Phil Reilly, an MSC Brother’s life, Formation and 50 years.

Phil celebrated his Golden Jubilee of Profession on January 13^th – but his celebration was on February 25^th at Erskineville parish where he lives.

Phil kindly gave us the text of what he said on that day.  It is long but it tells a story of a Brother’s life in the Australian Province – and you have the weekend to read it and look at the photos.

My dear Family, MSC Brothers, and my Dear Friends

How 50 Years of Profession creeps up on one so quickly, a definite sign for me that I am heading into the upper older age bracket.

I actually began my journey with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in 1970, at Croydon Victoria. A group of 18 youngish men, commenced our training, which we call the pre novitiate. Of course the 18 of us were first hoping to be professed as Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. Because the Second Vatican Council had finished, there were subsequently a lot of changes happening in the Church. The Formation of those wanting to join Religious Life was no exception. So, the group of 18 commenced training, to learn about the Society of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, and about Religious Life, and the living of it. 10 of the group were thinking of priesthood and 8 of us to be brothers.

The changes in the Formation training, also meant changes where we were to live. So in 1970 it was Croydon Victoria for our first year of pre novitiate and study, 1971 we moved to Canberra in the ACT, for our second year of learning. 1972, back to Croydon Victoria for our Novitiate, or what is known as the Spiritual year. It is a more contemplative year, learning more about ones self, prayer,  Religious Life, and ultimately discerning whether Religious Life is meant for each person in the group. So at the end of the Novitiate, you come to a decision whether you are being called to make first Profession or whether your Vocation in life may be elsewhere. On the 13^th 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.

Jac Boelen MSC at front. Phil and Jac were professed together

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!! This of course I owe to the recipes from the Australian Women’s Weekly Magazine, which my Mother and Sisters used to send to me. I was also saved by finding a copy of the Country Women’s Association Cookbook. This cookbook was essential, as it gave you the amount of ingredients that you needed for larger numbers!! During my time at Douglas Park, the community increased in numbers as the Novitiate was again held there. Also, the Retreat House Ministry commenced while I was there, and Douglas Park became a popular place to make a Retreat. So, the CWA cookbook was so handy, as I would often be cooking for over 50 people. I also must pay tribute to Mrs Shirley Clarke who was a long time resident of DP, and who lived on the St Mary’s Towers property with her husband Bill. Shirley and Bill were a great help to me, and Shirley would help in the kitchen especially with the dietary meals.

Many MSC used to say that I did very well in the kitchen there, and would comment on the Roast Dinners, and the baked potatoes. Any time I saw one of our priests the late Fr Martin Wilson, even when it was years after I left Douglas Park, he would always mention the baked potatoes. Well, all survived who ate there, and I survived in the kitchen too. In January 1976, I made my Final Profession. At the end of 1979 I was asked if I as willing to accept another appointment. A new kitchen and retreat house dining room had been built during that year at Douglas Park, and so I asked the Provincial if I could stay for one more year, and work in the new kitchen. He agreed to my request. At the end of 1980, I was asked to transfer to Downlands College Toowoomba, and so I commenced my new appointment there at the beginning of 1981.

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 term 4 1991, I was appointed as the acting Housemaster of Hyland ouse, one of the Boarding Houa House, one of the Boarding Houses. The Housemaster at that time, was unable to continue with running the Boarding House due to ill health. It is not easy taking over from a popular person, nor in the last term of the school year. Father James Littleton was Principal, and he was most supportive whenever I asked him for advice.

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. I have been amazed that over the years, past students have taken the time to find out where I was stationed, and then sent messages to be in touch with me. They have been most kind, in sharing time, their memories, and parts of their lives, and a meal from time to time.

In late 1989, I was given the opportunity to attend a month’s course at St George’s College Jerusalem, visiting the various places of the Holy Land. In 1990 I was appointed the Assistant Headmaster Residential. I was still Housemaster of my Boarding House at this time. It was the days when there were 360 Boarders at the College. I think I managed to carry out the job to the best of my ability. I was also most fortunate while at Downlands, to accompany various school tours that were held, and travelled to Tasmania, Hong Kong, China, Fiji, and was the only male on a girl’s sporting tour to New Zealand!

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.

In July 1992, I returned to Australia, and to my new appointment at Chevalier College Bowral. My appointment at Chevalier was from 1992 -2003. I was appointed the Housemaster of Shields House.

Because of some difficulties between the previous Housemaster and the students, it was not an easy start. Recently I had cause to re-read a student’s brief report in the College Magazine of that year which stated, “there was potentially a time of turmoil between the boarders and their new House Master, however with the help of the house captains, the Housemother, and Brother Reilly’s agreeable and friendly nature, the integration was smooth and trouble free’ So I must have done things right!!

In 1993, I was appointed the Director of Boarding. I do remember having some trepidation about whether I could carry out this responsibility. I remember going to Father Bob Irwin, and saying that I think I may have made a mistake in taking on this role. He very kindly pointed out that I had already carried out the role at another place, and would do the job at Chevalier too. So I continued on!!

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!! On the 21^st February 1998, I celebrated my Sliver Jubilee of Profession at Chevalier, Father John Mulrooney was the celebrant then too. At the end of 1999, my Boarding House closed, due to the declining number of Boarding Students. I was then appointed as an assistant in the library, and also helped out with Boarding Duties, for one more year. The next two years were full time in the Library. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Library, where I was able to learn new skills, be given more responsibility in the library, work with some terrific staff, who were a great help and support. Of course, it helped that one of the Library staff was a great cook, so the morning teas that we had were quite something. I have to say that I enjoyed my time at Chevalier, and it was generally a positive time.

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.

Family

Of course one of the important things was also working with and supporting the Provincial. During my time at Coogee, I worked with 4 Provincials, and well tried to keep them in order, not an easy task as you would imagine.

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. I also volunteer with Orange Sky which is the Laundry for the homeless, and Oz Harvest, where food is saved from landfill and given to many in need. I enjoy this very much. Both Tan and myself manage to survive quite well in the Parish House.

I would like to take this opportunity to also thank Father Tan Nguyen the Parish Priest of Erskineville, and the parishioners of the Parish, for allowing me to celebrate my Jubilee here today. To Father John Mulrooney a friend for over 40 years, thank you for celebrating the Mass, and for your homily. To my sister Anita, who travelled from Perth, my sister Sheena and brother in law Paul who travelled from the Gold Coast, and my niece Jessica her partner Nick and their children Jack and Isla, thank you for all the love and kindness you show to me, unfortunately my sister Moya was unable to make it tonight, due to cancelled travel, and my youngest sister Paula because of work commitments was also not able to be here this evening. To Ben Quinn our Cantor, and Joe Dzyzra on the keyboard, thank you so much for your ministry of music. To Mrs Bev Clarke who baked the Profession cake thanks you! To Mrs Anne Rees, Principal of St Mary’s School, for allowing us to move over to the school for refreshments. To my sister Sheena, for speaking on behalf of the family, and Father Bob Irwin on behalf of the MSC, thank you both for your very kind words

During my religious life I have tried in whatever I was asked to do, and whatever the situation.  Of course, like any job or chosen profession, there have been ups and downs, good times and not so good, and you don’t always get things right, but generally I have tried to do my best wherever I was, whatever the ministry, and that is all one can do.

Of course, I have been so fortunate to have my lovely family, who support me, and are so generous and loving to me. My MSC brothers who have supported me, loved me, and lived with me and my funny ways. During my Religious Life, I have meet so many wonderful people over the years, so many of you are here tonight, and you have honoured me with your presence. I have received so many wonderful messages from friends, and I am very touched by them. I feel very privileged to have such beautiful friends, and you all have been so generous with your friendship, time, listening ability and love.

I truly have been blessed to know you all, and call you my friends, and have received so much more over the years, more than I could ever dare hope to give back to you all in return. So, truly from my heart… I express my deep appreciation, and my affection, love and peace to you all. Thank you!

Chevalier Family message, First Friday, the 12 steps for Laudato Si appreciation

If you have not seen the film, The Letter, Pope Francis and Laudato si, a visit to the Vatican from the Amazone, India, Senegal and Hawaii, and a visit to Assisi, it is easy to find.

Google: Youtube, The Letter, Movie, Pope Francis, and it comes up at once,

Some Significant March Days for the Chevalier Family  2023

March 15^th, birthday of Jules Chevalier and beginning the year to the bicentenary celebration of  his birth.

March 25th has many entries, a significant day. It includes the foundation of the Handmaids of the Lord in 1918 by Archbishop Alain de Boismenu MSC.

MSC Sister have quite a number of significant March days, including the foundation and some mission outreaches.

The item of March 17^th is a reminder of the attacks on religious by the Nazis.

And some saints who have not appeared here before. March 5^th and 10^th.

5 March, 1877
During a stay in Rome, Father Chevalier met Don Daniel Comboni, founder of the Combonian Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus  and pro-Vicar of the mission of Central Africa, who had consecrated his large Vicariate to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart on 8 December, 1875.

9 March, 1906
The first Superior General of the MSC Sisters is elected. She is Sister M. Franziska Fleige.

10 March, 1865
The 'Pious Union', a movement centred on devotion to the Sacred Heart and founded by Blessed Louise Thérèse de Montaignac de Chauvance (1820-1885), becomes a Third Order of the MSC Congregation. It is a Third Order for women without vows and is associated with the MSC Congrégation until March, 1874.

12 March, 1965
The first two German MSC Sisters leave Hiltrup, Germany, to establish a foundation in Korea. They arrive on the 24 March, 1965 and the next day, 25 March, 1965, is the Foundation Day of the Korean Mission of the MSC Sisters.
As of December 31, 2011, there are 193 professed members in the Korean Province
as well as enthusiastically committed lay members.

Statue at OLSH Bentleigh

15 March, 1824
Jules Chevalier is born in Richelieu, France. The following day he is baptized in the parish church, "Notre Dame", at Richelieu.

17 March, 1935
MSC Sisters and a Third Reich injustice story:

Mother M. Electa, Superior General of the MSC Sisters, and the Procurator General, Sr. M. Gerberga are arrested by the Gestapo in Hiltrup. They are falsely accused of trafficking foreign currencies by Joseph Goebbels, Minister of the Propaganda of the German Third Reich. Mother M. Electa will be released from prison one year later, on the 18 March, 1936.

17 March, 1943
Three FDNSC, three MSC from Manus, PNG, eight MSC from New Ireland, PNG,
together with 39 SVD missionaries and Holy Spirit Sisters, are killed at sea between Kavieng and Rabaul, PNG, during the Japanese war in the Pacific.

18 March, 1900
Father Alain de Boismenu is ordained Bishop in Montmartre, Paris.

20 March, 1886
Father Hubert Linckens, MSC, who becomes historical founder of the MSC Sisters,
is ordained at s'Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.

25 March, 1859
Construction commences on the Basilica in Issoudun.

Statue at OLSH Bentleigh

25 March, 1882
Marie Louise Hartzer enters the FDNSC Congregation in Issoudun after a lengthy period of discernment.
The once thriving new community established in 1874, by 1882 does not show signs of growth, in fact, quite the opposite!
However, Marie Louise is very much attracted by the charism of Jules Chevalier so she decides to enter the small community.
She becomes the First Superior General.

25 March, 1901
First Profession ceremony of 10 MSC Sisters in Hiltrup.

25 March, 1918
Foundation of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Lord in Papua New Guinea by Monsignor Alain de Boismenu.

25 March, 1977
Foundation Day of the Indian Mission of the MSC Sisters.

28 March, 1937
Father Heinrich Kellner, MSC, from the North German Province dies in captivity in China.

Monivae College, Opening Mass for the school year.

We have posted the opening celebrations at our colleges, Chevalier, Downlands, Daramalan. We are not forgetting Monivae.

Provincial Chris McPhee presided, assisted by Ted McCormack MSC who lives at Monivae.

And blessings for the students.

Congratulations. Religious Profession. Part 3. Kensington Celebrations

Eleven of the 55-75 years religious life were present.

Paul Cashen

Jim Littleton

Noel Mansfield

Chris McPhee

Our OLSH Sisters

Noel Mansfield with Cardinal John Ribat

Congratulations. Religious Professions, 55, 60 years.  To be continued….

55 years, 27th February the actual day

Ed Travers, Arthur Stidwall, Len Helm

Peter Guy

60 years

Terry Herbert

Joe Ensing

John O’Connor

Greg Mc Ennally

Paul Cashen

 “Your voice preaching, teaching, and comforting; your hands baptizing, blessing, anointing, and absolving; your eyes seeing, smiling, caring, and crying; your ears listening, hearing, and understanding; your feet walking, walking, walking, walking to churches, classrooms, graduations, weddings, family gatherings, parish picnics, prisons, nursing homes, deathbeds, and gravesites.

In all of these ways, and many more, you have made the Sacred Heart present in ways more powerful than you will ever know. You have helped all of us to realize what it means to be on earth the heart of God. You have taken seriously ‘May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved! We thank God for you; I thank God for you and for your mission as one of many Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. ..thank you!   Chris McPhee, Provincial words of congratulations.

Greg McCann celebrates 60 years in August, so we will give him his site post on that day.

Congratulations, Professsion anniversaries, Part I: 75, 70, 65… to be continued

26^th February

75 years   -   Novice Master Cuthbert Hoy

Kevin Ehlefeldt

Jim Littleton

70 years,   Novice Master Patrick McGuane

Noel Mansfield

Malcolm Fyfe

65 years,  Novice Master  Frank Butler

Michael Sims

John Franzmann

Peter Malone

CYRANO, MY LOVE

France, 2018, 115 minutes, Colour.

Thomas Soliveres, Olivier Gourmet, Mathilde Seogner, Tom Leeb, Lucy Boujenah, Clementine Celarie, Dominique Pinon, Simon Abkarian.

Directed by Alexis Michalik.

While Cyrano is in the title of this affectionate and humorous film, Cyrano de Bergerac is not the main character. Rather, it is the playwright, Edmund Rostand, who created him for the stage, based on a 17^th century character.

The writer-director, Alexis Michalik, was intrigued by the film version of Shakespeare in Love, and wanted to do something similar for Rostand. He wrote a play for the theatre and has now adapted it for cinema. He himself plays a small role as playwright Georges Feydeau.

It is 1897, Rostand, still a young man, has not written a play for two years. In contact with the great actor of the period, Constant Coquelin (played with enthusiastic exuberance by Belgian actor, so often seen in sombre dramas, Olivier Gourmet). His last play, starring the great Sarah Bernhardt, has been a flop. He promises the actor a play on Cyrano to Bergerac. But he has not written a line.

Rostand, played by Thomas Soliveres, is a small man, anxious, a wife and children, encouraged by his lively friend, Leo (Thomas Leeb) moves in the theatre world, in the local bars, speculating about several actresses, Leo falling in love, Edmund attracted but devoted to his wife.

The film offers an imagined writing of the play, deadlines, presentation to the actor, his approval and disapproval, hurrying to finish. In the background there is great detail of the theatre world of the time, even a visit by the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, the business people, the directors, the casting, the technical putting on of the play, the atmosphere of the theatre.

The sequences outside Paris are performances of the play in towns in central France.

Audiences who enjoyed Shakespeare in Love will be entertained by this variation on the theme. Fiction, but imaginative fiction.

1. A film for French audiences? Their knowledge of French theatre, Edmund Rostand, Cyrano de Bergerac? For international audiences, the many versions, the cinema versions? Jose Ferrer winning an Oscar, Gerard Depardieu in the 1980s, Peter Dinklage in the 2020s? The recapitulation of photos during the final credits?
2. A fiction, the inspiration of Shakespeare in Love? A playwright, his talent, writer’s blocks, deadlines, family and relationships?
3. 1897, the recreation of the period, costumes, décor, changing styles and amenities, the moving towards the modern era?
4. The theatre, the theatres themselves, stage and prosceniums, behind-the-scenes, the auditoriums, the audiences, audience responses?
5. Rostand, his reputation, his flop, despite Sarah Bernhardt, no play for two years, his young age, wife and children, anxious, his friendship with Leo? The contact with Constant Coquelin?
6. Leo, outgoing, supportive, the actresses, night out, attractions, encouragement?
7. Cocquelin, his status and actor, larger than life, comic touches, his performances, interest in Rostand, the promise of the play, declaiming, rehearsing, involvement?
8. Rostand, the family situation, his wife, love, children, providing a living, his anxieties?
9. The women, actresses, possibilities for the play, finding the right Roxanne?
10. The deadlines, hurrying to complete the play, giving it in stages to the actor, the encouragement, yet the desperation?
11. On location, the provinces, the theatres, the financial backing, financial discussions, the staging, the director, the complications and the anxieties?
12. The performance, success, return to Paris, staging, and beginning the life of a French classic?

50 Years Ago   Melbourne Eucharistic Congress, the Aboriginal Mass

 Do you remember or, if you don't, did you know of this historic Mass at the 1973 Eucharistic Congress - and the contribution of the local NT and WA aboriginal people and the MSC/OLSH connections?

Sunday 24th February marks the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Mass celebrated during the Eucharistic Congress in Melbourne in 1973.

The pictorial record of the Eucharistic Congress, Congress of the People, Melbourne, Australia, 18-25 February 1973 commended the occasion:

The Australian Aboriginal Liturgy celebrated at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday afternoon, February 24 and attended by nearly 30,000 people was one of the most memorable occasions at the Congress week. Cardinal Sheehan, the Papal Legate, celebrated the Mass at an altar decorated with Aboriginal symbols. Aboriginal singers and dancers from north and west of Australia took an active part in a celebration which broke new ground in the Church's liturgical renewal.

The Advocate, Melbourne's Catholic paper of the day described the preparations and the celebration of the Liturgy in a number of articles and is the main source of the following.

Archbishop Knox, Melbourne's Archbishop, had commissioned Fr Hilton Deakin to explore areas in which Aborigines could make a special contribution to the Congress and from which they themselves might benefit.

Fr Brian Morrison of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, as the co-ordinator of the Aboriginal Liturgy had recently travelled to the Northern Territory to celebrate the liturgy as finally drawn up and approved by the Holy See.

The Aboriginal Mass contained a number of innovations.

The first scripture reading was replaced by a mime of the Last Supper, performed by the 24 dancers under the direction of Fr Michael Sims msc from Bathurst Island and accompanied by rhythmical chanting and clapping.

Michael Sims MSC

In place of the Responsorial Psalm, Claude Narjic from Port Keats, sang his own composition in praise of Christ. The song in the Marringar (Murrinyngarr) dialect was accompanied by music from a didjeridoo, a set of clapping sticks, and a guitar.

The Eucharistic prayer itself contained a number of innovations. Allan Havelock cp writing in the Advocate stated that a feature of the Canon was the simple, non-theological yet meaningful language and the Eucharistic prayer proper added to the community participation with an increased number of acclamations. He added that the words "happy" and "friends" are numerous throughout the text and reflect the community preoccupation of the aborigines.

During Communion, Port Keats' Aboriginals sang several songs in language and the children's choir, some 45 girls and boys between eight and 13, and a highlight of the celebration sang a hymn under the direction of Sr Francesca olsh.

Some 30 men who had been brought to the Congress by Fr Brian Healy msc joined with dancers from Kununurra WA to perform the thanpa (Djanba) dance, a high spirited dance in thanksgiving.

The altar was painted with the special emblems and designs by the men from Port Keats area.

The chalice was made in the shape of a coolamon, a traditional ""carry-all"" vessel. It was specially made for the Congress by Aboriginals from the Pallotine Mission station near Broome.

Cardinal Sheehan's vestments, were made by Bathurst Islanders and designed by a 20 year old Tiwi artist Bede Tungutalum who said it depicted the Holy Spirit with the Apostles.

Photo acknowledgements: MDHC Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Article and photos sent by Leo Wearden MSC, Wadeye.

 Leo adds that this weekend there will be celebrations at Wadeye and Bathurs Island with those who were present 50 years ago.

Brian McCoy SJ draws on his long experience in the NT with a fine article in this week’s edition of Eureka Street.

Brian has tabled a great deal of information about the creation of that liturgy and he notes:

This group numbered more than one hundred and fifty adults, teenagers and a children’s choir.  

This liturgy was, for many of us who were present, the first time we had witnessed and experienced Aboriginal people expressing their Catholic faith in ways that were culturally different from our own but very significant to them. The ancient Catholic liturgy took on a new dimension of life and energy as people sang in their own language, mimed the Word of the Gospel and danced. 

This first public and national Aboriginal Liturgy was highly significant. It was the first attempt by the Catholic Church in Australia to re-shape the ancient Catholic ritual of the Mass, which itself had already changed and adapted in the light of Vatican II in the late 1960s. In this case, the attempt was in the light of the faith experiences by those belonging to an even more ancient culture.  Or, more accurately, Aboriginal cultures. It was no easy task.

That liturgy on a Saturday afternoon in a Melbourne summer was never intended to be the final word or assume the final shape of a more culturally sensitive and inclusive liturgy. It was only a beginning. 

Daramalan College, Opening Mass

In Canberra, visiting Daramalan, Chris McPhee had a meeting with our former confrere, the only federal political with a B. Theol degree from the Yarra Theological Union, Senator Pat Dodson, now Special Envoy for Reconciliation and Implementation of the Uluru Statement of the Heart, which is supported by the religious congregations of Australia.

Chris McPhee celebrated the opening Mass for the College