 181 years and all still going strong!! What a record.  

How wonderful to be able to celebrate these happy occasions and thank God for the years of dedication.

 ANOTHER GOLDEN MILESTONE!!

BROTHER LUDWIG GUNTER made his final profession as a Pallottine Brother on 30th November 1956 and so celebrates his 50 years in 2006.  After arriving from Germany, he has mostly been ‘in the West’ -across the north and in Tardun where he now lives. I do remember, however, that for a time he was a wonderful ‘Mr. fixit’ at Pallotti College, Millgrove  and was particularly knowledgeable and helpful when our cars misbehaved.                      

Congratulations and thanks, Br. Ludwig!!

PALLOTTINES DECLARE AFTER REACHING CENTURY.

By Mark Brolley

With better living conditions and more sophisticated medical treatment, more people are living beyond 100. With decreasing numbers and the inevitable ageing of members, many religious institutes are struggling to build on an initial century of service. The Pallottines bowed to the inevitable in early July as their last member with a permanent placing in Western Australia's Kimberley region (Fr Kevin McKelson, the chaplain at the Broome campus of Notre Dame University) left the Broome diocese ending the Pallottines' 105 years of continuous service in the Kimberley. Bishop Christopher Saunders and the Australian leader of the Pallottines, Fr Ray Hevern, crafted a day of worship, memories, celebration and thanksgiving. By a happy coincidence, the Sunday in question was Aboriginal Sunday .The Bishop celebrated the 'Missa Kimberley', a Mass largely composed and propagated by Fr McKelson. The Cathedral was packed. Three Pallottine priests with a history of Kimberley work concelebrated with the Bishop, Fr Hevern and the local clergy.

Brother Ludwig Guenther represented the Pallottine brothers who had been so pivotal in the work of the Pallottines in the Kimberley. Two lay missionaries from the Pallottine foundation in Tardun completed the picture. The Mass was very interactive between celebrants and congregation. This greatly pleased Fr Kevin. After Mass, the party went to the Notre Dame Campus for a barbecue and speeches of thanks, humour and memories. Fr Hevern outlined in detail the various fields of labour and the accomplishments since the Pallottines arrived at Beagle Bay, 120 kilometres north of Broome, in 1901. "I'm not sure if it was ever an explicit instruction in our mandate but, because of our association with communities, the Pallottines became identified with Aboriginal ministry,'' Fr Hevern said. "For our part, that has been a great privilege. The people may have their own reflections! It has given us an insight into a profoundly spiritual culture, and a realisation that in bringing the story of Jesus, we have also been the receivers, enriched in so many ways. And guided in so many practical ways by sharing their insights into their law, and language, and country. ``As in all human interaction, mistakes were made which we regret. One thing that neither of us had any control over was the time in history at which this interface occurred. In departing from a pre-settlement lifestyle and interacting with the newcomers, Aboriginal people were obliged to make a bewildering adjustment. We regret that we are no longer able to walk with them in this part of their land.'' Fr Hevern praised the contribution of the German church, which gave 60 priests and brothers to the Pallottines in Australia, the St John of God Sisters, with whom the Pallottines have worked since the sisters' arrival in 1907, and other religious congregations and lay missionaries with whom they have helped build the Kimberley church. "While it is true that we, like many congregations, are rediscovering our roots - in our case supporting lay ministry - it is not for any ideological reason that we relinquish this birthplace in Australia,'' Fr Hevern said. "Our withdrawal has been forced on us by circumstances beyond our control, and is not the result of any surreptitious policy shift. Age HAS wearied them, and no one has replaced them!'' Bishop Saunders paid generous tribute to the Pallottines, while local Aboriginal identities Cissy Djiagween, Esher Bevan and Stephen Albert shared memories and a few moments of humour.

In the late afternoon, a unique rosary was prayed in Broome's Cathedral Church, Our Lady Queen of Peace. The basis was the mysteries of light. Each mystery reflected on five different places where the Pallottines worked. After the Rosary, the Diocese and the Pallottines hosted a meal for all the local religious.

NATIONAL COORDINATION COUNCIL REPORT.

Our meeting on Saturday 22nd July began with prayer for and tributes to Maureen Rath, in acknowledgement of her magnificent contribution to the Pallottine Family for so many years, in both official and unofficial capacities. 

We welcomed Mark Brolly as a new member representing the eastern Local Coordination Council.  At the last meeting of the local group, Mark was elected as President, the position Maureen had held previously, so in that capacity he is also a member of the national body.

Most of this meeting of the National Coordination Council was spent in reviewing action outcomes from the last meeting and then planning ahead for matters arising from the reviews.  Two important issues, the setting up of the UAC Scholarship Fund for lay people, and the elucidation of practical implications for Australia, from the Statutes document, are ongoing for the sub-committees involved with them.  A great deal of work has been put into both these legal items, and their realisation is progressing well.

SOME ASPECTS OF THE CONVENTION REVIEW. 

The National Co-ordination Council meeting on 22nd July was the opportunity to look back to the hopes and plans which arose from the Convention.

John Nagle reports for us on one aspect:

Richard Gooden spoke enthusiastically about the Young Adult Convention (YAC 2006) which was held in Millgrove earlier in the year. Its dynamic theme was ‘Find your passion. Dare to live it.’
There were about 30 young adults, from diverse backgrounds who, during the days together, developed a strong sense of community and a deep sharing. There was a unanimous call to hold YAC 2007!!

Fr. Ray told of the work being done in organizing the next World Youth Day, to be held in Sydney in 2008 and suggested we could/we should get on ‘get on board’.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE OFFICE?
PAT HEYWOOD, THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER, TELLS!

The UAC office in the grounds of the Pallottine Community House at Kew is open on Monday and Wednesday mornings, functioning as both an office and as a resource centre.  In between times, messages can be left by phone or email, and we try to check all these by Friday morning. Lately the office has been available at other times, e.g. for gatherings on Recollection Days and for organising, sorting and storing goods for the October fete.

Also lately, we arranged for what the sign writers call “door signage” for the office, so now when you visit, you can’t mistake its location or business.  Gradually too, we are attempting to add a few more decorative items, like soft furnishings and pictures, to improve its general look and attractiveness.

The work that takes place there is all about communication, planning, organising events that concern both the spiritual and the material sides of our UAC life, contacting people, following up action points arising from meetings, recording and storing our history, conserving resource material, and on the lighter side, offering hospitality and welcome to other Pallottine family members. 

As I take on a third year of work as the Executive Officer for all of you, may I acknowledge with gratitude, the assistance I have received from so many of you.  In particular, thank you to Ronnie Maloney, Merle Gilbo, Mark Brolly and Pat Harwood, and as well, thank you to the Kew community and members of the Councils on which we serve together.

TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE PALLOTTINE FAMILY.

Before you read further, let me be clear that this article is to ask you for a financial contribution!!

As you would be aware from the many articles in our newsletter, the Union of the Catholic Apostolate (better known to us in Australia as the Pallottine Family) has taken formal steps to ensure that the vision of Vincent Pallotti remains alive and well into the future. This has involved the establishment of various groups: The General Co-ordination Council(GCC) as the world body, the National Co-ordination Council (NCC) looking at the Australian picture and the Local Co-ordination Council, focusing on local needs and events. We have two Local Co-ordination Councils, one in the West and one in the East. In order to assist in the further development of the work of St. Vincent, as Executive Officer has been employed on a part time basis and an office for the UAC has been established at 85 Studley Park Rd. Kew.

To date, much of the finance for these ventures has come from the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers. We know that the UAC involves all of us, equally, so the financing of this venture is also something we need to share. Hence this article.

We are asking you to assist in the ongoing development of the UAC by contributing financially. The amount you give is entirely up to yourselves. To put you in the picture, the expenses for the year 2006 are $ 32,210.00

If you would like more information, I, as treasurer of the National Co-ordination Council would be happy to speak with you. If you wish, you can send your gift directly to me at 31A Gooch St. Thornbury Vic. 3071

Please make you cheque payable to Union of the Catholic Apostolate National Council CDF125432#9100.

All contributions will be acknowledged.

With you all in the spirit of Vincent Pallotti as we continue to live lives of love and joy. In Vincent’s own words: “cheerfulness and joy will help people to understand that the following of our Lord, Jesus Christ, is the basis of a life of true happiness    (OOCC11 163-164)” and looking forward to hearing from you.

Cheryl Sullivan (Treasurer NCC)

NEWS FROM THE LOCAL CO-ORDINATION COUNCILS (LCC’S).

THE WEST 

This group meets regularly on the first Tuesday of every alternate month.  The chairperson, John Nagle writes that this group has decided to commence a formation group which will meet on the first Tuesday of the other months. The first theme will be ‘The charism of St. Vincent Pallotti’, moving on to the origin, development and identity of the UAC, its spirit and apostolate.

THE EAST

This group has been coming to terms with the death of Maureen Rath, such a wise and visionary chairperson, imbued with the spirit of St. Vincent Pallotti. At the meeting on the 21st June, Mark Brolly was elected to take on this role. Mark first met members of the Pallottine family through Fr. Pat Jackson’s family and the when some of the priests ‘supplied’ in his parish, St. Oliver Plunkett’s at Pascoe Vale. He accepted the call to be a lay missionary and served at the Pallottine Mission Centre, Rossmoyne for 2 years..1984 -1985. He has been a member of the LCC-East since 1998.

In 2001, the centenary year, Mark organized and led a memorable pilgrimage to the places in Western Australia where priests, brothers and lay missionaries had worked for 100 years. Let’s keep Mark in our prayer as he takes up this new challenge.

OUR OCTOBER FETE

AS THEY SAY IN THE CLASSICS,  ROLL UP, ROLL UP

The fete – Saturday 28th October at
Kew – from 12 noon to 3.00 pm

Bring everyone with you, friends, relatives, neighbours
You’ll find these stalls – plants, books, craft, trash and treasure, cakes, wine, lucky dips as well as a gourmet sausage sizzle, afternoon tea, champagne and soft drinks, and raffles galore.

May we invite you to bring a cake or small cakes, home-made biscuits, scones, walnut loaves, etc. for the cake stall?  If you can help out, please LABEL EACH CAKE/PACKET WITH THE INGREDIENTS LISTED  and if possible, do not use cream.  Unfilled sponges are fine, and buyers can decide if they want to use cream at home.

And thank you to all those who have already donated goods and materials. 
Please don’t feel left out – if you can’t come, a donation will not be refused!

Children welcome.  Grandparents too.  See you there.

We’d love to hear from YOU!!!! 

As you read this, has something come into your mind?

Perhaps you were a lay missionary in La Grange or at Tardun or elsewhere and would like to ‘remember’ or ‘make contact with someone’

Have you visited Taize—as many tourists now do?

Are there aspects of the life of the Pallottine family that you would like to know about?

There are many ways of making the  connection. For example:

My phone:  (03) 9 497 1691   Email: merle.gilbo@blaze.net.au
UAC Secretariat  (Pat Heywood)   (03) 9855 0211

STILL LOOKING FOR! 

Volume 1 of the Pallottine Family Newsletter and  hoping it will be found on a bookshelf somewhere…..

Black binding, gold lettering, May 1966-December 1978.  That 1966 is so significant. It means we’ve been ‘in print’ for 40 years, recording so much history. Alas, there are very few loose copies of those early issues.  It’s good to report that Volume 2 is safely in the Secretariat office. 

Talking about milestones, I’d like to take this opportunity of saying thank you to the many people who have been members of the Newsletter Team over the years. The contributors, the typists, the label writers, the folders, the wrappers, the consultants (!), the subscribers also!!

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2007.

Two very significant events for the Pallottine Family in Australia.

• During January, the UAC Assembly will take place, preceding the Triennial SAC regional Assembly.

• Two visitors from Rome.  Fr. Fritz Kretz, Pallottine General, and Fr. Jacob Nampudakam (the English speaking councilor on the General Council) will be in Australia from the 22nd April until  7th May.

Still remembering Maureen Rath  and Fr. Edmund Wehrmaker.   

First, Maureen’s nursing life.

Maureen trained at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and was proud of the quality of care which patients in that big hospital received. During the next stage of her nursing life, when she was at Caritas Christi, Kew, that she met the Pallottine family. Knowing that she was nearby, a friend invited her to join in an Advent celebration at 85 Studley Park Rd. Kew. Maureen always said that that was a most significant event in her life. It was for her and for many others. At a later stage, as her family became more independent, Maureen returned to Caritas filling nursing, administrative and pastoral roles and after retirement, retained contacts with a number of her colleagues.

Thanks to  Sue Course who spoke on behalf of a group of these friends at Maureen’s funeral. Sue said:                                          

“I am going to say a few words about Maureen on behalf of six of us who worked with her at Caritas Christi. Our group spent many evenings dining and talking together at a very turbulent time in the history of Caritas. The discussions created quite a bond between us. We learned a lot about each other and have continued to keep in touch over the last 7 years even though most have left the hospice.

Maureen had been at Caritas longer than any of us. She still remembered how, in the early days, one of the nuns used to be the receptionist at the desk and even had time to do some knitting!.  She was a very special person—in many ways an inspiration to us all. She had unfailing good-natured enthusiasm, tolerance and a generosity of spirit. She was kind and caring to staff and patients and always made time for those in need. We used to remark on her ability to relate to everyone—old and young---and give each person her undivided attention. With all the long hours of travelling, working and all the extra activities and studying she undertook, we wondered if she ever had time to sleep.

Maureen could always tell a good story. I loved the one about the carer who came to look after Willem when she had to go out. One day the carer came late, having taken her pet to the vet. where it was diagnosed with a respiratory infection. When the pet turned out to be a python, Maureen had some misgivings, fearing that one day the carer would come with the python in tow.

Time was like a piece of elastic to Maureen. She stretched it to us all, the last time being at a small gathering at Caritas on the day before she died. She spoke to each of us—listening and sharing our stories in her charming way. Time, for Maureen, was meant to be given to others and we hold some wonderful memories. We shall miss her/ She has left a very special place in all our hearts and we are richer for having known her.”

Maureen was also a member of the Formation group that was established after the Convention.  Pat Heywood writes: “Maureen regularly attended the group meetings at the Pallottine Community House in Kew for two reasons. One was that she had introduced two friends from the St. Clare’s Community (Olinda/Mount Dandenong) to the UAC. The other reason was that we valued her wisdom and input and so we wanted her to be present.

At out meeting on 1st April, Maureen told us, as a part of her personal report that this was, for her, the best time of her life, both as wife and as mother. In particular, Maureen mentioned her marriage, saying that for herself and her husband Willem, this was the best time ever and they had reached a stage of togetherness that could be typified as the greatest of friends. I will always remember these last words of Maureen’s, as a tribute to Willem and her family, as well as a tribute to marriage and married love”.

Wally Sharman writes his ‘remembering’ of Fr. Eddy.

“I first met Fr. Eddy in 1959 at Millgrove — before the College was built. Bill Kean, Bob Doyle, Michael Butler (an Irishman) and Brother Baptist were setting up a mirror in the cowshed so the only cow would see a ‘sister’ and not be lonely!! Fr. Eddy and Fr. Wendolin came to look at the Lay Missionary training area, the orchard which Fr. Joe Butcher and Paul Sonntag had planted and the work which John Scammel and John Barro (Wheelie) were doing on Camaldoli and the huts above Montserrat.

 We heard Fred Lay arrive in his caterpillar (tractor) to push through a road to the clearing ½ mile up the hill and, directed by Fr. Walter Silvester, push over trees in the area that would become the site for the College. Bob and I were to go to Tardun to help with the harvest, traveling with Fr. Eddy who was to take over there. I can still remember the girls who came to see us off---including Barb, Pat ‘Bomber’, Kathy, Ronnie, Merle –running along the station as the train pulled out. Bob and I were very impressed with the send off.

Two days later, we arrived in Perth and, after a couple of days in Rossmoyne,Fr. Antony Omasmeier arrived in his Combi to collect us for the 300 mile trip to Tardun. It was a case of hanging on to your seat and being on the lookout for big boomers (kangaroos) and racehorse goannas (as big and fast as full grown greyhounds.) We arrived, just on sunset, and were met by Brs. Steven Contempree, Basil and William Engel. Their dedication and long hours of work under very trying conditions impressed me very much.

It was not long before Fr. Eddy gained the confidence of the staff and the students and I was very impressed by the way he handled the children, very firmly at times but never laying a hand on them. Some of these kids would never know or see their fathers, so Fr. Eddie was to become their father figure, along with Margaret Mary in the mother role. Fr. Eddie got to know the families by visiting their homes and camps on the big stations in the Murchison area.

He could turn his hand to anything: baking bread in the old-fashioned oven—100 loves a day: helping Br. Maurie with the farm work, ploughing all night , if necessary after the rain in order to plant the seed. He had a great respect for the lay missionary girls and boys who came to spend two years, often under trying conditions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their genuine dedication in my time---the 60’s and 70’s. The girls worked constantly with the children—washing clothes, nursing the children, feeding them, playing with them, ,putting them to bed. The boys helped with the sheep and the wheat and in the boys’ dormitory. Always, there with support and encouragement, were Fr. Eddy and Margaret.

About this time, we ran into a ‘chapter of accidents’. The kitchen and the childrens’ dining room were burnt down –fly spray fell into the stove and exploded: One of the lay missionary girls caught her hand in a mincer and had to be rushed to Geraldton: Someone else managed to be knocked unconscious when his overcoat caught in the tractor. John Scammel got too close to a charge of explosives!!!!  And not really an accident, an intrepid driver cleared off down the bush track with a neighbour’s tractor. This was a challenge for Fr. Eddy’s driving skills---resulting in a record 3-hour trip from Tardun to Perth. And speaking about records, in 1962, I was a nervous passenger for a 40 hours, non-stop trip from Tardun to Melbourne , watching out for kangaroos and pot holes along the unmade roads across the Nullabor.

I am quite sure that anyone who worked at, or visited Tardun while Fr. Eddy was there, will remember him for his kindness and understanding in all situations.   Rest in peace”.

Rest in peace and joy,  Judith Van der Haar.

In the March newsletter, we recalled that it was 50 years since three young ladies from the apostolic groups in Kew, set sail for Europe and a visit to Pallottine places and people. You might remember we called them ‘tall timber from Australia’ - Barbara Shea, Margaret MacLean and the then Judith White. 

Alas, Judith completed her earthly journey on 14th August. We, who knew her well, knew that the feast of Mary’s Assumption was very special to her. It was the day she and Ben Van der Haar became engaged and she had always made sure that the first daffodils were on the altar in the Shrine in Kew. This year she celebrated in heaven with the loved ones who had gone before.

I met Judith in the Pallottine Younger Set in the early 50s and we were members of the same apostolic group—learning about each other and ourselves and about the great vision of St. Vincent Pallotti. This shaped and inspired our lives as we grew to understand that, though our paths in the church and the world were different, we each had gifts, a role and a challenge. I’m so grateful that we remained so strongly connected. I rejoiced with her on her wedding day and subsequently on the birth of Lisa, Michael, Kathryn, Jenny and Paul and celebrated the big events—the silver wedding, her ‘significant’ birthday a couple of years ago . It was always uplifting to be with her and to know we were ‘on the same wavelength’, 

She and her family had planned her funeral and it was so beautifully ‘Judith’. We sang---‘Morning has broken’, ‘Come as you are’, ‘Strong and Constant’….in the flower-filled church of St.Gerard at Warrandyte. The family tribute was given by Kathryn and granddaughter Jessie and the prayers of intercession were prepared and read by the other grandchildren.  Most significantly, for the bringing of the gifts---‘The Prayer of Trust’ with a special message from Judith to ‘Please listen’. She had prayed this so often during her illness.

You know the way for us, you know the time, 
 Into your hands, we trustingly place ours.
  Your plan is perfect, born of perfect love,
 You know the way for us, this way is love.

Thank you for this message, Judith, and for your inspiration.
Merle

DATES TO REMEMBER. 

Kew Recollection Days:   
One more for 2006…14th November.
Beginning with Mass at 11am, followed by BYO lunch. In the afternoon some input and time for personal prayer.    All welcome.

Taize prayer 
At Kew, Friday nights at 8pm to 9pm
6th October, 3rd  November, 1st December. 

 past editions