Acknowledging Phil Reilly MSC, 75, November 25th
At the time of Phil’s Golden Jubilee of Profession, he wrote a speech about his life as an MSC. It is well worth reading: https://www.misacor.org.au/item/29202-phil-reilly-an-msc-brother-s-life-formation-and-50-years
Here are some excerpts.
On the 13th January 1973 I made temporary Profession for three years as a Brother in the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. Once again we moved after First Profession, and so in February 1973, we returned to Canberra, where we studied, and worked.
Towards the end of 1973, I was asked by the Provincial whether I would be willing to go to St Mary’s Towers Douglas Park. My new job was to be the cook for the community there. Being newly Professed, wet behind the ears, of course I agreed to the request, even though I had only helped in the kitchens during my training, but never run a kitchen, or cooked by myself.
Well, I have to say that I did survive quite well at Douglas Park and found that I could cook!!
I lived at Downlands College, from !981 – 1991. I was first appointed to work in the College Office, to help in the finance section. I also helped out with some Boarding duties. In 1982, I was appointed the Housemaster of Hyland House. I enjoyed my time at Downlands. I made many friends, both those who worked with me in the office, the teaching staff, and of course parents.
In 1992, I was given Sabbatical Leave, and spent six months in the USA at the Wellsprings course. This was a course for deepening one’s spiritual life, and a time for personal growth. This was a blessed time for me, and I do know that I gained so much personally. There were people from many countries. It was a wonderful group, and I made many friends, who were so kind to me. I am forever grateful to the Australian province, for allowing me this Sabbatical time.
My appointment at Chevalier was from 1992 -2003. I was appointed the Housemaster of Shields House.
Phil and sisters, Sheena and Anita
In 1997 after consultation with the Religious Community at Chevalier, I was appointed the Religious Superior of the MSC Community. I was Superior for 7 years, and finished when I left Chevalier in 2003. I must have done a reasonable job I suppose as I was reappointed twice!!
At the end of 2003, I was asked if I would leave Chevalier, and transfer to Treand House, the Provincial House, at Coogee. I accepted the appointment and was the assistant to the Province Business Manager. Working at Treand House was a completely different ministry. It was here that I worked more closely with members of the Province, especially those who were working in overseas missions. At Treand I was responsible amongst other things, for the paying of accounts, Health Insurance of our members, and helping those who were overseas and returning to Australia with their Travel, Travel Insurance, Pensions, Health Insurance, Doctors Appointments, and many other things. This was my longest appointment, and I was at Coogee from 2004 until June 2020.
I finished my time at Coogee at the end of June 2020, and moved to Erskineville Parish to live in semi retirement, where I manage to keep myself occupied.
