Calvary 2022.  Calvary/ Good Friday Ukraine – and throughout the world

At the start of Holy Week, Pope Francis yesterday appealed for an immediate ceasefire to the war in Ukraine, saying Easter is a time to choose life over death.

Speaking to about 65,000 believers in St Peter’s Square for his Palm Sunday Mass, which marked his first outdoor Mass since the coronavirus pandemic began, the Pope noted that during the Annunciation passage of the Gospel, the Angel Gabriel tells Mary that “nothing is impossible for God”.

“Nothing is impossible for God, not even to put an end to a war whose end is not in sight. A war that every day puts before our eyes brutal massacres and cruelty committed against unarmed civilians,” he said.

Though he did not specifically mention Ukraine or Russia, the war between the two nations is something the Pope has often condemned since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

Pope Francis noted that the Catholic Church is observing the days leading up to Easter, saying, “we are preparing to celebrate the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ over sin and death.”

“Over sin and death, and not someone and against someone else, but today there is war because you want to win like this in the way of the world,” he said, insisting that with war, there are “only losses.”

“Why not let him win? Christ was brought to the Cross to free us from the dominion of evil; he died so that life, love, and peace may reign,” he said, and urged all those involved in the war to “put away your weapons.”

“Start an Easter truce, but do not reload your weapons and start fighting again, no!”

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE

UK, 2022, 137 minutes, Colour.

Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Mads Mikkelsen, Ezra Miller, Callum Turner, Richard Coyle, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterston, Poppy Corby-Tuech, Alison Sudol, Jessica Williams.

Directed by David Yates.

This is the third film in the Fantastic Beasts series. The stories are the works of J.K.Rowling and the director is David Yates who made four of the Harry Potter films.  The first film made an impression but the fans were very disappointed with the second film. With the third, there are some changes. First of all, American writer Steve Kloves, who wrote all but one of the Harry Potter films, has joined J.K.Rowling for the screenplay. Fans and critics have already noted that the plot is clearer, better dramatic development.

Of course, the focus of the Fantastic Beasts tales is Professor Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts (and there is a visit to Hogwarts in this film, the students, the staff, and echoes of the musical theme). But, as in the earlier films, Dumbledore, played again by Jude Law, is in conflict with his former friend, Grindlewald. In fact, this film opens with a confrontation between the two, Grindlewald asserting an enmity and his overpowering desire to control the world of the wizards and even to conquer the world of Muggles.

A big difference for this film is that in the previous films Grindlewald was played by Johnny Depp. This time he is replaced by the Danish actor, Mads Mikkelsen, and always worth seeing, and has played many an effective villain over the decades. Here he is more subdued, always menacing.

And the other central character, Newt Scamander, once again played by Eddie Redman, gets caught up in the conflict. He is joined in the struggle to defeat Grindlewald by his brother, Theseus (Callum Turner).

The occasion for the struggle and a climax is an election for the best candidate to be the Chief Wizard. Grindlewald is relying on an acknowledgement by a small magical Dragon whose talent it is to recognise interior goodness and bow before that person. But, there are twin dragons and while one is magically controlled by Grindelwald, the other is eventually free to bow before the accepted leader.

Quite a lot of adventures, the finding of the dragons in Chinese forests, a hostile expedition led by Credence (Ezra Miller looking for all the world like a young version of Septimus Snape) to steal the little dragon, the involvement of the Muggle baker, Kowalski (Dan Fogler), and assorted allies, female and male, including Dumbledore’s brother, (Richard Coyle).

The climax takes place at quite an exotic setting, the last Castle, staircase and halls in Bhutan.

This film is often dark, even visually dark, and a film for adults rather than younger audiences (although those younger audiences for the Harry Potter films are now older, ready for Fantastic Beasts).

J.K.Rowling and the producers have promised two further episodes.

1. The impact of the first two instalments? Expectations of this episode? Fulfilment?
2. The work of JK Rowling, co-writing, the heritage of Harry Potter, the origin story of Albus Dumbledore? And glimpses of Hogwarts?
3. The title, the focus on Dumbledore? Yet new to Scamander as the central character?
4. The settings, the early 20^th century, New York City, Berlin, the world of the wizards, Bhutain? Grindelwald’s headquarters, castle? Hogwarts? The musical score and popular themes?
5. The opening, Dumbledore waiting, the touches of magic, sugar in his tea? Grindelwald’s arrival? The past friendship, Dumbledore’s love for him? The bond, the sealed necklace? Grindelwald and his ambitions, despising of Muggles? The setting up of the conflict?
6. Out in the woods, Mute, the Dragon, giving birth, Credence and his group, the attack, abducting the little dragon? New discovering that there were twins, taking the twin?
7. The character of Grindle world, past history, his associates and their loyalty, with the little dragon, killing it and absorbing the blood, in the pool? Going to Berlin, his candidacy for head Wizard, the management of the candidacy, the three candidates, Asian, female? The manoeuvrings? Kowalski, his presence, the attempt on Grindle Bolt, the accusations, the escape?
8. Dumbledore, mute as his pupil, Theseus and his presence? The emissions? The new to and his case, the picture of Tina? With the dragon? Theseus and his imprisonment? The rescue? The visit to Hogwarts? Dumbledore in charge, Kowalski at the table, the jokes?
9. Dumbledore and his associates, LE Hicks, Bunty? Dumbledore and his brother, his work, sullen? Credence, Dumbledore discovering his background, the family relationship, credence taken up by Grindle Bolt? Leading the team to kidnap the dragon? Treatment by Grindle Bolt? Dumbledore getting to him, building up to the confrontation, his death? His appearance like Septimus Snape?
10. Going to Bhutan, the five cases, the deception? Mute with the real dragon? In return, the various attacks on those with the cases, lonely and Theseus taken? Kowalski and the confrontation with Grindle Bolt, the wand, Kowalski rescued? The confrontation with mute, the woman taking the case, his pursuing her?
11. The assembled wizards, the election, acclamation, the Dragon, bowing to Grindle Bolt, the objection, the twin Dragon, bowing to Dumbledore, his declining, going towards the female Wizard and bowing to her, her becoming the head?
12. Adventures, magic, audience familiarity with the characters from the past, enjoying the adventures, the confrontation with Grindle Bolt and his shielding himself and disappearance, for future episodes?

MSC. Who? Where? 2022, Working in the Pacific Islands Province

Col Sinclair, for many years in Fiji and Kiribati.  Formation.

Quy Duc Tran, lecturer, Pacific Regional Seminary, Suva.

MSC Pacific, ministries           

Graduating Class

Wainadoi, Fiji (02/04/22) - The graduating class of 2020 take a class photo with Fr Tamati Sefo MSC, Fr John Fong MSC and their trade instructors after their thanksgiving mass. Graduation included the presentation of certificates and awards to recognize their achievements and hard work over the past 3 years. Fr Tamati congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the generosity of the school benefactors who invested in their training to graduate as tradesmen. They were joined by their families and friends who also offered their support to the students. Fr Tamati thanked Fr John Fong MSC (CTC Director), Deacon Johnny Arnold MSC, trade instructors, administration officers and staff for their commitment in journeying with these young men. Each graduate received a set of tools according to his trade and equipment to assist them in their work in the future. CTC not only offers trade courses but also prepares students to be good, faithful and loyal citizens in their communities and in society.

Induction ceremony of Pre-Novices 2022.

The Provincial, Fr Tamati Sefo, and the members of the MSC Province of the Pacific Islands welcomed the Pre-Novices of 2022 with an Induction ceremony at Sacred Heart House, on Monday night the 28th of March 2022. There are two candidates from FIji - Lloyd Kamali and Vincent Petero, and three from Kiribati - Kourabi Mweretaka, Ieiera Tiamuera and Rataro Teimauri Timiti.

Their classes and zoom sessions started about four weeks ago. The three Pre-novices from Kiribati arrived in Nadi on Friday, 25th of March and went into isolation for three days at the Nasau Resort in Nadi.

In his speech, Fr Tamati expressed his warm welcome and reminded them of their journey of discernment in the coming months, and to be open to God and to allow themselves to journey together with their formator and director.

Br Tebweao also arrived with the pre-novices from Kiribati and is in Fiji for medical checkups. In the meantime Br Tebweao will journey with these young men alongside Br Colin and Fr Pone at the Pre-Novitiate in Wailoku.

 Chevalier Institute  - Introducing Rosanna Abraham, Administration Assistant

 My name is Rosanna (Rosie) and I have recently joined the Chevalier Institute family as the Administration Assistant, supporting the Institute, and MSC Education, in day-to-day admin.

Though I have lived locally for over 20 years, I grew up in Fairfield, having been brought up in the Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East -St Hurmizd’s, Greenfield Park.

Over the years, I have held a number of positions - some permanent and some contract (and some, most lately, as 'working-from-home' during the period of lockdown) - across various organizations, such roles including technical infrastructure support, IT procurement officer, customer support consultant, systems support coordinator, IT purchases and contracts officer, service desk analyst and so on.  

I am honoured to be part of the Chevalier Institute team and hope to successfully contribute to its wonderful work.

I look forward to meeting with you all as time goes on.

Another MSC Australian statistic… which seems out of proportion: Uncles and Nephews

Recently we listed what was a surprising number of family brothers in the Province, in the 20s.

We were surprised at the number of uncles and nephews 8.

This list might bring back memories

Uncles and newphews:

 Jean Vandel, friend of the founder and Jules Vandel, pioneer in the Australian Province.

Alan Guest  and Gerry Kelly

Frank Flynn and Peter Flynn

 Frank Tyler and Vin Tyler    Stan Tyler was a cousin.

 Greg and Greg McCann

 Harry Eather and Paul Power

 Pat Canty and Pat Austin

Pat Donovan and Pat McGuane

And, uncles whose nephews did not stay:  Dr Rumble (Joe Chown), Cuthbert Hoy, Bob Hyland, Paul Brooks (Andrew Ballesty), Eddie Kelly (Denis Kelly), John and Jim McMahon (John Mullins). (6)

As with the sets of brothers, this uncle-nephew statistic seems particularly high.

Brothers and bishops:

The Henschke’s brother was Bishop of Wagga

Br George Tweedy’s brother was Archbishop of Hobart

 Br Ken Clancy’s brother was Archbishop of Canberra, then Sydney, Cardinal Edward Clancy.

And something special:

Fr Brian Rosser’s mother became a nun, a Sister of Reparation at Croydon

 Fr Wilfrid Dew’s father became a diocesan priest:

Fr Wilfred Dew was an assistant priest at OLSH from 1946-1950. His father was Leonard Dew, an active OLSH parishioner, being the first President of the St Vincent de Paul Society, and of the Literary and Debating Society and the second OLSH Church Secretary. When his wife, Bridget, died, he began studies to become a priest and was ordained in 1929 as a Melbourne diocesan priest, with his son Wilfred assisting him at his first Mass.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, 90 years – a Bridge story and a former MSC, Adrian McCunn

Peter Hendriks writes: The 90^th birthday of the Sydney Harbour Bridge last Saturday has reminded me that one of the unexpected but special aspects of this role is when I am contacted from relatives of former MSC who are doing family research. There are some very moving stories that are revealed. It was because of such a request that I became aware of a tragic incident on the Harbour Bridge that occurred only six months after it opened.

I received an email from the family of Adrian McCunn who spent some years as an msc. When Adrian was only a baby his father, who was a Police Constable, was one of the first two pedestrians to be killed on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. He and his partner were on duty checking for any vehicles with defective lights. On this night, sadly, a motorist failed to see the policemen when they signalled him to stop. The accident occurred on Friday 6^th August 1932.  The funerals were held on Monday 8^th August and the newspapers reported that one hundred thousand people or more with bared heads, viewed the long and impressive funeral cortege as it proceeded from Mrs Kirby’s Funeral Parlour to Rookwood cemetery.

In 1952 Adrian left St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill to join the School at St Mary’s Towers. He then proceeded to the Novitiate, made his first profession, went to the Croydon monastery for studies, but in 1957 discerned this wasn’t where he was called. Adrian obtained a job with the Department of Customs and Excise. He married had four children and several grandchildren. He died in 2017 aged 86 years.

Treand House: Advertisement/ Business/Operations Manager

                                                                     Business/Operations Manager                                                              

                                                                     Catholic Religious Congregation

                                                                       Location: Coogee, Sydney

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Australian Province, has around 140 members and their ministries include Parishes; mission both locally and overseas – Northern Territory, Vietnam, Japan, Fiji, and PNG; a Retreat Centre; Education (four Colleges); Chaplaincy; and Aged Care.

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Australia are part an international order of Brothers and Priests, within the Catholic Church, numbering about 1,900 members who work in over fifty-five countries, on six continents.

Reporting to the Provincial of the Australian Province, this role has responsibility for a broad range of financial and commercial matters for the Australian Congregation, both strategic and day-to-day.

If you are an experienced, hands-on finance and accounting practitioner and seek a role which is energised by the organisation’s mission, then please visit traksearch.com to obtain further information.

To express your interest, simply send a resume from the Trak Search website;

or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. quoting ref number TS1477.

Enquiries are also welcome to John Chesher on 0417 068 220.

Ukrainian Calvary.  Ukrainian flag flying at St Mary’s Towers in solidarity.

Acknowledging posts and photos from the Province updates.Trieu and Hoa in the choir at ELSPM/ English Language Studies for Pastoral Ministry  at the Yarra Theological Union.

Trieu and Hoa in the choir at ELSPM/ English Language Studies for Pastoral Ministry  at the Yarra Theological Union.

MSC Formation: This week, Long and Nang are at St Mary’s Towers Douglas Park. Long is our pre-novice who is living at Blackburn undertaking studies to improve his English and Nang is from Melbourne who is having a period of discernment. The community welcomed them on Friday evening with a social gathering.

Noel Mansfield convalescing – and promoting ‘Will I Go Blind?’.

Ed Travers: On 29th May Ed will take up his new appointment of resident chaplain to the Benedictine Abbey at Jamberoo. It will initially be for a trial period of six months and will continue beyond that by mutual agreement. Paul Gurr has been the chaplain for the past 31 years but is aware that at his age he can’t continue and will return to live in community with his Carmelite brothers.

Googling Ed brought up this photo showing Ed in his pastoral outreach.