Sister Rita Grunke OLSH, longtime in Sudan. And her return

Over the years we have had several posts on our OLSH Sisters in Sudan and, with the formation of the new country in 2011, South Sudan. 

The OLSH Facebook page has the following news:

Sr Philippa and Sr Philippa and Sr Gerardine went to the Parish of Hughenden along with Bishop Tim Harris, Bishop of Townsville to deliver the news that our very own Sr Rita Grunke will be coming to the Parish to be a Pastoral presence from May/June this year.

We have arrived in Hughenden and met with Greg McNamara and Terressa Ford in to deliver the welcome news that Sr Rita Grunke OLSH will be coming to the Parish to be a pastoral presence from May/June. Sr Phillippa the Provincial has given the people of Hughenden this great gift. We thank her.

Paul Jennings MSC, Photos, Mass and Funeral.

Thanks to John Walker MSC for Mass screen shots and funeral photos and to John O'Connor for Mass captions

The Mass took place in Holy Rosary Church, Kensington, because of covid infections at Kensington Monastery.

Paul passed away on Wednesday - the middle of the octave week of Easter. His funeral on the following Wednesday - perhaps a further octave day, was a day of celebration of the risen Christ. John O’Connor, eulogy.

Despite their sore throat and grief, Tom A’afa made such an impact - speaking from the heart at the vigil's sharing.

His commitment to his task of serving the needs of the people in Catholic Education.  John Jennings.

Family and the generations.  Peter Jennings.

Testimony from PNG

St Mary’s Towers, Douglas Park, cemetery.

Steve Dives MSC presiding

The burial

A tribute from PNG

Our deepest condolence to the family of Late Fr. Paul Jennings We all have truly lost a remarkable person with a beautiful and generous heart. "One of the best boss we ever worked with" from all who have worked under his great leadership. We refer to him and will forever remember him as "Our Fr. Paul" From all Staff, Students at St. Joseph's International Catholic College, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Late Fr. Paul once said "That my heart will lie peaceful and calm when I'm laid to my rest" Thank you Fr. Paul for all your service to Papua New Guinea, service to the Catholic Church and service to Education. Thank you again and we salute you. Really sad to let you go but we find comfort and confident in Our Lord knowing that you have walked into His Paradise. So for now its.....Good bye to Our Fr. Paul, 'til we meet on that glorious morning. R.I.P From: Hoi Kirsten Taunao St. Joseph's International Catholic College, Papua New Guinea

MONKEY MAN

India/US/Indonesia, 2024, 121 minutes, Colour.

Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Sikander Kher.

Directed by Dev Patel.

The posters seem sinister. A warning.

Audiences will know London actor with Indian background, Dev Patel, from his presence in Slumdog Millionaire, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, David Copperfield, and his Oscar Nomination for The Lion. But, that warning, this is not really like any of those roles. This time, as many have noted, he is like an Indian John Wick. And those John Wick films were marked by strong action, many fights, body count, an atmosphere of violence.

And, this is definitely the case here, Dev Patel having trained in martial arts from when he was young, admiring action films. And this is his showcase, not only is he the star, he has collaborated with the story and the screenplay, has produced and, his first film as director. Clearly he has put a lot of thought and effort into his production, location photography in India but, in fact, the film made in an Indonesian studio with postproduction work in Australia. The photography is stylish, the choreography for the fights intense, the editing dramatically paced.

Dev Patel also remembers the Hindu myth of the Monkey Man,, Hamuman. In fact, the film opens with a little boy in the countryside, his mother telling him the story, some visuals of the mythology, the strong monkey man, courageous, saviour figure. And, this image recurs throughout the film, a religious motivation for all the action that ensues. The central character is known as The Kid.

When we see him as an adult, he is masked, a monkey mask, going to the ring of an underground fight club (though with fanatically cheering crowds) of martial arts boxing, his making money by being brutally defeated. He engineers an interview with a boss woman who runs a high class restaurant, for the wealthy, local politicians, police, international visitors, restaurant and brothel.

The Kid works in the kitchen, befriends a fellow worker, ingratiates himself, even to becoming a waiter in the top floors, but overcome with disgust at the affluent indulgence of the guests. And we might wonder what he is doing here, what are his ambitions.

For audiences intrigued by what has happened and the way that it has been presented, even the violence, there is plenty more to discover. However, some of the violence, especially the long fight sequences, drawing on the dramatics of Indian filmmaking as well as Asian martial arts films (from China and Indonesia), this may be too much – and there is even more, and even more, to come.

But, flashbacks reveal strong motivation for revenge, politicians, financiers, a guru who promotes himself on television, collaborating in ousting poor citizens from their homes and land for big business purposes – and, quite harrowing, the attack on The Kids mother. While he does attempt to shoot the police chief responsible for the attack and his mother’s death, he fails, escapes into a commune where he takes time to train, boxing, fighting skills, building himself up.

It is election time, The Kid goes into the underground ring again but is triumphant, initially even with one blow, but his friends bet on him and there is enough money for the members of the commune to get their costumes, be ready to join in his vengeful attack.

It is very much a vengeance is mine confrontation, the restaurant, the guests, the police chief, the Guru.

Very tough going for The Kid as well as for the audience, but fans of John Wick and, now, The Kid, very satisfied.

.

1. The title? Indian mythology? The story Hanuman, the monkey, courage, leadership? The initial telling of the story by his mother to The Kid? Visualising? The later references throughout the film?
2. The work of Dev Patel, story collaboration, writing, producing, stirring, directing? The impact of his presence?
3. Living in Indonesia? The fictional Indian city, the visuals, the night, the skyscrapers, the streets, the clubs, the VIP lounge, the kitchen? The political sequences, television interviews and coverage, lifestyle of the politicians, the guru? The contrast with the countryside and forest? Martial arts boxing, the ring, the audiences? The refuge and The Kid and his training? The musical score?
4. Creating the atmosphere, mother and son, the devotion, the repetition of the mythology in Korea, respect for the courts? Keeping the flashbacks till later, the attack on the community, taking over the land, the boy in the house, his mother insulting the police chief, his coming for revenge, the sexual attack, her death, the boy watching, the house set alight?
5. The introduction to the adult Kid? In the ring, the opponents, the mad crowd, betting, cheering and? His defeat? The mask? Tiger, MC, manager, control, with the crowds? Entrepreneur? The Kid and his return bouts? Later, after his training, the instant knockout, the crowd silent, the next opponent, defeat, the betting? Tiger and his reaction? The crowd chanting?
6. The Kid and his ambitions, motives for revenge, the information about the manager, her ruthlessness, the stealing of her purse, the chain of contact, his returning it to her, the interview, his burnt hands? The job, working in the kitchen, interactions with Alphonso, the jobs, the VIP lounge, serving the drinks, the encounter with the young prostitute and the bosses demands, the encounters with the clients, behaviour? The Kid and his disgust? Eventually going to the upper room? The police chief and the other politicians, the decadence?
7. The confrontation with the chief, the fight, Kid buying the gun, practising? The fight, his losing, the pursuit, escaping? Taking refuge in the forest? The community, the leader, the musician, the music with male and female and the drama? Using the music for Kid’s training, the discipline, the perseverance, being ready for the final confrontation?
8. The final bout as Monkey Man, the boy and placing the money, the win, the finance for the rebels, the costumes, to be ready to attack?
9. The social critique of the film, the wealthy, exploiting the land, profits, the police and corruption, the religious guru, the television publicity?
10. The political atmosphere, the elections, the party, the campaigning? Ordinary people as victims?
11. The Kid and his return to the restaurant, the political gathering, the attack in the kitchen, the fights, martial arts, weapons? Going upstairs, the attack, people fleeing? Continued fighting, his supporters coming? The top room, the fight with the police chief, the extent detail, the violence of his death? The Chief’s taunts about Kid’s mother? Finally going to the tower, the guru, his smug comments, the threats, the weapons, Kid turning the tables, death?
12. The insertion of flashbacks throughout the film, The Kid and his memories, his mother? And the final happy memories?

THE FIRST OMEN

US, 2024, 121 minutes, Colour.

Nell Tiger Free, Bill Nighy, Sonia Braga, Ralph Inesont, Maria Caballero, Nicole Soracce, Charles Dance.

Directed by Arkasha Stevenson.

It is almost 50 years since the quite high-profile original, The Omen, starring Gregory Peck and Lee Remick, showed an American ambassador and his wife adopting a charming child – who turned out to be Damien, the devil incarnate. Two sequels, Damien growing up, then Damien played by Sam Nell, wreaking evil in the world. There was a fourth film in 1991 and a remake in 2006. Almost 50 years of an Omen franchise.

Now, a prequel.

This time we are in 1971, early indications that the 60s changed young people, greater freedoms, and greater moving away from the churches. But, an eager young woman, Margaret (Neil Tiger Free), arriving in Rome from the United States, is to make her vows and work in an orphanage for girls, children of unmarried mothers,, invited by Cardinal Lawrence (Bill Nighy) who has known her since childhood.

There is a prologue with an ominous meeting between two priests, Charles dance and Ralph Tennyson, indicating that something terrible is happening, one priest afraid, in the confessional, but killed by the shattering of a falling glass stained window.

For audiences who saw Immaculate a month or so before the release of The First Omen, this will seem very familiar. And, as the film progresses, we see that the plotline has many more strong resemblances. (And commentators ‘divided, many pro-Immaculate, many Pro-First Omen, this reviewer inclining towards Immaculate.)

Needless to say, there are sinister (ominous!) things going on in the orphanage, a harridan of an abbess (Sonia Braga) are many strange nuns in very old-fashioned habits, young worldly woman who would not be allowed to remain in formation, out on the town, and an elaborate sequence, bridal gown and everything, often making her vows to the Cardinal, the orphans very nice and playful but one, Carlita, strange, segregated to tantrums in the “Bad capitalism”,, strange drawings, but Carlita bonds with Margaret.

Since the original films were about the incarnation of the devil, then we are expecting this kind of demonic sinister development. One of the variations on the theme is that there is a church cabal claiming orthodoxy, but who are despairing with defections from the church all over the world and who come up with the idea that if the devil became incarnate, this would so terrify people that they would want to return and take refuge with the church! A novel theological-pastoral approach which, someone in the film describes as “insane”. Yes.

However, once this premise is established, it is full steam ahead, sinister scientific machinations behind the scenes (those in Immaculate were even more imaginative), pregnancies, horrifying birth sequences, and the seeming victory of the fanatics.

A satisfying moment towards the end when the nuns arrange for the child to be adopted and a photo of Gregory Peck from the original film comes up.

But, not quite, a final sequence which sets the scene for a sequel to the prequel.

1. The status of the Franchise? The original in 1976? Two sequels? A different beginning with Omen IV? The remake of the original in 2006? A prequel?
2. The similarity of the story and issues with Immaculate, 2004? Released at much the same time?
3. Audience expectations, memories of the original film? Satan, the demonic, demonic incarnation? The power of the demonic child? The motivation here that people were leaving the church, that the appearance of a Demon child would frighten back adherence to the church?
4. 1971, the changes in the world, with youth, freedoms, adherence to the church during the 1960s? The hypothesis of an alternate church, focused on the devil, using young women, preparing them to be mothers of the demonic, the motivation to put fear into the population? The insanity of the hypothesis?
5. The opening, the stained-glass in the church, Father Brennan, the confessional, Father Harris? Coming outside, it is to Harris and the warnings, the stained-glass, the gash on his head, his death? Father Brennan, then excommunication?
6. The introduction to Margaret, story of her being an orphan, the patronage of Cardinal Lawrence, coming from Massachusetts, to make her vows in the community, the commitment? Arrival in Rome, Father Gabriel, her own chauffeur, the welcome from the Cardinal? The initial encounter with the abyss, her manner? Her room, the encounter with Luz, free and easy and her manner?
7. The orphanage, the children, unmarried mothers, the little girls, classes, play, Margaret bonding with them, her Italian and English, the story of the butterfly and wishing to fly? Suspicions? Noticing the priest and the nuns? The encounter with Carlita? Carlita, alone, the “Bad Room”? Her drawings, the gift, happy drawings, the black nuns, the later pregnancy drawing? The explanations, her birth in the orphanage, the documents, her seclusion?
8. Cardinal Lawrence, genial, welcoming, memories of the past, his influencing the orphanage, working with the abbess? His visits? The ceremony for Luz, the bridal dress, the change into the habit, the restrictions, the nuns prostrate and chanting, her vows?
9. Luz, provocative, the dress for Margaret, urging her to go out, taunting her about her narrow outlook, the nightclub, drinking, the encounter with the men, the meeting with Paolo, talking, the dancing, her drinking too much, the collapse, being brought home, the explanations by Luz? And the later encounter with Paolo in the street, in her habit, his fleeing from her, the crash, being pinned against the wall, her holding him, severed, his death? His fears?
10. Margaret at work, seemingly normal, the range of nuns, the smoking gun, the chatter, the meals, the children and their enjoyment? Carlita, separated, confiding in Margaret?
11. Margaret, the glass, the woman giving birth, the Demon claws emerging?
12. Father Brennan, approaching Margaret, the address, the going to visit, his explanations, the demonic, Margaret leaving? His argument about the documentation? The ceremony, Margaret leaving, the search in the office, finding the documentation?
13. Father Gabriel, friendship, her talking with him, the pursuit, his saving her, the going to Father Brennan,, his picture of the baby, with Carlita’s name, going through the documents, placing the photograph, between? And the 666? In Carlita’s mouth? The sign on the head, the search of Margaret’s head, her being the destined mother of the child? Preserved, being brought to Rome?
14. The capture, Margaret being chained, the pregnancy, the nuns, the cardinal, everybody in attendance, the black veils, the alternate Church? The difficulties of the birth, the incisions? The womb, the emergence of the child, twins, a boy, the group happy? Taking the child, consecrating it? The abbess?
15. Margaret, the knives, turning the tables, the death of the cardinal, the girl child, the fire, the assumption that she and the child were burned?
16. Margaret and the child, surviving, the girl? The visit of father Brennan, his warnings?
17. The setting up of a sequel for this prequel?

THE TIGER'S APPRENTICE

US, 2024, 83 minutes, Colour.

Voices of: Henry Golding, Brendon Soo Hoo, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Leah Lewis, Greta Lee.

Directed by ‘Raman Hui, Yong Duk Jhun, Paul Watling.

An animated adventure for a younger audience – a story from Asia in an American context, novels by author, Laurence Yep, and a voice cast with actors from various Asian countries, led by Henry Golding, with celebrated actresses, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Michelle Yeoh, Greta Lee. The central character, on, is voiced by Brandon Soo Hoo.

Most of the action takes place in Chinatown in San Francisco, with characteristic views, especially of the Golden Gate Bridge. However, the opening of the film, the prologue takes place in Hong Kong. A grandmother is driving her young grandson, a baby, in the back of a car. There is a huge confrontation, an attack on the grandmother by superhuman powers – and, then to the rescue, a variety of creatures who make up the Chinese Zodiac.

Then the timeshift and to San Francisco, to a vividly drawn Chinatown, and to the grandmother’s house, full of signs and statues, carvings, many of the locals thinking she is a witch. Tom, now a teenager, goes to school, is bullied, is involved in a fight and his unsuspected powers sending his opponent to the ceiling. He doesn’t know what happened. His grandmother is about to tell him that she has been a guardian and that he has inherited all the powers. And, a strange character, Mr Hu, a buffed up warrior who can turn into a Tiger appears to explain that he is to be his mentor.

Tom continues to be bewildered, a mysterious creature, Loo, a kind of Asian Maleficent, confronts the grandmother, ultimately destroying her. The tiger then has to protect Tom, take him to his own place – Tom reluctant and not understanding. Then a variety of creatures appear, a sympathetic Dragon, a mischievous rat, goats and horses…

So, Tom begins to understand his destiny, has to rely on the creatures of the Zodiac, has to confront Loo with her superior powers.

The visuals of the film are very striking but even more striking are the action sequences, making one wonder at the drawings, the animation, the editing, the detail and pace of the confrontations.

And, confrontations there are, many. Tom gradually coming into his powers, the Tiger rescuing him, the creatures of the Zodiac also appearing, but their also falling foul of Loo and her controlling them, taking their spirit from them so that they are merely illustrations on her vast umbrella.

Of course, Tom will eventually become the victor, his powers, his role as the Guardian, and his being able to liberate all the Zodiac creatures for any further adventures.

A film for the younger audiences but any of the adults who accompany them will surely be amazed at the versatility and verve of the animation and be impressed by the voice cast.

THE OF LIFE AND DEATHS OF CHRISTOPHER LEE

UK, 2024, 90 minutes, Colour.

Directed by Jon Spira.

Christopher Lee was always an imposing presence on screen whether in supporting roles or in leading roles, making his dramatic presence felt in Hammer Studios productions, Dracula in 1958, although, it is noted, appearing for only eight minutes in the film).

This is an opportunity for the public but, especially, for film buffs and enthusiasts to learn something of the life of Christopher Lee – and, as mentioned frequently, the range of deaths he suffered on screen.

The writer and director of the film is Jon Spira, who made a number of film documentaries including Hollywood Bulldogs, The Rise and Fall of the Great British Stuntmen as well as a look at Elstree 76.

The film uses the device of having an actor, Peter Serafinowicz, voice Christopher Lee telling his own story. And, visually, the striking device of having a puppet, marionette, on strings, looking like Christopher Lee and narrating the story.

There is ample background on Lee’s lineage, from the Middle Ages, Italian aristocracy, marrying into British military backgrounds, his education, possibilities, art, acting, difficulties with his being too tall, looking to Italianate, small parts in the emerging British industry of the 1940s and 1950s. And all this is told with sardonic remarks, Lee’s own perspective.

The film traces his career, the small parts, illustrated with quite a number of clips, the history of Hammer Studios, Dracula, the reputation with Dracula films, his strong friendship with Peter Cushing through many films, again genial clips, especially at the end of Peter Cushing’s life when the two were filming dialogue for a documentary, a fine tribute to Peter Cushing.

There are quite a number of directors who were friendly with Christopher Lee and happy to give testimony, especially a laughing an exuberant John Landis, Joe Dante, significant interview material from Christopher Lee’s niece, the actress Harriet Walter and one of his sons-in-law, with friends, who later produced the records, Charlemagne and the rock music and songs by Lee himself.

There is a background of his marriage, not to the fore, but then the various stages of his career – especially his time in Spain with a range of horror films, then his years in the United States, quite a surprise to watch the clips and the range of films that he appeared in, then the 1990s, return to England, once again a number of roles but building up to his presence, and interview material with Peter Jackson, and his appearance in The Lord of the Rings.

Some of the commentators indicate that Lee, despite his strong height and appearance, was often hesitant, lacking in confidence. But, he enjoyed being in the limelight and audience response. And, he was finally knighted given lifetime awards, dying the age of 92.

The documentary moves along rapidly, gives the audience a good overview of the life of Christopher Lee, the backup of the interviews, and the satisfaction of seeing such a wide number of clips of his films – and the memories of his being Dracula and his final disdain of an interviewer referring to him as the King of horror.

TEILHARD – VISIONARY - SCIENTIST

US, 2024, 117 minutes, Colour.

Directed by Frank and Mary Frost.

“God does not make the world. God makes the world make itself without God’s interference.”

Is that our idea of God, of the cosmos, of evolution? In the past, not so much agreement but, in more recent decades, a more visionary perspective on science and on religion.

The author of the quotation is the Jesuit scientist Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955). For those who want to know who Teilhard was, how we came to his insights and conclusions, what it was like to be a prophet (not always welcome in his own country), what it was like to be enthralled by the cosmos, to be a visionary (sometimes hailed, sometimes ridiculed and denounced), then here is an exhilarating two hours to introduce Teilhard or to become re-acquainted with Teilhard de Chardin, to become aware that we live in Le Milieu Divin (no need for translation).

This documentary by Frank and Mary Frost has been, literally, years in the making. As for so much from its long production (no matter how demanding for the filmmakers and their supporters). Travel to actual locations, tracking down photos and footage, lining up interviews and commentary. The visuals of the film are often magnificent, so much location photography – France for Teilhard’s early life and teaching career in Paris, England for his religious studies, China for his archaeological ventures, the US where he was “exiled” and where he died. Quite a range of locations which help bring Teilhard’s life to life.

The footage, as expected, includes many photos but also news and home film, which means that Teilhard is not just a character of books and articles but we see him as a person, joys and sorrows.

And, also as expected, quite a range of interviewees, many Jesuits as is fitting, scientists, museum curators…

In a way, one could say that Teilhard lived too early, a late 19^th century figure soon after Darwin, in the spirit of the archaeological diggings of the early 20^th century. And his early years as a Jesuit and as a priest in the time of church leadership and campaigns and strictures against “Modernism”. Teilhard and his creative writings, science, religion, spirituality, mysticism, led to some 20^th century inquisitorial behaviour by those who were wary, sometimes shocked. And there were health and depression consequences for the targets.

A significant feature of Teilhard’s life, hands-on rather than philosophical/theological, was his four years as a stretcher bearer in World War I when he was in his mid-30s, surviving although some of his family did not. In many ways, war and archaeology, his life was down-to-earth.

But, back to the themes. First, some quotes:

Earth is throbbing with divine energy.

Matter is infused by spirit.

The traditional “Great Chain of Being” is a process, dynamic.

Teilhard died seven years before the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the greater opening up of Catholic thought from the 1960s which meant a greater awareness of what Teilhard wrote, its being more widely appreciated and accepted – and, as this film shows, still an inspiration for our times.

Heart of Life Centre 2024

With the Province buying Kewn Krestha, Croydon, formerly the house for mothers and the care of the Family Care Sisters, there is work in progress, renovations, repairs, work on meeting rooms and offices. But the year has begun with the Spiritual Direction, Siloam, program, a full-time group, part-time first year and part-time second year. Also the Damascus Spiritual Leaders, program, Emmaus Supervision, Let the Heart Listen. There are already a number of shorter seminars and workshops.

MSC at Heart of Life, 2024

Barry Smith, Projects Supervisor for the renovations

Khoi Nugyen, Lecturer, Religious Experience, Experience of God and Grace

Peter Malone, Tutorials, Siloam Full-time, Siloam Second Year Part-time

Daniel Magadia, Damascus Spiritual Leaders participant

Krish Mathavan, Damascus Spiritual Leaders participant, Zoom from Singapore.

It’s good to be appreciated, Kimi Vunivesilevu MSC

In 2018, Chaplain Fr. Kimi commenced his role at Daramalan College, and over the course of the past six years, he has left an indelible mark on numerous students and staff, who remain forever appreciative.

You will be missed, Fr Kimi!

Why did you choose the MSC?  

I only considered becoming a MSC/priest when I was about twenty-five. My decision was inspired by the example of two MSC priests and an MSC brother that I got to know. I was drawn to the simplicity by which they lived and the impact their lives had. Yes, like anyone, they faced a few challenges and disappointments, but they were passionate and had no regrets about their life path. They were ordinary, down-to-earth people trying to make a difference through the way they chose to live. The time I got to know them coincided with a phase in my life where I was thinking about the future. I knew something had to change in my life if I was to find fulfilment beyond money and materialistic things (my greatest motivators at the time). I have no regrets about my decision to become an MSC. In fact, I have learnt more about myself through what I do. 

Why MSC? I grew up in an MSC parish in Fiji. Liked what I saw. Joined them. 

What is your advice for current students?    

Always have one or two people in your life you can talk to about anything. Friends you trust, who care for and support you, but also love you and are honest enough to tell you what you need to hear. 

*** 

What is your idea of perfect happiness?    

It’s the simple things like waking up after a great night’s sleep. Very rarely happens but when it does, absolute bliss! 

Which talent would you most like to have?    

The ability to pick up any musical instrument and play it.   

Who is your favourite hero of fiction or movie?  

Charles Xavier/Professor X 

 MSC Education Australia, New Director, MSC Education – Chris McDermott

Stephen Hackett MSC writes: I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Christopher (Chris) McDermott to the role of Director, MSC Education. The role is a 0.6 position.

Chris is well known to many in our network as a successful and deeply respected leader, educator and principal who articulates and lives a Spirituality of the Heart. He is a proven educational leader with 23 years of experience as a Catholic school Principal, having led Chevalier College Bowral for fifteen years following principalships at Terra Sancta College Quakers Hill and Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek. Chris holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is an experienced Company Director, school reviewer and sessional tutor, the latter with Wollongong University.

With Peter Hendriks and Kimi Vunivesilevu

Chris is very much a member of the MSC family, having been an Executive Member of the National Council of the Laity of the Chevalier Family, the Regional Coordinator – Australia and Pacific – of the International Council of the Laity of the Chevalier Family and (since early 2023) a Member of the MSC Education Members’ Council He has a great love for and authentic commitment to the charism of Fr Jules Chevalier and to living a Spirituality of the Heart.

With Chris McPhee

The Panel recommending Chris’ appointment discerned that he has both a call to this particular ministry within the MSC family and the requisite skills, capabilities and experiences in formation, educational leadership and governance to meet the demands of the role. We congratulate Chris on his appointment and look forward to welcoming him to this position.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge with gratitude the dedication of the Panel to the recruitment process.