LES MURRAY, RIP, EMINENT POET – AN MSC CONNECTION

Many of us hoped that Les Murray would win the Nobel Prize for Literature. He has died at 80.  RIP.

In 1985, on the occasion of MSC presence in Australia, there was a National Congress in major cities, A New Heart for a New World. Les Murray was one of the speakers. (The papers were published by the organiser, Brian Gallagher, as A New Heart for a New World (St Pauls) and the Daughters of St Paul issued a series of audiotapes of the talks.

ACU Honorary Doctorate

Here are some quotations from Les Murray at the Conference.

Man as God’s poem, indeed – I should have seen that our creation in God’s image involved that. I’d only got as far as thinking of the Church as God’s poem. I suspect that it was this notion that caused my conversion to Catholicism, in the sense that this idea was the channel through which God conveyed the grace of conversion to me. I was drawn to the Church, strangely, almost as soon as I became fully conscious of it in my late teens, by a feeling of rightness, in exactly the same way as one is drawn to a work of art, even before one is able to formulate an intellectual understanding of what that work has immediately, almost instantaneously, done to one, on a deeper level. One gives assent before one can explain or formulate that assent. To me, the Church seemed to be the great true problem. I was fascinated by the Eucharist, by the way our redemption was somehow alive and fed us. And I sensed this, crucially, before I understood it at all clearly. As we may say around the arts, it hit me!

Poet and friend

A final test of the good work of art, though, is that it should be inexhaustible. No matter how often you come to it, you should find more in it. And this principle has helped me to stay with the Church, through some difficult years. Its deepest content and coherence never pale growth in; there’s always more to be drawn from it

We may be getting reminders of duties God has laid upon us, and wordlessly reassured of our stature as the highest order images in God’s evolving poem. Anyway, I lay my poem before you as my gift to the Sacred Heart.

CYCLONE KENNETH, DEVASTATION IN MOZAMBIQUE

Perhaps visitors to this site are more alert to cyclones in Mozambique because of the recent MSC foundation there. it was in the diocese of Pemba which was the main target of the cyclone, the second to ravage Mozambique within a short time.

MSC group arriving for mission

Here is a statement from the bishop which we print in solidarity.

The Cyclone arrived, but it changed of route and it reached practically all our Province of Cabo Delgado. 

We did a lot of prevention and preparation, including evacuating people from risk areas.  With this, many deaths were avoided.  We do not yet have the exact notion of everything that happened because many areas are incommunicable.  We know of very few losses of human lives, thanks to the good God.  There was a lot of material destruction: houses, roofs, fences, fallen trees and poles ... Many schools, houses, shops, broken offices ... In the most affected districts, much desolation: Macomia and Ilha do Ibo. 

In Macomia came the ceiling of the church, the house of priests and school of the mission and many houses destroyed.  In Ibo, about 90% of houses destroyed.  The cyclone has already lost its intensity, but we will still have two or three days of above-average rainfall, which can lead to flooding.  We are on full alert.  The prayers of all are very important!  Later we will give some guidance to those who want to collaborate (solidarity).  Bless you all!

+ Luiz Fernando, bishop of Pemba, Mozambique.

Letter and photos sent by Chris Chaplin, General House, Rome.

INTERFAITH SYMPATHY AFTER THE SRI LANKA KILLINGS, DARWIN CATHOLICS AND MUSLIMS, LETTER OF MALCOLM FYFE MSC, VICAR GENERAL

In the aftermath of the Easter Sunday killings of so many Catholics in the Churches in Sri Lanka, the secretary of the Islamic Society of Darwin, Robiul Islam, wrote a letter of condolence to the Diocese of Darwin. It is reproduced here along with the reply of Fr Malcolm Fyfe MSC, Vicar General.

These world tragedies, fomented by religious intolerance, as with the Christchurch Mosque killings, prove to be occasions where sympathy and understanding can bring different religious groups closer together

To Most Reverend (Father) Malcolm Fyfe msc

Diocese of Darwin

Re: Condolences for the victims of terrorist attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka

Dear Malcom,

Assalamu alaikum – Peace be with you.

On behalf of the Muslims of Darwin Region and Islamic Society of Darwin, with deepest sadness, we express sincere condolence and support for the victims of the horrific attacks on worshipers in churches and guests in hotels in Sri Lanka killing almost 300 innocent people and injuring many hundreds.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the terrorist attack and their families. We feel their pain and sufferings and share their grief, the same way you and we felt after the massacre in the mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.. 

We pray to Allah that He protect best of His creation from a very small number of wrong-doers by guiding them to the way love so that humanity could live in peace with dignity and respect.

Please find a letter of condolence from our president on behalf of Muslim Communities. Please circulate the letter to our brothers and sisters of Christianity and others.

Hope to work together to make a strong bridge among the interfaith communities.

Kind Regards,
Robiul Islam
Secretary
Islamic Society of Darwin
53 Vanderlin Drive, Wanguri, NT 0810

 

Dear Robiul,

 

I write to thank you personally and through you the Muslims of the Darwin region and the Islamic Society of Darwin for the beautiful expression of condolence and solidarity in your recent email addressed to myself. I have arranged for your letter to be distributed as widely as possible to the Catholic Community of the Northern Territory.

 

May I say on behalf of the Catholic Community that we in no way hold the peace loving members of the Islamic faith responsible or in any way less deserving of the greatest respect on account of the extremist actions of this or that misguided member. Sadly every group of religious adherents, our own included, is capable of generating unbalanced individuals whose fanaticism and destructive acts are completely at odds with what the wider group of peaceable and community-oriented members stands for. 

 

Please be so kind as to assure members of your Faith that the Catholic Church in the Northern Territory wishes to live in solidarity, harmony and the greatest respect with them. 

 

Thank you again for your sensitivity and thoughtfulness.

 

Father Malcolm

Vicar General

Diocese of Darwin.

CHEVALIER FAMILY JUSTICE AND PEACE, FIRST FRIDAY PRAYER

The members of the Chevalier Family, Lay MSC, OLSH Sisters, MSC Sisters, MSC Brothers and Priests, invite us to pray for and reflect on Heart Spirituality Justice Isses.

JPIC (Justice, Peace and Integrity  of Creation)

Fr. Jules Chevalier, MSC was convinced that devotion to the Sacred Heart was the remedy for all the evils of his time.  We call this devotion today the "Spirituality of the Heart", a way of living according to the Heart of Christ who loves us and died for us that we might live. As members of the Chevalier Family, we are convinced that our JPIC efforts flow from our charism to make God's love known everywhere and to live the Spirituality of the Heart.  

OUR PRAYER

SOME SIGNIFICANT MAY DAYS FOR THE CHEVALIER FAMILY 2019

A reminder that the Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Randwick was opened in 1888, only a few years after the arrival of the first MSC in Sydney. The parish in those days extended to Botany.

1 May, 1863

An article on Our Lady of the Sacred Heart appears in the Jesuit publication, "Messager du Sacré-Coeur", founded by Fr. Henri Ramière, SJ. It is the first presentation of this new title for Mary.
 

6 May, 1883

The shrine of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at Sittard, Netherlands is elevated to a Basilica by Pope Leo XIII. Today, it is the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the Netherlands.

            

6 May, 1888

In Randwick, Australia, the church built by Father Michael Tierney, is dedicated to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Today, it is the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Australia.
  

10 May, 1888

The first MSC Fathers Edouard Bontemps and Joseph Leray, and Brother Conrad Weber arrive in Kiribati! Fr. Leray would later become the first Bishop of Gilbert Islands.
         

12 May, 1931

Father Eugène Meyer dies in Issoudun. He was the Superior General of the MSC from 1905 to 1920, the second after Father Jules Chevalier.

14 May, 1926

Father Pierre-Marie Tréand, founder and first Provincial of the Australian MSC Province, dies this day.

8 May, 1856

Still early days of the MSC foundation. Father Charles Piperon joins the budding community of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, in Issoudun. Two days later, the Archbishop of Bourges appoints him as Prison Chaplain at Issoudun.

22 May, 1839

Jules Chevalier is 15 years old. On this day, he received the sacrament of Confirmation at Richelieu. He received his First Holy Communion three years earlier on 29 May, 1836, again in Richelieu.

26 May, 1860

Henry Verjus is born in Oleggio, in Italy.
           

31 May, 1865

By Susan Daily IBVM.
The feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is publicly celebrated for the first time.
By 1872 the feast is celebrated worldwide in 950 churches or chapels.
For quite some time, this feast was held on this date, but today, globally, the feast is observed on the last Saturday in May.

MAY 1^st, MAYDAY,  WORKERS AND ST JOSEPH

Jules Chevalier bequeathed Heart Spirituality, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, and a devotion to St Joseph to the Chevalier Family – Model and Patron of those who love the Sacred Heart.  Here is some background and some different St Joseph pictures,

San Jose Latin America

Was Joseph a ‘carpenter’?  Did you know: Joseph's description as a "tekton" (τέκτων) has been traditionally translated into English as "carpenter", but is a rather general word (from the same root that gives us "technical" and "technology") that could cover makers of objects in various materials. The Greek term evokes an artisan with wood in general, or an artisan in iron or stone. But the specific association with woodworking is a constant in Early Christian tradition; Justin Martyr (died c. 165) wrote that Jesus made yokes and ploughs, and there are similar early references.

Other scholars have argued that tekton could equally mean a highly skilled craftsman in wood or the more prestigious metal, perhaps running a workshop with several employees, and noted sources recording the shortage of skilled artisans at the time. Geza Vermes has stated that the terms 'carpenter' and 'son of a carpenter' are used in the Jewish Talmud to signify a very learned man, and he suggests that a description of Joseph as 'naggar' (a carpenter) could indicate that he was considered wise and highly literate in the Torah.

Sculpture, Cebu, Philippines

 To capture the devotion to Saint Joseph within the Catholic liturgy, in 1870, Pope Pius IX declared Saint Joseph the patron of the universal Church. In 1955, Pope Pius XII added the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. This silent saint, who was given the noble task of caring and watching over the Virgin Mary and Jesus, now cares for and watches over the Church and models for all the dignity of human work.

TOP END WEDDING, WURRUMIYANGA, BATHURST ISLAND, AND FR PAT MARA MSC

No, this is not an announcement that Fr Pat Mara is getting married!! Rather, the film. Top End Wedding is opening around Australia on Thursday May 2^nd.

Pat has sent this report about the film-making and the involvement of Tiwi extras.  A review can be found below.

It's not often that Hollywood (or Film Australia to be more precise) comes to town, but that is the situation a little town called Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, NT found itself in last year during the dry season. Bringing along a hoard of crew members, film and catering trucks, along with some popular Australian actors, the town because a hive of activity and excitement was extremely high.

There were initial visits by the directors, producers, and some others as they determined what was possible for the screenplay they were working with. They were thoroughly inspecting places of interest where filming would take place, including the beautiful old church which would be the main feature of filming on the island. A few months later, once their planning had been finalised, they began filming. 

The great thing about the movie was the local involvement, with all the extras who would have small acting roles with a few lines, or those just walking in the background making up the crowd, or the strong women on the island and their famous singing which was used in the wedding ceremony. Everyone wanted to be a part of the action and it was just wonderful to see how happy and excited the town was. There were more than 200 Tiwi extras, which is a lot from a town of about 2,000.

The film crew were great to work with and very grateful for any help. My involvement was very minimal, simply providing vestments for the actor and keys to access the old church. When they returned the vestments they had been dry-cleaned and neatly folded up! 

All in all it was an uplifting experience to have Wurrumiyanga featured in a major Australian film. Just a few weeks ago the grand opening was held in Darwin and many Tiwi people who were involved in the film were invited to attend. I wish the film the greatest of success and hope many go to see the film and get a little taste of the beauty of the Tiwi people and their culture. 

And a review of the film from The Australian Catholic Office for Film and Broadcasting.

TOP END WEDDING, Australia, 2019, 104 minutes, Colour.

Miranda Tapsell, Gwilym Lee, Kerry Fox, Huw Higginson, Ursula Yovich, Tracy Mann. Directed by Wayne Blair.

Most audiences will enjoy travelling to the Northern Territory for this romantic comedy – and many will probably decide that they must go for a visit.

At the Melbourne premiere of Top End Wedding, director Wayne Blair welcomed the audience by stating that this was a Romcom, a black-white Romcom. It is the brainchild of the leading actress, Miranda Tapsell, who was one of the Sapphires in the film directed also by Wayne Blair. This time she is drawing on her own personal story about growing up in the Northern Territory and the story of her mother. She co-wrote the screenplay and was one of the producers. She is very small in stature – but, obviously, quite a powerhouse.

The opening is in Adelaide, audiences are able to identify with situations and characters, Miranda Tapsell playing Lauren, an associate in a law firm run by Hampton (and Lauren’s boyfriend, Ned, Gwilym Lee, refers to her as Cruella de Ville – and she does have a Cruella grey streak in her hair). She is played by Kerry Fox, a martinet of the highest order, who steals the scenes in which she appears. But, Lauren is made a partner, goes home happy, is proposed to by Ned, accepts, and decides that she wants her mother and father to walk her down the aisle, but in the Top End.

But, that will that be too short and sweet for a popular film? So, there are quite a lot of complications which lead to both further enjoyment as well as some touring around the top end, out to Kakadu, down to Katherine and a picnic in the Gorge, scenes of Darwin and then over to the Tiwi Islands for the wedding. Once again, plenty of opportunity for making future tourist decisions to visit!

There are all kinds of humorous characters throughout the film including Lauren’s father who turns up at the airport in his pyjamas to pick them up but he is grief stricken because his wife has walked out on him and he doesn’t know where she is – and his retreating frequently to hide in a closet playing “If you leave me now…”, the song that was playing when he first met his future wife. There are also Laurne’s three close friends, full of bounce and flirty, then commandeered by Hampton, along with the Dad, to prepare for the wedding. She has a big wall chart, timeline, jobs allotted…

Poor Ned, whom we first met floundering in a court case and then being advised to give up the law, travels with Lauren in order to find her mother, but there is tension and the calling off of the wedding. And, it means that Lauren flies to the Tiwi Islands and we enjoy the visit there, the range of people, her being reunited with her mother, meeting her grandparents, everything warm and wonderful – and the wedding back on.

So, Ned’s mother and brother arriving, Hampton persuaded to come as well, but Dad still in the closet weeping and Ned practically dragging him out to a motorboat to get them to the church on time (but even the congregation is impatient, including the aboriginal celebrant, when they are two hours late!).

Moments of sadness and stress, many more moments of excitement, and the whole experience of joy.

Peter Malone MSC

RIP MSC PRIESTS, PATRICK TEITAUA,  PACIFIC UNION, AND WALTER DOWNS, AMERICAN PROVINCE.

We are shocked and saddened of the passing of our brother Fr Patrick Teitiaua MSC

.

He died at the young age of 53. Our prayers and condolences are with all the members of Patrick’s family and his brother MSC in the Pacific Union, as well as staff and students at Chevalier Farm Training Centre Wainadoi Where he was Principal. Rest in Peace Patrick.

Father Walter Downs, MSC was born on February 29, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Edward and Lillian (Elizabeth Cruise) Downs, both now deceased.  He did his primary and secondary education in Boston, graduating from high school in 1949. He then attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Geneva, Illinois, for one year before entering the novitiate program of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1951.

     Father Downs professed his first vows in 1952.  He then continued his studies for the priesthood at Sacred Heart Seminary in Shelby, Ohio, and made his perpetual profession of vows in 1955.  He was ordained to the priesthood on May 31, 1958, in Toledo, Ohio.  His first assignment as a priest was as parochial vicar at Holy Family parish, Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in 1959.  In 1960, he moved to Holy Cross parish in Batavia, Illinois.  In 1961, he began a preaching ministry which he continued for many years in various parishes, monasteries, and convents throughout the United States.  In 1964-1965, he was superior of the MSC community in Sparta, Wisconsin.  He then moved to Oceanside, California, and was superior of that MSC community from 1965 until 1972. From 1972 until 1977, he was pastor of St. Francis parish, Warwick, Rhode Island.  From 1980 until 1987, he was director of novices in Youngstown, Ohio.  He also carried on an intensive retreat, renewal, and spiritual direction ministry until he left Youngstown in 1998. He was superior of the Youngstown community for several years.

     During that time, in the 1980s, Father Downs was also chairman of the Provincial Formation Board.  In 1988, he became a member of the Provincial Council, and, in 1991, became vice-Provincial. 

     Father Downs spent part of 1999 in Namibia, Africa, where he was chaplain to the MSC Sisters there.  He then ministered at St. Joseph parish in Upland, California, until he joined the formation team in Chicago, Illinois, where he worked for a short time.  In 2001, he returned to California and served in various parishes in the San Bernardino diocese, and continued giving retreats and making mission appeals.  He then assisted at Holy Family parish, Nazareth, Pennsylvania, until he retired at Sacred Heart Villa, Center Valley, Pennsylvania, in 2015.  Before his death he had been a resident at Manor Care Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

     Father Downs died peacefully on April 16, 2019. The MSC Provincial, Fr Richard Kennedy presided at the funeral Mass and Fr Joseph Tobias the homilist.

     May Fr. Walter Downs rest in eternal peace.

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EASTER NEWS FROM MSC VIETNAM

HAPPY EASTER SEASON

We would like to send our best greeting in this special Easter Season to all MSC confreres and around the world. “HAPPY EASTER”. May the risen Lord always in your mind and Heart everyday as we are sent to all people, especially the poor and little ones.

In this Easter occasion, Our MSC Community in Vietnam celebrated together as a Chevalier Family with the present of MSC Priests, Professed students, Postulants, MSC Sisters and OLSH.

We started the day with Eucharist and then having simple meal together.

We gave each other best greeting in this Joyful Easter Celebration and following with gift giving (Easter Eggs) from MSC Sisters.

On this occasion, we are so blessed with the present of Sr Tess Ward, FDNSC from Australia who also joined with us in this celebration.

At the same time, We have a farewell to Sr. Precy, FDNSC from Philippines. She will leave Vietnam for Manila with new assignment of her new ministry after more than 7 years of her ministry in Vietnam.

The representative from each community expressed gratitude to Sr. Precy and wish her all the best with her new mission. Sr. Precy responded with gratitude and shared some good memories and experiences for her ministry in Vietnam. She also asks us to pray for her in new ministry and pray for each other as well.

WITH THANKS TO OUR CORRESPONDENT, BANG DINH MSC

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A VISIT TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY: NOEL MANSFIELD MSC

This story is a continuation of Noel's previous posting on his visit to the Kimberley for his sister, Joan's celebration of her 90th birthday.

On Tuesday, 15^th, I travelled to Darwin via Kununurra. I was met at the airport by Malcolm Fyfe. It was good to catch up with him. Over the next few days I was able to travel around with him and see various places like Humpty Doo. It is a small town situated just south of the Arnhem Highway, approximately 40 km from Darwin, with a population of about 4000 people. Here Malcolm celebrated the Sunday mass with a packed church and a very lively congregation.

I wanted to meet Bishop Charles again. I had not seen him since he was ordained Bishop. Malcolm called on him and he came out on Saturday evening for more than an hour. However, I was unable to catchup up with Bp Eugene Hurley. He was away on holidays and arrived back just after I left Darwin.

Peter Huan was in Darwin and was returning to Daly River on Thursday. So, I took the opportunity of going there with Peter even if only for a couple of days. It is about two-and-a-half-hour drive. On the way, he called in to visit a Vietnamese refugee family. They are living on temporary visas and hoping at some stage to get residency in Australia at some time in the future. In the meantime, they are making a living by growing vegetables. Peter seems to be much more at home with them than with Aborigines. After all, they ae his own people.

Daly River has been part of my MSC growing up. I have never been to this part of the country before so it was interesting to me. The river is certainly the centre of the township. The locals have always wanted to stay near the river rather than build on higher ground. The floods come in regularly but the people prefer to be near the river for fishing. This mentality is now changing. After I was there, Bishops Charles and Eugene with Malcolm and financier went to a meeting the day I left Darwin. They went there to do some business about a property but I do not know the details.

The couple of days with Peter were interesting. He does not relate easily with the locals. Only a handful of people come to Mass on Sunday in their beautiful church. I did not meet one local while I was there. We celebrated Mass together on two occasions. Peter was very glad to have a companion at his Mass. The people do not come to the weekday mass at all.

Peter took me to the spot where the Jesuits set up a mission in 1886. They celebrated the centenary and left markers to show where they had the mission. But there is no sign of a building. Jesuits stayed for about ten years and then left. I think they left in 1896. There is no sign of habitation – only photos, names and dates are on plaques about the site.

MSC’s came in 1930’s and are still there. One Jesuit once asked Fr John: What have the MSC’s done for the Aborigines? He replied: We stayed.

The church is very beautiful. The Aboriginal painting on the front of the reading stand is fascinating. It tells the story of creation to the foundation of the church. Peter has also placed a crucifix on the wall behind the altar. It is well designed by local artists. (See Pictures)

On Saturday, we headed back to Darwin. He called on the Vietnamese family on the way but they were busy. So, we spent only a couple of minutes with the husband there.

In the evening, Peter Hendriks took me to Mass at the Nightcliff parish. Julie Weber-O’Bryan was there. Great to meet her and catch up on some of her life. She still misses Tex. We were able to catch up on some old memories from Monivae days. Then Peter took me to an Indian Restaurant for a meal. The food was great but spicy hot.

On Monday, Peter Hendriks came to take me to catch the flight for Bathurst Island. Journey was pleasant. There I was met by Patrick Mara. He is known by all the people as he shops or drives around. I was glad to meet up with him. When he passed through Adelaide a few years ago, I was unable to meet him. At times he has to explain things that to him are so obvious. I do not know my way around. It is about 35 years since I was here. All the buildings look very much the same to me.

I went for a walk to see the new church. This was interesting. Photos show what I saw on the way - especially the Cathy Freeman Foundation and other buildings that you would not see anywhere else. I find this new church refreshing and beautiful in its own way. The new church is light and airy. It seems to me to be well suited to the climate, Yet the locals have some problems with it. I was to be enlightened by the locals when the Community Leaders met the next day.

At the meeting with the community leaders, that became one of the important points of discussion. They all had an opinion and were not afraid to express their ideas. They want a traditional church rather than this present structure. This Parish leaders meeting was very lively. They know what they want and say so. They want a new church in old style so that it will be respected.

Patrick ran the meeting very quietly and gently. He relates well with them. He listened to what they had to say and asked relevant questions – without imposing his ideas on them.

We visited the Nursing Home. The Building is much simpler than the one in Broome. This one seems to suit climate and local customs. Pat knows them all and is known by them. He introduced me to the oldest living Tiwi, Mary, who is 84.

Back in Darwin, Patrick cooked evening meal - reef and beef. Very tasty. The next morning, he dropped me off at the airport to return home.

I spent some time with Herman Kooyman while I was in Darwin. He is still making things. His latest project is making homes for birds that are one of Bishop Charles’ hobbies.

Flight was pleasant and on time. Darwin was hot but Adelaide was something else (46.6C!). From the frying pan into the fire!