Mark Hanns MSC, Blackburn. A Personal Confession
It is not everyone who makes a personal and public confession, especially praising alien football codes to Victorians. This is his introduction from the parish of St Thomas Bulletin. (Interesting for confreres as well.)
G’day folks. Mark Hanns is my name. I’ve already had the good fortune to meet many of you, but these encounters were greatly limited by covid lockdowns. However, I have not yet given a description of myself or my background… Till now.
I was born in Kogarah Hospital in the St George area of Sydney, which is where the great St George Rugby League team calls home, though I suspect that may not hold a great deal of importance to many Melburnians. Anyway, my allegiance switched in 1968 when the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Rugby league team was established, because that’s where my home was.
(From a while ago)
I was born into a family of seven. I have four sisters. And no, I wasn’t spoilt might buy my older sisters. I’m still waiting for the money they promised me are doing their share of the washing up. My primary school was Our Lady of Fatima, Caringbah, and high school was the De La Salle, Caringbah. Among my classmates were Michael Lee, John Della Bosca and Steve Hutchins, all prominent ALP men.
After school, I did an electrical trade with the Otis Elevator Company on the high-rise buildings in the Sydney CBD. I also chased a few of the waves up and down the coast of New South Wales and Queensland in my youth, in panel vans with mates, before venturing further afield and exploring South Africa for a year, then backpacking through Africa, Israel, Europe and Britain in the early 80s.
I enjoy all water sports, both liquid and frozen. I love the great outdoors and have done lots of camping over the years. Yet, if I go camping now, I prefer to camp in a six-man tent just for me, with a stretcher, foam rubber mattress, fitted sheets, doona and pillow. I proved my ability to rough it back in the day. Done that! More comforts now, thanks.
I joined the MSC in 1986 and was ordained a deacon in 1995 in our MSC parish at St John the Apostle in Canberra, and ordained a priest in St Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra. In my studies I majored in Spirituality. I love exploring the human condition and human formation. I trained in Emotional Release Counselling and Spiritual Direction. I served in our parishes in Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart. My first appointment was as chaplain to Monivae college in Hamilton, Victoria. Now my responsibility is as Director of Post-Novitiate Formation.
I’m glad to be here in Blackburn and a member of this wonderful parish of St Thomas. And I look forward to meeting more of you over the months and years to come..,
