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Saint Paschal’s College Friary Franciscan Friars of Melbourne

January 2018

St Paschal College Franciscan Friary 90 Albion Rd [PO Box 79}

Box Hill 3128 Phone: 03 98964400

Email: stpaschals@franciscans.org.au

Friary Prayer/Mass Times Morning Prayer: 7:15 am Mon-Sat Mass: 7:30 am Anointing Mass: 1st Sat of the month. Reconciliation: By request.

We encourage people to support their local parish community and attend the

parish Sunday Mass.

THE GUARDIAN’S MESSAGE

St Francis told his brothers towards the end of his life:

“Let us begin again, brothers, for up until now, we have done little or nothing.” (St Bonaventure)

Francis was encouraging his brothers to start each day anew and not rest of the laurels of yesterday. 2019 for the Holy Spirit Province is a Chapter Year. Soon we will start a process of discerning our future together. The Provincial Minister traditionally visits each brother to listen to their hopes, dreams and needs. The brothers fraternally gather to review their life and discern where the Lord is leading us. While we may discuss where will we serve and what ministries we might be doing in the future the most important discussions focus on living our Rule and renewal of our fraternal life. As mendicant friars we are not supposed to carry anything with us. But what we do carry into the future is the gratitude for all the people we share our life with: Our friends who pray with us; those who we serve or seek our service and our many generous benefactors. In each of these people we are called to see the face of Christ, take joy in the presence of God in our life and share that joy with others:

“The Kingdom of God is near!”

IN PRAISE OF BEAUTY

One evening as I sat in the quietness of our large chapel with its high vaulted ceiling, I knew that some appreciation of its beauty and the dedicated work of our brother builders had to appear in our Newsletter. Even in the evening, but more so in the morning, when the eastern sun is rising, the stained-glass windows are simply beautiful.

The central panes of sheer white glass in the window facing the east depict the moment when God said: ‘Let there be light!” and this light explodes out in colours: blue, green and red. The eastern sun shining through this wonderful window fills the whole chapel with soft, coloured light. It reminds me of some verses from the Canticle of the Creatures composed by St. Francis in 1225, a year before his death:

“Praise to You, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day and through whom You give us light.”

I often sit in awe at the thousand upon thousands of bricks meticulously laid, making up the walls of the chapel. The precision and skill of the brother brick layers is evident in the curved walls and the tapestry of the feature brickwork in the sanctuary.

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THE GENESIS OF ST. PASCHAL’S LIBRARY. FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS

Sebastian Day, at the time librarian of St. Paschal’s Library wrote in 1949: “Our Library is essentially a working library. That is to say, the books have been carefully chosen for their utility rather than their artistic or antiquarian value. They are meant to be used, and they are used.” But Sebastian continued: “We do have what might be called a “glamour” section, of course. Even modest libraries are entitled to that. But even these books play a definite role in the general policy of the library, which is to provide tools of trade for our students and lectors.” (The Provincial Chronicle, July 1949).

The first student house began in 1933 at Waverley in a house conjoined to the old Franciscan Friary. It’s name was St. Paschal’s but nicknamed by the students as “St. Paschal’s Flats” – ‘a two-storied building nestling in the lee of the majestic friary’, in the words of one of the students, Br. Louis McDonald. Maurice Malone, newly arrived from Rome and the first professor of philosophy, recalled: “School began without textbooks for the students; we had no philosophical library; the only books were my own ones, which I brought back from Rome – a fair collection as I had been told I’d be the Philosophy Lector – but nothing to what was required” (Provincial Chronicle, May 1977).

The very next year the student body moved to Melbourne and resided at “Willaroo”, a large house and property on the corner of Sackville and Thomas Street, Kew. The beginnings of St. Paschal’s Library may be traced back to “Willaroo”. Sebastian Day describes the rudimentary library: “In the early days at “Willaroo” we had to borrow our text-books from the secular clergy for a while, and our reference library consisted of about 200 volumes ranged around the wall without benefit of shelves – on the floor. The gems of that collection were a set of Bulwer Lytton’s novels, a Historians History of the World (in numerous volumes), and lots of Abbot Marmion. Many readers will recall what an event it was when Fr. Philip [Murphy ofm] presented us with a complete set of the Forsyth Saga by Galsworthy. Our source book for the weekly “scholastic disputations” (in Latin) was a two volume work by somebody called De Maria, I think. He had the darnest objections.”

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THE KING ISLAND CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Christmas is special on King Island. Besides the abundance of seafood (lobsters, abalone, fish of various kinds) and King Island cheese), the little church of Our Lady Star of the Sea always has a unique crib.

The crib scene itself set under the altar holds all the traditional figures – Mary and Joseph, the Christ child, shepherds, sheep, oxen, and the three Kings – but surrounding the crib is a display of flowers, the like one would have to travel afar to see.

Rosie Barnes, originally from the Philippines but now a long time resident on King Island, each year lovingly brings something of the culture of her own religious background to give glory to our Saviour, Emmanuel. Almost every kind of flower found on King Island is on display – long stemmed Garlic flowers (alium) with a pinkish, round flower; Lilium flowers, red and white; maroon coloured Carnations, Yellow Broom flowers; red Geraniums; purple and white Agapanthus; red and pink Astroemerias; mauve Bougainvillea’s and tiny, daisy-lie Camomiles, all making up a unique Christmas crib.

The Catholic Community on King Island is in many ways a lay-run community. Their parish priest lives off the island on the Tasmanian mainland and visits only once a month. The friars from St. Paschal’s College have had a long relationship with King Island. At a time when they needed a priest, Angelo O’Hagan in 1983 began celebrating Mass on the island each Sunday, commuting from Melbourne. The names of friars who have ministered on KI from St. Paschal’s reads like a roll-call: Nicholas Warne, Daniel Neylon, Campion Murray, John McCristal, Christopher Goulding, Rupert Dawson, Arul Sagayaraj Mariadass, Joseph Nathan. However the two friars who are most remembered by the residents are Angelo and Nicholas. My visits, now only at Easter and Christmas, began at Christmas time 2010.

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LET THE ST PASCHAL COMMUNITY

PRAY WITH YOU

The friars are to strive to pray with the people, taking on the reality of their lives and sharing sincerely in their hope and

faith. (GC Art 27§2)

Please let us know if there is any Mass or prayer intentions that you would like the friars of St Paschal community to pray for.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SICK

Friars/ Sisters in Nursing Homes: Greg Bourke, Tony Stott (St, Joseph’s, Kensington); Theodore Gillian (Our Lady of Consolation, Rooty Hill), Benignus Clowes (Holy Spirit Care Services, Carseldine); Albert Williams (Mercy Parkside, NZ); Sr. Pauline Mary Babici osc;, Clare Donegan osc (Our Lady of Consolation, Rooty Hill ); Peter Cantwell in rehab. after hip operation.

Friends/ Relatives: Helen Opie, Moya Fetherstone (cousin of Bob Matthews), Margaret O’Shaughnessy.

Please keep them in your prayers.

RECENTLY DECEASED Gerry Fitzgerald (Brother of Jim Fitzgerald, d. 2.12.2018; Rosemary O’Herir, d. 12.12.2018; Judith Rush (cousin of Theo Rush), d. 19.12.2018; Peter Hayes, friend of friars from St. Clare’s, Box Hill, d. 21.12.2018.

Eternal rest grant, O Lord, to Gerry, Peter, Rosemary and Judith and to our friends who have died in December.

IN PRAISE OF BEAUTY (continued)

It took our brothers seven years to build the chapel together with the basement library. They began their work in 1965 and completed it in 1972. On Sunday, 5 November 1972, Archbishop (later Cardinal) James Knox blessed and officially opened the chapel. We remember the names of our brother builders in thanks and admiration: Xavier Nicholson, foreman and work’s manager, John Ritter, John (Aquinas – Akie) Callaghan, Felix Chapman (brickies); Stanislaus Morgan, Ivo Coleman, Bruno In’t Veen and Peter Dalton (carpenters); Dan Hannaford and Gerard Davis (brickies’ labourers); and Antonine Williams and Raymond [Des] Murphy (electricians). Mr. Tom G. Payne, architect, also designed St. Paschal’s College and Friary. Building-wise our Franciscan building team did everything except lay the parquetry floor and glaze the leadlight windows; our good friend of many years, Mr. Des Fitzgerald, installed the plumbing.

Special mention must be made of the stunning carved crucifix, Christ crucified and risen. It is the work of Leopoldine Mimovich, well known nationally and internationally for her sculpturing. The crucifix is carved from wood and then covered with a compound of powered copper, a hardener and a plastic base. It has the appearance of bronze sculpture.

The beautiful altar and lecturn are the work of Br. Stanislaus Morgan, made from Australian cedar and designed by Tom Payne. The chapel also includes a climbable 100 ft. tower (not for the faint-hearted) with a double arcade at the top and a single arch with a cross above. The tower can be see quite clearly from Canterbury Road as one approaches the Middleborough Road intersection.

Although our community has for many years now prayed and celebrated the Eucharist in our smaller friary chapel, the large chapel is still well-used by different ethnic groups on most Sundays of the month and on special occasions by the YTU and Heart of Life communities.

Theo Rush.

I remember

John “Akie” Callaghan, formerly Br. Aquinas, kindly recorded some of this memories as a member of the building team.

“Somewhere in 1965, the Franciscan Building Team of approx. 3 cabinet makers/ carpenters (Stan, Gervase Parsons and Peter Dalton), 3 Builder/ Bricklayers (Tarcisius [John Ritter], Felix and myself); an electrician, Antonine; a doer of all, Dan [Hannaford] and a Plasterer - another doer of everything - Xavier [Nicholson] commenced work on the existing sports oval in front of St. Paschal’s. This work entailed demolishing the beautiful garden wall with its lovely “Bullrose” Brick Rings facing the Dandenong Mountains.

The major work was commencing which required much preliminary heavy, hard labour – excavations and drainage/ sewage – some of which descended four metres (and those who did this work know how involved and difficult this was!). Many, many metres of foundations were hand dug mainly by Felix, Dan, Xavier, Tarc and myself. Lots of reinforcing was used and tons and tons of concrete were poured. The Student Wing “Tower” had to be underpinned

and the light well walling was constructed with massive reinforcing and 4 metre high thickness of concrete.

From 1965 till 1971 was spent making the church/library. In June/ July 1971, the front brick steps was the final work completed and this work ‘fell’ to me, as all other workers had ‘left’ to be occupied in different jobs around the Province. It was indeed a sad time for all concerned to be split up after approx. 12 years working so closely with one another. Most are now dead but I’d like to pay (tribute to)/ mention those who are still with us… Br. Daniel Hannaford, Br. Peter Dalton, Bruno and John McCarthy (who laid bricks occasionally at St. Paschal’s) and Raymond [Murphy] the electrician who joined us later on and occasionally Br. Ignatius Hickson. Most of all I can’t end this without special mention of the man who taught us all building and bricklaying – Bishop Ignatius Doggett’s brother-in-law, Mr. Jim Whitty and our best mate, Mr. Des Fitzgerald (plumber).

Ak.

GUESTS

During December, we have had the pleasure of welcoming the following guests:

Br. Raymond Mary ofm, from Hong Kong visiting Melbourne for a niece’s wedding; Allan Harcher ofm from Star of the Sea Friary, Waverley; Terry Moyihan (Brisbane) arrived on Dec. 28th for his annual visit and retreat; Stephen Bliss ofm, is on vacation at our holiday house, Dromana. Robert Stewart will also be staying with us in January.

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THE YEAR THAR WAS

Looking back on the year that is fast coming to completion, we give thanks for all our brothers in our fraternity here at St. Paschal’s.

In the first place, Joe McKay, our Guardian who cares for us in so many ways: ensuring that we have prayers leaders and celebrants for our daily prayers and Eucharist; keeping an eye on the kitchen and finance; visiting us when we’re ill either at home or in hospital which unfortunately happens sometimes. Thank you, Joe and the Lord keep you. Yet that it not the end of Joe’s work. Weekend and often daily Masses take Joe to Wantirna, Montmorency, Doncaster, Sunbury, Caroline Springs, Gladstone Park, Aberfeldie, Castlemaine, Eaglehawk, Lilydale & Healesville. As well as parishes. Joe does some of the weekday liturgies for ACU Melbourne and the occasional Mass at the Remand Centre.

Joe is spiritual assistant to the Bendigo Secular Franciscan and directed the Secular Franciscan’s NSW and Victoria Regional retreats and in May will lead their South Australian regional retreat. He also visits monthly the Poor Clare Collettines in Bendigo as their spiritual director.

Joe is the Order’s South Asia & Oceania (SAOOC) coordinator of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). He is the Australian contact for the People’s Forum on Mining and Extractive Industries, working on an international committee with Budi Tjahjono (Franciscan International) and Rodrigo Peret OFM (Brazil). He is also involved in interfaith work with Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) and with Victorian Interfaith Network. He is also a member of the local Laudato Si’ Animation Group which helps animate the Church’s environmental work and eco-spiritual reflection in Melbourne.

With Mario Debattista, Joe helped to organise the 2018 Younger Friars meeting from which several projects are being developed for implementation at the 2019 Provincial Chapter. The Younger Friars will meet again in March to progress these projects. As the Province’s Secretary of Mission and Evangelisation Joe will be going with Mario to the Order’s Asian Mission Conference (Manilla) in the February which will be discussing migration, inter-religious dialogue and the use of social media for evangelisation.

In his role as Vocation Director for the Province Joe attended the Ignite Conference in Brisbane and keeps in contact with young men interested in joining the Friars. Many people contact Joe through the Franciscan Friars Australia Facebook page he curates. Part of his time this year was spent coordinating the Melbourne stay and ministry of the friar students from Singapore.

Locally in Victoria, Joe is on the local committee of the Catholic Religious of Victoria network. As a member of that committee he met with the Bishops of Victoria in November over dinner to discuss ongoing Professional Standards issues and the upcoming Plenary Council.

Our Vicar, Bob Matthews, provides Mass each Thursday for the residents next door at Bedford Heights (except on the 1st Thursday). Each Monday he assists in St. Francis Xavier parish by celebrating midday Mass and keeps in touch with old friends and parishioners sharing a cuppa after the 11 o’clock Mass on Sunday. Many of you will have received his Prayer Card this Christmas. That ministry in itself demands hours of work with his assistant, Michael. Many thanks, Bob.

Our resident Definitor, Matthew Beckmann, also wears many hats. As well as his contribution as Definitory (counsellor) in the administration of the Province, Matthew is a member of the Department of Christian Thought and History at YTU and is the faculty representative on the Education Board of YTU. Matthew teaches: A Survey of Early and Medieval Church History; A Survey of Early Modern and Modern Church History; Reformation Histories and Theologies; Jesus, Name of Our Salvation. Matthew also takes a class at the Heart of Life Spirituality Centre and with the Franciscan Missionary of Mary Sisters. Matthew is the chair of the Province’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee. He also finds time to be the Chair of the Library Committee. Thank you Matthew for your thousand and one kindnesses that we receive week by week.

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THE GENESIS OF ST. PASCHAL’S LIBRARY (continued) Campion Murray remembers the library, now at St. Paschal’s College, Box Hill eleven years after “Willaroo”: “When I came from the novitiate to St. Paschal’s in 1945 the library consisted of shelves of books at the back of the main classroom. I know of no exact count but I imagine there would have been 1000 books. The contrast between the library in 1945 and 1985 is striking. (Provincial Chronicle, June 1985).

By 1949 there had been a remarkable development. Sebastian Day comments: “Instead of our being forced to borrow from others, we are in the happy position of being able to lend. St. Paschal’s is becoming the Mecca for source-starved students and professors from the University of Melbourne who are interested in things medieval and popish. They have discovered that our library is one of the best of its kind in Australia – if not the best. Instead of only 200 volumes we now have about 12,000. And most of them are fundamental and very hard to find in this country outside St. Paschal’s.”

We owe a debt of gratitude to Sebastian Day. After completing his doctorate in Philosophy at St. Bonaventure’s University in Allegany, NY, Sebastian travelled through the States, Mexico, England, Belgium, France and Italy visiting bookshops and buying well. Not only that, he built up a credit of good will with influential booksellers on the Continent. As a result, a constant flow of material came to the Library, books that otherwise would have been beyond our reach.

However there were others whose help was invaluable. Sebastian writes: “Credit for this really amazing transformation must be shared by many. First of all, by the pioneer lectors and superiors who started the ball rolling at “Willaroo”. Then by a succession of far-sighted superiors (from Provincials down) who made funds available in times when money was even harder to come by than it is now. Next by scouts who ranged over several continents and had the happy task of spending money placed at their disposal. And finally by friends in the United States who showed an extraordinary interest in the development of studies in this young Province and made time, money, and technical knowledge freely available to those who were trying to build up St. Paschal’s Library. Unfortunately these good friends in North America desire to remain anonymous; the only expression of thanks they want from us is to continue along the lines of development they have helped us to start.” (The Provincial Chronicle, July 1949).

Visiting St. Paschal’s Library today (and you are most welcome) it’s clear that the legacy left us has been well honoured. But that is another story for the future.

Edited by Theo Rush

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FROM OUR CLOISTERED GARDEN

Christopher Goulding (Hortolanus) in an article on “the Garden at St. Paschal’s” in the Provincial Chronicle of June 1985, observed: There is hope in a tree. Is it fanciful to suggest that the history of the garden in some way reflects the history of the College? Our story from the Cloister Garden certainly proves the truth of Christopher’s observation.

Angelo O’Hagan who died on 9 March 2016 left a small but significant legacy. In the Cloister Garden beside the introduction to the garden of Bluetongue Lizards (transported in a matchbox from King Island) and Guinea Pigs, Angelo planted trees of the Bible. During his years of scripture study and teaching, he introduced a truly biblical touch to the cloister garden: a Fig Tree, Olive, Medlar (a member of the rose family), a Locust Tree, a Pomegranate, Grapevine and Mexican Hawthorn (a type of Crab Apple).

In typical Angelo style he left the following notice for the students at YTU in their Common Room.

Fruit in the Garden

The Lord says:

THE FRUIT OF THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL

which is situated in the YTU lecture rooms YOU MAY EAT

but It is recommended that

THE FRUIT OF THE OTHER TREES OF ST PASCHAL’S GARDEN BE LEFT FOR THE BIRDS TO EAT

AND THE CHILDREN OF ADAM AND EVE TO FEAST THEIR EYES UPON.

To this day, the friars at St. Paschal’s follow Angelo’s injunction, with the exception of the figs which are delicious in season.

THE KING ISLAND CATHOLIC COMMUNITY (continued)

The Mass Bulletin on my recent visit for Christmas had an interesting item: “We welcome Father Theo to our island and hope he enjoys his time with us over this Christmas period. Please offer your invitation if you can feed Father!” Not your usual parish bulletin announce-ment. Nor indeed the following: “We shall need to confirm a priest visit for February. There is one expression of interest already.”

Star of the Sea parish celebrated its centenary in 2013. In the tiny foyer of the church entrance is an original stained glass window donated by M. Parer, the father or uncle of our own Fr. Ferdinand Parer ofm of PNG fame.

Another stained glass window – Two Sandals under an octagonal Star – commemorates the many years of Franciscan ministry on the island.

Remember in prayer Franciscan Fathers of Box Hill, Melbourne

Simplicity, Humility, Service. 2001.

Please keep our sisters and brothers on King Island in your hearts and prayers.

Theo Rush

COMING FRANCISCAN FEAST DAYS

St Bernard and Companions Feast

19 January Friars Bernard,Peter, Adjute, Accurs, Odo went with the blessing of St Francis through then muslim Spain to Morocco in 1219. The friar’s preaching in the market place upset the local Sultan. After refusing to stop preaching they were beaten and executed in 1220. They were the first martyrs of the Franciscan Order. Their martyrdom inspired St Anthony of Padua to join the Franciscans.

St Eustochia Smeralda Calafato PC Memorial 19 January

In opposition to the desires of her family Smeralda Calafato joined the Poor Cares at Basicò (Sicily) taking the religious name Eustochia in 1449. Her life was one of strict devotion and she founded a new monastery of Montevergine (The Mountain of the Virgin). Her biography was only found in the 1940s and she was canonised by John Paul II.

Saint Hyacintha Mariscotti TOR Memorial 30 January

Clarice Mariscotti joined a monastery of Third Order Regular sisters , at the age of twenty, after her younger sister married the wealthy Marchese Capizucchi to whom she was previously engaged. For ten years she, though devoted to the Virgin Mary, did not take her religious vows seriously, eating fine foods and wearing fine clothes. One day after her Confessor chastised her life she had a conversion of heart, fasting and praying long vigils. When a plague broke out in Viterbo she was noted for her care of the sick. She founded a lay community, the Saconni, to look after the poor, prisoners and the aged. She died in 1640 aged 54 . She was canonised in 1807 by Pius VII.

Saint Peter Baptist and Companions Memorial 6 February

St Peter Baptist was a Spanish Franciscan who first served in Mexico , the Philippines ,and then in 1593 was sent to Japan. He was one of twenty six men crucified in Nagasaki in 1597. With Peter were five other Franciscan Friar missionaries, seventeen Japanese members of the Secular Franciscan Order and three Japanese Jesuits . Toyotomi Hideyoshi , the defacto ruler of Japan began persecuting Christians because he was lead to believe they were forewarning of a takeover by the Spanish empire. After this incident tensions between the authorities and Christians continued to grow and in 1614 Catholics were banned from Japan and systematic persecution of the 200,000 Japanese Catholic began. The Christian community then became a hidden church until the late 1800s.

Saint Colette of Corba PCC Memorial 7 February

Nicole Bollet, joined the Benedictines and then searching for life of contemplation became a hermit following the rule of the Third Order of the Franciscan. After a dream she took the religious name Colette and was inspired to lead a reform of the Poor Clares. During her lifetime 18 reformed monasteries were founded. She died in 1447 aged 66. The reform she founded became known as the Poor Clare Coletines. In Australia there are Poor Clare Coletines in Bendigo.

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FRANCISCAN MISSION NEWSLETTER

Brother Nobert Pittorino ofm is the editor of a newsletter in support of the Franciscan Missionary Union. This newsletter provides information on the work of Franciscan missionaries particularly in Papua New Guinea

To subscribe. Phone: 02 93699300 Email: office@franciscans.org.au

From all the community at

Saint Paschal Friary

A

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

All the Lord’s

Peace and Goodness

There will be no newsletter in February

SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

The Fraternity meets every 3rd Sunday of the month at St Paschal’s Friary, beginning with Mass at midday.

www.ofsaustralia.org.au

THE YEAR THAR WAS (continued)

Cormac Nagle, now retired from full-time lecturing, continues to be available to the University of Divinity for selection committees for the approval of theses and as a supervisor for post-graduate theses. He is the clinical ethicist for Mercy Health hospitals and other institutions. Included in this work entails being a member of the Ethics Committee and the Research Ethics Committee. He has an office at the Mercy Hospital for Women at Heidelberg.

Each year Cormac gives an intensive course in Moral Theology to our students in Singapore.

Cormac is a member of Catholic Health Australia's bioethics and Mission (education) committees and a foundation member of the Canon Law Society ANZ and continues to be available for canonical advice both to the Province and other church institutions.

Cormac continues his interest in friary maintenance, especially in the electrical area installing security lights around the property and house along with other repairs. Our maintenance man, Noel, and Cormac work together on some projects here and at the "Heart of Life" centre (former Carmelite Friary) on Albion Rd.

Jim Fitzgerald, after many years of caring for the large chapel and welcoming our brothers and sisters from various ethnic groups for their liturgies, has now taken a well-earned rest. Thank you Jim for your attention to detail and making our second chapel a place of prayer and welcome. Jim has also passed on to Cormac Nagle his role as Spiritual Assistant of the local Secular Franciscan Fraternity. Thank you, Jim, for your years of dedicated work with our Seculars. Thanks too for your continued loving presence in the community, still making sure that the table is set for our evening meal.

Fabian Adkins’ welcome presence has been felt in many ways: the thorough cleaning of every pot, saucepan and stove in our kitchen - many times over; altar linen washed and ironed each Monday; the beautiful Christmas decorating of our daily chapel; a very willing substitute chef on Sundays and even weekdays. All this while keeping us abreast with the latest development in the Holy Land. Thank you, dear Fabian.

Ignatius Hickson has now retired from his classes in icon writing. His last class concluded with the icon blessing Mass at the end of term. Ig continues his active interest in the garden and his own icon work.

We thank Alana, our nurse, for her loving care of Matthew Milos, Terry O’Neil and Peter Cantwell, and indeed all of us. At present Peter is in rehabilitation following hip replacement surgery.

Theo Rush continues as part-time chaplain at Mercy Place, East Melbourne and assisting with parish Masses when required at Greythorn and Mt. Eliza. This Christmas Theo continued the long tradition of friars celebrating Christmas Masses on King Island for the small Catholic community. At home, Theo cares for our house chapel/sacristy, making sure that all is in readiness for our morning liturgies. And in small ways, Theo continues to preserve our Franciscan story.

Titus Angga Restuaji, our brother from the Indonesian Province, continues to study for his Masters of Education course at Monash University. He is on an Australia Award Scholarship. Titus has taken the opportunity during his university holidays to travel with his fellow students to visit Sydney and Brisbane.

As we look back on the Year that was, how can we thank enough Noel, our building site and property manager for his ever-ready omni-presence in so many ways; thanks too for Robert, our weekday chef; for Neil who keeps the house neat and tidy two times a week and finally Dora who each week makes sense of our tax invoices and books.

Thanks too for all who pray with us each morning. Their prayerful presence inspires and encourages us in our Franciscan life.

We have much to be thankful for – good friends and benefactors; the doctors, nurses and health professionals who now visit various friars on a regular basis.

Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good;

God’s mercy endures forever.