Anzac Day, an Australian MSC tribute, Fr James Gilbert MSC, Battle of Fromelles, 1916

Each Anzac Day, Lest We Forget – and a tribute to MSC war chaplains.  (For past memorials, go to the search engine and type in Anzac Day.)

Documentation from the Australian War Memorial website. And photos from Fromelles.

"Chaplain (4th Class) James Patrick Gilbert MC, 15th Brigade, from Randwick, NSW... was awarded the Military Cross in January 1917 for actions at Fromelles. Under heavy fire, Chaplain Gilbert had tended the wounded and dying unceasingly for 48 hours..." - SOURCE (www.awm.gov.au)

A biography is included - and his work at St Brigid's Coogee

Father Gilbert was born at Kuniara, on the west coast of the South Island, New Zealand, and was educated by the Sisters of Mercy in that town. From the age of 16 to 26 he followed the occupation of gold mining on the west coast, ever cherishing the desire to abandon the world and enter the sacred ministry. God's Providence intervened by bringing to that comparatively remote territory the late Father Treand, M.S.C., whose invitation to James Gilbert to leave almost immediately for Kensington, Sydney, was accepted. Entering the novitiate of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in 1902, Father Gilbert was ordained in Sydney by the late Cardinal Moran on November 30, 1908, with others, who include Rev. Father M. Smith, M.S.C. (Superior of the Randwick parish), and Rev.Father E. .1. Drohan, M.S.C. (Tasmania).

From 1908 to the end of 1912 Father Gilbert was in charge of the parish of Ahaura (diocese of Christchurch, N.Z.). Then followed 12 months at Umalling (W.A.), and shorter periods in the Riverina and Queenstown (Tasmania). Shortly after the outbreak of the Great War Father Gilbert was appointed to Coogee, but left for the front as chaplain to the 15th Brigade, A.I.F. Returning in August, 1919, he resumed parochial work, taking charge of Coogee,where he has since remained.

Intensive Building. The handsome and serviceable parochial buildings which now adorn a spacious, elevated block of ground are the admirable results of the zealous enterprise, hard work, and sympathetic leadership of Father Gilbert. In1920 he purchased the land for about£5300; the beautiful Church of St. Brigid, with its commanding spire, was erected in 1921 at a cost of £15,000; the school was built in 1924, adding another £1000 expenditure; and various other improvements have been made.

Before the public reception of Father Gilbert last Sunday, Rev. Father E. Dignam, M.S.C., preached at evening devotions a very appropriate sermon on the priesthood, with special reference to the honour and remarkable work for God of Father Gilbert. Among those present at the reception were Very Rev. Fathers A. Perkins, M.S.C.(Provincial), and J. Power M.S.C Rev. Fathers J. Gilbert, M.S.C, E. McAuliffe, PP E Dignam, M.S.C, and Puoebet, MSC Sacred Heart Missionary Brothers, Our Lady's Nurses (Coogee). Amidst loud applause lather Gilbert proceeded to the stage through a guard of honour of the 1st Coogee troop of Catholic Boy Scouts (Scoutmaster A. Lee in charge).

Jubilee Greetings and Presentations. The chairman (Mr. Eves) said that Coogee parish was particularly fortunate in its pastor, Father Gilbert, and the people hoped God would spare him. for many years to remain in the parish. He did not like any demonstration or words of praise for what he did; but his flock could not refrain from telling him that they loved him. In his heart, continued Mr. Eves, he had an affection for Father Gilbert which could spring only from a God-given impulse. Father Gilbert 's untiring efforts and guidance of the parishioners had made them wonder how he could have stood up to the tasks he had gone through.

Supporting the jubilee greetings, Mr.Sprott said that the hearts of all present were overflowing with happiness and gratitude for sharing in Father Gilbert's joyous jubilee. His coming to Coogee was a priceless gift to the parish, for his zeal,devotion, and self-sacrifice were extraordinary. No one was more worthy of honour than Father Gilbert for what he had done in the parish, and the people loved and honoured him 'for that and for what he meant to them. To know Father Gilbert was to love him. Here upon, Mr. Sprott presented Father Gilbert with a wallet of notes, his parishioners' gift, as a mark of their love, esteem, pride and joy. The jubilarian, they felt, deserved a rest, and they hoped he would take a holiday and come back to complete his priesthood in Coogee.   The Catholic Press Thursday 07 December 1933 page 19