Displaying items by tag: Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Australia

Sacred Heart: Blessing of new Heart of Life Centre

Feast of the Sacred Heart: a gathering of staff, Melbourne MSC, students past and present, friends, at Kew Kreestha, Croydon, for Mass, Blessing of the house and the renovations, tours, refreshments and renewing friendships.

A message of blessing from Provincial Superior, Stephen Hackett, apology from Brian Gallagher in rehabilitation centre. The two Family Care Sisters, Jill Harding and Michelle Toussaint were present to see the changes at their former home.

Welcome by Director, Clare Shearman,

welcome to country by Programs Director, Lynn Moresi,

Intercessions by Daniel Magadia.

Presiding at the celebration of the Eucharist, Dominic Gleeson. Blessing of the house by Barry Smith.

Inaugurated last year: Heart of Life Hall of Fame with recipients, Brian Gallagher and Chris McPhee.

This year, Peter Malone, who has written the history of Heart of Life.

Refreshments and friendships

And this is what this room looked like a week or two ago.

And, Clare with the 13 MSC present. (No Leo Wearden is not based in Melbourne but was visiting from Wadeye.)

Main photos thanks to Trieu Nguyen. Group photo thanks to Gigi Anderson.

Celebrating the Feast of the Sacred Heart, 2024

With multicultural images and acknowledging our Province’s musicians and composers.

James Roulier put this hymn by Francis Stanfield to music

O Sacred Heart, our home lies deep in thee;

on earth thou art an exile's rest,

in heav'n the glory of the blest,

O Sacred Heart.

O Sacred Heart, thou fount of contrite tears:

where'er those living waters flow,

new life to sinners they bestow,

O Sacred Heart.

                                                          ___________

Tom Luby composed a polyphonic version of our motto.

Ametur. Ametur ubique terrarum Cor Jesu Sacratissimum. In aeternum.

[Google, Ametur Luby Youtube and several versions will come up, especially MSC Students Philippines and Albuquerque Women’s Choir.]

                                                            ___________

Frank Andersen’s Strong and Constant

I will be Your God who walks with you
You will be always within my hand
Take your heart and give it all to me

Should you wander far away from me
I will search for you in every land
Should you call, then you will truly know

When you know sorrow within your life
I will come, I will embrace your heart
Through your pain you will discover me.

Strong and constant is my love.

                                                      _____________

James Maher composed Heart of Jesus hymns and Mass settings. This one is not so well-known.

Jesus Sings the Blues

Jesus walks, Jesus shares the lonely road,

Jesus talks, Jesus finds the friendless lives,

Jesus hears the whispered sounds of darkened hearts,

Jesus cries, Jesus sings the blues.

Jesus sees, Jesus knows the twists of fate,

Jesus feels, Jesus needs the strength of love,

Jesus burns inside, burns for arms that hold on tight.

Jesus aches, Jesus sings the blues.

                                          ________________________

Paul McCormack and Gerard McCormick have also composed Heart of Jesus hymns and Mass settings.

On Patrick Dodson

Cover of the Monivae College magazine, The Dolphin

Earlier this week on this site, a post on this week’s National Reconciliation Week, there was a note on Pat Dodson.

As time has passed, many do not know much about him and have asked.

This summary is from the website for Brittanica.

With Frank Brennan SJ

Patrick Dodson (born January 29, 1948, Broome, Western Australia, Australia) is an Australian activist and politician who became one of Australia’s most influential Indigenous leaders and who is known as the “Father of Reconciliation.”

A member of the Yawuru people, Dodson was the son of an Irish-Australian father and an Aboriginal mother. When Dodson was age 2, his family moved from Western Australia to Katherine in the Northern Territory to escape the Western Australian laws which prohibited mixed-race families. Both of his parents had been imprisoned in the early years of their relationship as a result of their refusal to adhere to government-imposed racial segregation. In 1960, Dodson, then age 13, and his six siblings were orphaned. Although an aunt and uncle of Dodson’s battled with authorities to prevent the children from being sent to live in a Catholic mission settlement, Dodson, his younger brother Mick—who would become a renowned activist and scholar in his own right—and two of their siblings were made wards of the state.

In 1961, two priests from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart arranged scholarships for Patrick and Mick to finish their education at Monivae College, a Catholic boarding school in Hamilton, Victoria, at which they were the only Aboriginal students. At Monivae, Dodson not only proved to be a conscientious and accomplished student, but he also was elected college captain and served as captain of the school’s Australian rules football team. At this juncture he was already displaying strong leadership skills and the potential to become a powerful voice for Indigenous rights.

After graduating from Monivae, Dodson studied for the priesthood. [Adding, he made his novitiate in 1968, professed February, 1969, studied at Sacred Heart Monastery, Canberra, some courses at ANU, then Croydon and a B.Theol from the Yarra Theological Union).

When he was ordained in 1975, Dodson became the first Aboriginal person to be ordained a Catholic priest in Australia. As a priest, Dodson sought to balance and blend his faith in Catholicism with his Aboriginal spirituality. However, after many years of struggling to reconcile the two, Dodson left the priesthood. This marked the beginning of his journey of activism for Indigenous rights and his commitment to the reconciliation movement. In 1981, Dodson joined the Central and Kimberley Land Councils, and eventually he was appointed the director of both influential land rights organizations. In that capacity, Dodson successfully negotiated the return of the giant monolith Uluru/Ayers Rock to its traditional owners, the Anangu people.

Pat and Mick Dodson with Paul Castley MSC who taught at Moninvae in the 1960s, Cadets Passing Out Parade at Monivae, 2012

Dodson made some of his most acclaimed and influential contributions to the pursuit of rights for Aboriginal peoples as a royal commissioner appointed in 1989 to investigate the deaths of Aboriginal persons in custody. It was his work as the founding chairperson of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR) from 1991 to 1997, however, that led to his becoming known as the “Father of Reconciliation.” He also served as cochair of the Expert Panel for Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians (2010–16). Dodson was devoted to building constructive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples through mutual respect and dialogue. His achievements in this realm were profound, as he brought fundamental issues of the country’s past to the forefront. After retiring from the CAR, Dodson continued his advocacy for constitutional change and recognition of Indigenous rights. He served as chairperson of Nyambu Buru Yawuru Ltd. (2010–16).

In 2016 Dodson was appointed as the Australian Labor Party’s replacement for Joe Bullock. Dodson also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame in Broome. Dodson was recognized as a National Living Treasure, and in 2008 he was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize.

National Reconciliation Week, May 27th – June 3rd

After last year’s referendum result, this week is needed more than ever.

Disregard of Aboriginal prior rights to land was the ‘root of all evil’ in the colonisation of Australia.Archbishop Polding, Sydney, Pastoral Letter, 1869

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Australia have a long history with the First Nations People of this land and are committed to Reconciliation.

To foster that commitment, you might like to read this list and remember:

Darwin

Tiwi Islands

Arltunga/ Santa Teresa

Wadeye/ Port Keats

Deacon Boniface Perdjert

Nauiyu/ Daly River

Nelen Yubu Missiological Unit/ Daly River

Nelen Yubu periodical

Parishes

   Darwin Cathedral

   Alice Springs

   Nightcliff

   Casuarina

   Katherine

   Tennant Creek  

Torres Strait

   Hammond Island

   Thursday Island

Wadeye

Wilcannia/ Menindee

Palm Island

Erskineville/ ACM, Aboriginal Catholic Mission

The MSC Brothers, Priests, Bishops, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, the Lay Missionaries

And students in our schools, especially St John’s Darwin,

Students at Downlands, Chevalier, Monivae, Daramalan

• And at Monivae, Mick Dodson,

And acknowledging Pat Dodson, sharing 15 years of MSC life with us,

And his being named in 1997 The Father of Reconciliation

The Heart of Life Centre, renovations and progress.

Since the Province purchased the Croydon property, Kewn Krestha, in Alto Avenue, for a permanent home for Heart of Life, renovations have been in progress. This was the site for the Family Care Sisters (‘Grey Sisters’) centre for caring for mothers.

We celebrated Mass for the Sisters there from 1941 until the closure of the Croydon Monastery.

The task was to develop the buildings, a transition from social care to a functioning centre for courses, spiritual direction, seminars, offices, library…

Barry Smith has spent the months from February to the present in Melbourne, living with the Kew community, at Croydon in his role as MSC Property Manager.

The present goal is to have completed renovation of the main rooms in time for a blessing ceremony, and the celebration of 45 years of the Siloam Spiritual Direction program on June 7^th, the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

MSC Australia books, books about MSC Australia

Peter Malone writes: this website post has been with with my “working with Michael Fallon on our MSC Books Archive” hat on.

Have you wondered about how many Australian MSC have written books?

The quick answer is: more than a lot!

The news for this website post is that there is now An Annotated Bibliography of the Province. It will be an ebook on the Province website. This has taken some years to complete, interrupted for several years by Covid, and a realisation that many books were in the library at Kensington, quite a number upstairs on the second floor in the archives room, and so many all around the province.

After Paul Stenhouse’s death, Michael Fallon had the hefty task of organising that room, Paul’s books, coordinating the MSC books from the various sources, cataloguing them, arranging particular sections of Paul’s room so that it could become the book archive.

The Annotated Bibliography has, in alphabetical order, each Australian MSC author, the publishing details of each of their books, sometimes a short annotation, at other times longer, especially utilising the information on back covers. The books we have now are in alphabetical order occupying the wall space of half of the archive room. And, within this alphabetical order, the books written by former confreres, and these are also annotated.

In a corner across the room, is an increasing number of books about members of the congregation, different ministries, aspects of MSC life.

A request. We are eager to have copies of any books about MSC in Australia, individuals, ministry (an example is a thesis from Charles Sturt University, 2008, on MSC NT missions, with very full chapters on John Leary, Ted Merritt, Gerry Burke, more information than we have previously come across before.)

The Annotated Bibliography will find its home on the provincial website, in the section on e-books.

The person who compiled the Annotated Bibliography is website editor, Peter Malone MSC – persuaded to put in this photo of him as he stood on the library carriage which moves, rather heavily in the pushing, across the room, precarious to descend (rather easier to go up) and requires constant attention to balance! It is hoped that the bibliography maintains that good balance.

Developing our Misacor website

Monday, May 6^th saw a meeting to discuss and plan the development of our website, a wide-ranging consideration of our outreach, our content, our design, updating technology, improving content and accessibility.

Those participating: Stephen Hackett, Peter Malone, Kenji Konda, Trieu Nguen, Hoa Tran, Deacon Michael Hangan, adviser and web designer, ‘Transformation By Design’, Matthew Price (who has worked for diocese and religious congregation sites since 1999), who has been advising and helping us in recent years. Matt lives in Croydon and his children attend and have attended the Sacred Heart parish school on the site of our former house of studies.

Kenji and Michael participated by Zoom from Gifu, Japan, and Hobart. Everybody else was present at Cuskelly House, Blackburn.

So, we are encouraged and re-energised.

Kangaroo Island, The 70^th Celebration of Faithfulness! Some MSC service.

Paul Cashen sent this post – and asks if any visitor to the site could add any more information or some photos, please send them to him.

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart connection with KI began when Fr Jim Fallon MSC began his four years of ministry in 1995. He visited the island on a weekly basis, either for one weekend or a week at a time. Sr Carmel Clarke RSJ, the pastoral associate, began with Fr Jim to select and prepare members of the community especially, so that they would be pastoral ministry when priests and religious were not available.

Carmel Clarke RSJ

Neither Fr Jim nor Sr Carmel were living on the island full time, and so when ferries and planes were cancelled because of bad weather, there was a need for the pastoral care in the community. Fr Jim and Sr Carmel saw it was their responsibility to assist members of the community to respond with pastoral care for those in need, and also to provide  the services required to maintain the three church communities at Kingscote, Penneshore and Pandana (at that time).

Their efforts established a solid basis for the laity to bring pastoral care, for instance in preparing children for the sacramental and also support for the sick or elderly.   Fr Jim transferred to Canberra in 2000 because of his health and age.

 By then he had  developed a steady flow of MSC priests from the Hindmarsh and the Henley parishes to provide regular mass and the sacraments.

This commitment by the MSC was maintained until 2012 when the Parish Priest of Noarlunga was given the responsibility of KI. However, from time to time the MSC have been  asked to supply pastoral care.

In 2023 I was able to assist with supply during the Holy Week - Easter time. It was a privilege to be with the community again. I enjoyed their commitment to the organisation and the celebration required for the ceremonies. Their friendliness was manifest in the number of those who came before, during and after these ceremonies. It stood out as we enjoyed the Easter celebrations of our faith.

This reminded me that Pope Francis had encouraged us to focus on our baptismal call “to be missionary disciples”. The KI Catholic Community has been able to live up to this call, through their service to the community and their care for those who are on the margins. A community that expressed, and continued to seek and share a deeper faith in God’s love.

On behalf of the MSCs who have been privileged to serve with so many committed and caring people. We thank and congratulate them on the 70^th anniversary of their community and for the friendship and their missionary endeavour across Kangaroo Island.   

Paul Cashen MSC

Anzac Day, tribute to Norbert (Nobby) Earl MSC, Kokoda Track.

MSC memories for Anzac Day concern the many men who served in the armed forces in war, in peace time, and the many chaplains.

Recommended is Jim Littleton’s revised book on the Armed Forces, many names, many stories.

With the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and the PMG, James Marape, walking two days of the Kokoda Track this week,

there were many reports in the media. In an article in The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, Peter Fitzsimmons included four stories from his book on the Kokoda campaign. Here is his marvellous story about crossfire, a pause of a funeral, the crossfire – and Nobby Earl (Six or seven years ordained and in his early 30s).

And a fine tribute:

 “Father, Nobby to us heretics, and whom he liked to be called by us who were not of his faith; never have I met a man who has made such an impression on me by his absolute, simple faith; and if I was asked to say what my definition of a thoroughly happy man was I would say Nobby Earl. He owned nothing and yet he owned the world. P.76. Major M.I.Bidstrup, interview 14 January 1986.

Chevalier College experiment, a new educational approach

(School photos from the college Facebook page.)

Last November there was controversy about this plan and we posted,

In 2024, Chevalier College plans to implement a new and innovative educational approach that empowers students and redefines learning. Future Facing will change the way Chevalier students learn, creating a contemporary educational experience with Knowledge, Capabilities and Self-development at its core. By using time more effectively to maximise engagement and personal growth, students connect more deeply with their learning, acquiring complex capabilities and greater self-awareness to help them flourish in a rapidly changing world.

The college report noted:

Recent media has inaccurately reported on the initiatives being implemented at Chevalier College in 2024.

Incorrect: Chevalier is running a 4-day week for Years 10-12. Correction:

Chevalier is not moving to a four-day week for any year group. Students in Years 10-12 will be invited to learn from home on some Mondays and only if they meet certain criteria.

All students in Years 7-12 will be required to complete a detailed and thorough micro-credential course which takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Only students in Years 10-12 who complete the course will have the opportunity to learn from home on some Mondays, meaning those students need to earn the right to do so.

The first step will be the attainment of the micro-credential.

The second step will be that their parents attend a workshop on-site at the College to understand how learning from home will work, before they give permission. These sessions will also include information for parents about keeping students safe online in the home environment.

Last week, ABC Radio had a substantial segment on The World Today, which can be downloaded from the ABC site.  The report took a favourable perspective on what has happened so far, acknowledging that last year some parents removed their children from the college. The present report has a story interviewing a student and her parents as well as an Assistant Principal and a teacher.

Some highlights:

Flexible learning showing promise preparing high school students for post-COVID, hybrid working world

• In short: A private high school says surveys of students learning from home one day a week have been positive.
• Chevalier College students say the new timetable is reducing their stress levels and helping them manage their time.
• What's next? The school will consider adopting the flexible model permanently at the end of the year.

Catholic private school Chevalier College has just finished its first term of flexible learning. So far, more than 100 senior students have opted in to the trial which gives students greater flexibility in their timetables.

Chevalier College assistant principal Rebecca Graham said part of the challenge has been explaining the goals of the program. "Schools like ours often have quite a big dropout rate once kids get to university," she said. "[Students] have been spoon fed, and they haven't had to be self-directed."

The school has been conducting surveys of students to learn how they are adapting to the new schedule. The positive responses have helped win over some of the sceptical parents. "The first survey results when we sat down and had a look at it were actually far more positive than what we anticipated," Ms Graham said. "It is not perfect at the moment, but we certainly know that the balance that kids are finding in the day is a positive one.