Remembering Henri Chetail MSC and now the Chetail Centre
March 15th is the anniversary of Henri Chetail, who came from France, served in Botany parish, was Bursar at Kensington Monastery and then went as an MSC pioneer to Tasmania where he died and is buried.
And now he is remembered at Kensington as the Province administration offices move from Treand House to the Chetail Centre.
A Google search found this tribute to him and his time at Botany parish.
St. Bernard's, Botany, the opening - and blessing of which in Mav. 1885 - served the needs of the district for a number of years, and many Catholics living to-day remember the old parochial buildings grouped by the roadside on the way to the bay — the wooden school, with the little convent behind it, and the church which looked so very like two churches joined together, as was actually the case.
The Sacred Heart Fathers worked hard there, living for years in a rented workman's cottage, and asking very little for themselves, and the names of some of the first missioners there are still held in reverence in the district.
Father Henry Chetail, M.S.C. arrived in Australia with his eyes on Island missions, but he became one of the priests attached to Botany and here he remained for nearly ten years, imparting to the people under his pastoral care his burning love for the Sacred Heart. His labours in the Botany district, when the Sacred Heart Fathers were in charge, were so appreciated by the parishioners. The name of Father Henry, we are told, is held in veneration by the first Australian priests.
Catholic Freeman’s Journal, December 22nd 1938, History of the Parish of Botany.
See the post for March 21st 2024 and the graveside ceremony with Ed Travers, Archbishop Porteous and Bartha MSC.