Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Issue 2 | Easter Winter 2020

Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia! IN THIS ISSUE

Thank you from the Provincial

From the Provincial’s Desk

Feast of the Sacred Heart

Community Updates during Covid 19

Reflections of Continuing Formation Gathering

MSC in Vietnam and Beyond

Welcome new MSC Staff

EarthCare

Heart of Life-Update

Jubilee Congratulations

Tributes to Jubiliarians -Ted McCormack -60 years -Martin Wilson -65 years -Bishop Des Moore -50 years Bishop -John Graham –50 years -Greg McEnnally - 50 years -John O’Connor- 50 years

Interconnectedness of Life, Climate Change and Pandemics

Farewell Edward Merritt msc

What’s On and Recent Appointments

Christ Resurrected- Photo taken in Vung Tau, Vietnam Thank you from the Provincial Dear brothers MSC,

During this time of extraordinary disruption and anxiety due to Covid 19, may I take this opportunity to sincerely, humbly and with much gratitude convey my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have overwhelmingly affirmed me as your Provincial for another term. Truly, your affirmation, support and encouragement has touched me deeply and for that I would like to say a big Thank You.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the Provincial team working here at Treand House, who day in and day out keep the Province running. Firstly, a big thank you to Steven Dives MSC and Frank Dineen MSC, who both over the past two and a half years have been fantastic in giving me their loving support and encouragement but yet providing me with positive challenges – thank you. For the administration support from Gloria Macinante, Meta Jackman, Andrew Mir, Phil Reilly MSC, Maria Oei and Anne-Marie Snelling – thank you. To our Provincial Council who have been central in their guidance and direction of the Province – thank you.

During this Easter period, we again heard the story of the road to Emmaus. This was the same reading This COVID-19 pandemic reminds us that we are— that was used at our final mass of the Chapter of deep down—Spiritual beings and makes us recog- 2016. There, in our thanksgiving mass I quoted the nize that the problem of coronavirus is right here in disciples sharing: “Did not our hearts burn as we our community, today, both locally and internation- walked… did not our hearts burn within us.” ally. It’s the challenge that we MSCs face today; it’s This story always touches something deep within all a challenge that calls us to be MSC men of com- of us. In a way, it touches our own experience of passion; to be witnesses of the one thing we are all being touched deeply by his Heart… certain about – the intimate love of God.

As I have often shared with you all in past letters… It To be there, in the face of all anxiety, that we are is a heart on the outside – a heart vulnerable – a not alone, that we too together with all humanity, heart open to failure – a heart open to compassion, walk the road to Emmaus. to love, and to intimacy. A heart being poured into ours.

Page 2| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Msgr Johannes Aerts (front) with the MSC Missionaries , and Ted Harris MSC on the right picture, living out their conviction of being a Missionary of the One who loved them into life

Though the COVID-19 crisis has brought the world At that time I thought this to be extraordinary for a to a halt and sadly, the health and economic bishop to be saying such a thing – in the past we all impact will be disastrous, I feel that we can take thought that the Church would have had all the heart from our MSC past. This is not the first time we answers. But today we just do not know. None of as a community have had to face major us can see down the road. challenges. Like the two on the road to Emmaus, in this COVID- During the month of April, we remembered all the 19 period and beyond, if we strive to transform our ANZACS, and at the same time we remember all shared vulnerability, our shared isolation into an those MSCs who gave of their life for a future. We opportunity for communal solitude, we might dis- remember people like Ted Harris MSC, Clifford Bren- cover that it is, as it has always been, an opening nan MSC, Dave McCullagh MSC, Blessed Peter to the Source of all certainty – the love of God. Torot, and the list could go on… to the MSC martyrs Like the two who sat with the stranger on the road of Indonesia, like Johannes Aerts and five MSC to Emmaus, who broke bread and shared wine, priests and eight MSC brothers… not to mention we too will meet the Risen One… we will meet other MSCs from a different period of history from hope… we will meet love… and finally we will meet Guatemala, El Salvador and Spain. All these men our direction and our meaning in all this disruption lived out of their own conviction of being a mission- and anxiety… we will meet the heart of Christ – the ary of the One who loved them into life. As Simone One who loves all of us into life. Veil said once; the love of God is the unique source May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere of all certainty. loved!

It is this source of all certainty that we need today – With much loving gratitude and support as we this love that comes from God that will ground us move together into the future,

and eventually lead us into the direction we are being taken. As Chevalier contemplated the Heart Christ is Risen, Allelulia, Alleluia ! of Christ, in whom is revealed the compassionate In His Heart , Chris love of the Father, he discovered there the remedy for the ills of the world. Inspired by that love and guided by the Holy Spirit, he founded within the Church the Society of the Missionaries of the Sa- cred Heart. CN#3. It is this certainty, the Heart of Christ, that we can all hold on to. It is what all those MSC who have gone before us lived by – was the source, the love of God, of all certainty.

Back in 2016, I quoted the Archbishop of Canter- bury saying something like “we cannot see down the road … we just cannot see down the road.”

Page 3| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart From the Provincial’s Desk

Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia ! Again, it’s important to ensure there’s time for these activities each day. This includes spending time In this issue we have many stories of how, we MSC, being connected with people who give us a sense have gone about being in a Covid-19 lockdown. of community; especially those on their own, over- seas, or new to our MSC community coming from As I said in a letter to the Province, overseas — in effect, increasing our personal MSC

“All of us will strive to remain united community both locally and virtually. in Spirit…” [CS#30] Who in our Province needs to be contacted to see I think it goes without saying that we are living in how they are – they may even live overseas? As a one of the most challenging times we’ve ever line in Constitution 30 says; “…All of us will strive to experienced. remain united in Spirit...” How do we remain united in Spirit when we are all in lockdown? How do we stay connected as we are being directed further and further into isolation? Now is the time we need to be creative with ways of being united with our brothers – things like skype, a phone call, Zoom, WhatsApp, Viber and the list could go on and on. Even think about setting up groups that will keep you connected such as WhatsApp or Messen- ger groups.

How do we stay connected, especially to those who are living on their own? As Provincial, my question to all of us is: how might we care for ourselves and others, as we move out of During this lockdown, Steve, Frank and I contacted the Covid-19 lockdown still living in the unknown? someone everyday, just to connect with, to say “hi”. to see how our brother MSCs were coping during My simple advice would be this; take healthy breaks this time. For us, we shared together your responses. from political discussions, social media and the Let’s continue hey! Maybe just get the directory out news – especially ABC24 and the like. We need to and find someone that you feel you’d like to con- set boundaries and to have limits on how we nect with. As Constitution 33 reminds us; “True Com- engage in these activities. munity does not come about all at once. It grows by God’s grace and the constant effort of each At this time, we need to focus on our physical, so- member. It needs to be built up each day… cial, emotional and spiritual needs. Experts are say- Maybe this is an opportune time whereby we can ing that we need a minimum of one-half hour of start to think and be creative in new ways as to how downtime each day. In fact, from where I am sit- we build up our MSC community. ting, for many of us, the need is more. As we, in some way, gather to celebrate the Feast From our own MSC traditions – things like, the Office, of the Sacred Heart, let’s stay positive and together daily prayer, spiritual practices of meditation, con- as we pray and trust that we will all be safe under templation, creating art, mindfulness, spiritual read- the protection and guidance of His Heart. ing [or just a good novel] can and will refresh us with Enjoy this Easter Winter issue. focus and peace. Chris R McPhee msc

An empty Coogee Beach during COVID –19

Page 4| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

The Feast of the Sacred Heart is always a symbolic Only from this deep intimacy can we face the chal- time to encourage one another for the mission, to lenges of today. The experience of compassion celebrate life, to renew our commitment in accom- and mercy today, is what we are called to live with- panying the People of God. in the reality of our lives. It is not only the COVID19 that is affecting our world. There are so many other It is also an opportunity to return to Jesus who makes wounds through which the Heart of Christ continues us feel loved and sent; and who, this year especially, to bleed in today's world. asks us to be builders of hope and bearers of dreams that transform and bring newness. Hopes We bring to our heart so many confrères who ac- and dreams that are not built up in isolation but in company the People of God in situations of injus- family and in communion with others. tice and insecurity. In the five continents, we are living situations where, without being pandemics, The heart of the world suffers from wounds and we find crucified Hearts that need our deep pres- hemorrhages. At the same time, it is undergoing ence and listening, as well as our prophetic and processes of healing, while carrying the scarring of transforming actions. The wounds of the Heart of other wounds that this same heart – the heart of God manifested in the drama of immigration, of Mother Earth - has been suffering for the last dec- violence and exclusion, of poverty, have become ades. more evident during these challenging times.

The 2020 Feast of the Sacred Heart will be lived and celebrated within the framework of what we are We are aware that in every corner of the world, perhaps tired of hearing about, but which we can- "where there is the presence of a Missionary of the not ignore or forget: the pandemic that has left a Sacred Heart, the "ALL" of our Congregation and very large number of fatalities and a number of MSC Charism is present: "The ALL is not only the sum economic, family, labor, political, and other conse- of the parts". quences. In these months, the creativity in all the MSC entities This trying time has arrived and has unmasked a and MSC apostolic ministries has been admirable. world, a society and, sometimes unfortunately also, We must continue with creativity to live, in a con- a religious life and a Church that was letting itself be crete way, the passion to be authentic MSC and to carried away by egocentrism, indifference, self- live in this way our following of Jesus with referentiality… These are vulnerabilities that accord- coherence and fidelity. ing to our history, were the reasons why Fr. Jules Chevalier dreamed of and promoted what we MSC are now today. Fr. Chevalier, in his time, felt strongly the call to respond to these challenges. (CS MSC 3, 21,22)

This year's Sacred Heart Day could be a great op- portunity to renew our own life and choices, our own heart.

Our unique mission is seen through the prism of a 'spirituality of the heart'. Here, God’s love is embod- ied in a human heart. We believe that the coming of the Kingdom of God requires change, but we emphasize that this begins with the renewal of our own hearts. New structures and thinking can be in- troduced only when our hearts are in the process of renewal; otherwise they would have to be imposed by force, which we know usually results in superficial conformity rather than true interiorization of values. Furthermore, only hearts renewed by the compas- sion of Christ can envision a society in which justice dwells. Hence, MSC leadership and mission is about creating a new heart for a new world. If we want a new heart for a new world we have to listen to our own hearts and listen to 'the heart of the world', lis- ten to the deep longings of our time, listening within the Heart of Christ.

Page 5| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart There are some attitudes that today more than ever us in our comfort zones and away from the real mis- we are called to live from our Spirituality of the Heart sion. What we are seeing and hearing in these last of Jesus: contemplation, discernment, compassion. months should bring about a transformation, a strengthening of our compassionate hearts, of our Contemplation will help us to sharpen our eyes and merciful practices, and lead us to more prophetic heart, so that the events we are living are not re- and committed missionary actions. (Cf. 1 Jn 4:16) duced to figures or theories, or news that comes and goes. On this feast of the Sacred Heart we We end this letter by sharing this poem through could renew our commitment by contemplating in which we express our best wishes, so that encour- all that the world lives today, how God emerges and agement and hope do not diminish in each of you. raises up a new way of living and of relating to each Happy Feast of the Sacred Heart. other. Thus, from this contemplative attitude we will arrive at the priorities we need today. LOVING THE QUESTIONS “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart We need to continue with our practice of discern- and try to love the questions themselves, ment, carried out with our feet anchored in reality, in like locked rooms and like books order to unravel what God expects from us and how that are now written in a very foreign tongue. and where he wants us today as MSC We need clar- Do not now seek the answers, ity to know what logic and criteria motivate our which cannot be given you responses. because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Compassion as an essential element of our MSC Live the questions now. charism and spirituality. In the face of the uncertain- Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, ty that we are experiencing today, we should be live along some distant day into the answer.” more convinced of this. By fidelity to our MSC BEING (Rainer María Rilke) we cannot remain indifferent to what millions of hu- man beings in the world are living. A real danger for us, is that Covid19 throws us into fear and anxiety which risks an egocentric indifference, these are In Corde Jesu, some of the “modern evils”. However, there are still so many other "evils" in our Mario Abzalón Alvarado Tovar world that we hope, we will be uncomfortable and enough with, that we will want to take steps that will the MSC General Team transform the hearts of oppressors and the lives of the victims. At the same time, we are invited to dis- cover these "modern evils" as opportunities to com- bat pastoral practices and easy life styles that keep

The MSC General Team (left to right): Humberto Henrique da Silva , Paulus Pitoy, Mario Abzalón Alvarado Tovar, Andre Claessens and Chris Chaplin Page 6| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Update from MSC Communities on Covid 19 VIETNAM

Till now the total number of the affected by Corona virus is 268 persons. According to the government’s report, there have been no other affected cases for 7 days. It seems that the situation is under control. Yet the government is still strict and careful, though some basic services are allowed to work again. Public transportation is in service again in the city, but still no overseas travel. Gatherings of 20 persons plus are banned. Many people at the beginning of pandemic showed panic with tendency of storing food, … However, the local government is quite strict in forcing people to follow the instructions. In general, recently the situation somehow is less tense but still in consideration.

Above all, all activities of all kinds of religions are still as enjoying movies together, … banned. So no Mass in parishes and in all religious During this time of difficulties, we really rely more on communities. Some seminaries are dismissed. our prayers, our spiritual support from one another People have Masses mainly online. from all MSCs over the world, and our trust in God. And we pray fervently with all of you there. We Community activities: know that you are also facing the same difficulty. So our activities in our community are also affected. At the moment, we would have no more gathering. By Hoang Huy, Superior, MSC Vietnam

We just stay in each house with in-door activities: Mass, prayers, ... At the moment we have 5 different houses: 2 houses of scholasticate, Hocmon house as postulancy, Go vap house where I am living with some scholastics, and Thu Duc house where our construction is going on.

The priest in each house would have Mass with others, except Le Van Sy house (another house of scholasticate) where there is no priest staying.

Everyone limits going out, even market shopping (once a week). The scholastics have online class, thus they are quite busy. Some of us undertake charitable activities such as giving rice, food, … for others in need. We also have recreation time such On-line learning by the Scholasticates

Page 7| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Update Australian MSC Community in Papua New Guinea by Joe Ensing msc, Superior

We are only three left in Milne Bay Province; 1 case Port Moresby which has now gone down into Anthony Young, Russel Andersen, and myself; and serious lock down. No planes to Alotau from Mores- another three in Central Province; Ben Fleming, Paul by 3 cases in Western Province, seemingly from Guy, and Brian Cahill. Paul Jennings is currently at West Papua (Iriyan Jaya) border crossings. Kensington for health reasons. Here I am still at Hagita, St Paul’s Pastoral Centre, Ben just happened to be with Brian when I rang. Bri- but in a state of flux as I am in a process of handing an was locked down in Tapini, his home Parish, over over to a new director, Sr Betty, Daughter of Charity, Holy Week and Easter. No harm! from Philippines, as well as acting in charge of MSC Paul has not been to town since before Holy Week Ladava Parish, together with a newly ordained due to Corona Virus travel restrictions to Port Mores- diocesan priest, while we wait for an MSC priest to by. But he says that village life is much the same as replace Fr Patrick Bai, msc, who transferred to usual. Gerehu, POM, early this year.

Closer to home, Tony Young has closed down his Sacred Heart Secondary School next door has MSC Hope Academy due to closure of all educa- closed down for the time being and boarders from tion institutions in PNG as part of Corona Virus, State far away places like Nimowa and Rossel Island have of Emergency operations. He has been offered the just recently managed to find a boat to head back use of a nice house in Golanai, Alotau suburb, nor- to home. mally used by Alotau Neo Catechumens. Kind of ‘Self isolation’. Russ and I may visit there tomorrow As with Paul Guy, our people here are generally for a house warming get together. aware of Covid19, but life still goes on much as usu- al apart from travel restrictions, gatherings, and clo- Just a brief, but positive, addition -See issue 2, 2019 sures of some businesses, but we are fearful of what MSC magazine: 'Be on earth the heart of God', arti- might happen if and when it really takes hold here cle on Tony Young's Hope Academy (Hosting On in view of lack of medical facilities, poverty, close line Provider Education) that began at Nimowa in community life styles, etc. 2007 as the first online education provider in PNG'. Although the Corona Virus SoE has forced a tempo- From Hope Academy in PNG rary shut down here in Alotau town, we are also by Tony Young MSC. aware that the consequent need for "Home School- ing" not only here in PNG, but world wide, puts To- The truth is I haven't started ny's 'On Line' education initiative and experience at yet. We are in the middle of a the front line of Education when classrooms are virus lockdown, and our stu- closed for any reason. We are hopeful that our Na- dents have gone home. tional and Provincial Education authorities will make So, our income has diminished greater use of what we have in place already. to almost nothing. Our pollies

promised and never delivered Russ is Parish Priest of what used to be called Daio (one sent a cheque for fees Parish, directly across the Bay from Alotau. They are and it bounced!) I have some aware of the SoE, but life goes on much as usual in very talented and experienced the villages, including Sunday Liturgies and masses, staff and their families to keep alive somehow. but taking care to avoid crowding. We have told our students not to return until PNG is The pandemic has reached PNG. I think total of clear of the virus. We are trying to develop a way confirmed cases is 5, but as yet, no deaths. to put their classes over a wifi network so they can 1 case East New Britain. A previous +ve case has still study at home. A lot to do on nothing! since become _ve.

Page 8| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart From JAPAN by Priyo Susanto msc, Superior

The MSC Japan Region Community in 2018 against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Fuji L -R : Fredrik Frits, Keith Humphries, Carol Sompotan, Joey Mission, Arun Kumar, John Graham, Syendy Kuntag, Brian Taylor , Bern Tethool and Priyo Susanto (Superior)

Yesterday, April 17, 2020, the Japanese Prime Minis- As of April 17, 2020, the confirmed cases of infection ter Shinzo Abe declared national state of emergen- are 9,167 (1,012 recovered) with 148 deaths (source: cy over SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. On April Wikipedia). The number of cases is increasing. 7, 2020 the state of emergency was limited only to Tokyo Metropolitan, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, The churches have been without openly attended Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka prefectures. masses and any liturgical celebrations since early March. The MSC’s are staying put in their respective The declaration of national state of emergency lim- places, observing social distancing and doing nec- its the people’s movements but it is not a total lock- essary actions to stay healthy. And praying that this down type. pandemic will soon come to end.

John Graham msc taking all precautions in keeping safe in his Parish

Page 9| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart St Mary’s Towers, Douglas Park KIT@Kippax - St John the Apostle Parish By Dominic Gleeson msc, Superior Staying Connected while Physically Distant The Canberra/Goulburn Archdiocese was one of the last diocese to stop public masses. Knowing it was inevitable that we would also be instructed to cease public masses, the SJA parish team met and brainstormed ways we could keep our parish com- munity connected while socially distanced. During the session, the thought of Jesus’ instruction to his disciples in Matt 14.16 came to mind: “They need not go away; you give them something to eat”. The idea behind KIT@Kippax was born. We looked at this as an opportunity for parishioners to minister and provide spiritual nourishment for each other. We also agreed that KIT would be no more than a single -sided, A4 size pdf document. Readable and not too overwhelming. We settled on the name KIT@Kippax. That same morning, a parishioner had sent us an email with the same idea.

KIT@Kippax is an opportunity for Kippax parishioners to share their story, their new routine, or what they have found helpful while being physically distant. Some have written poems, others shared prayers, A very Towers Point of View articles, or inspiring quotes. KIT@Kippax is sent out every morning around 7.30am.

Well, there are 17 of us living here at St. Mary’s Tow- At Kippax parish, we have chosen not to record ers experiencing ‘lockdown’. “One big happy fami- online weekday masses, as we do not have the ly” – I always say. After the welcome rains that we consistent internet speed/connection needed to had in March, the threat of fire diminished, the prop- deliver good quality live-stream videos. Parishioners erty has moved from stressed to restored and much who want a daily mass tune into the Archdiocese’s time is spent simply enjoying the views. Far from YouTube Channel each day at 12.15pm for a live- ‘wits-end’, every moment is filled with the spacious- streamed mass. They have the opportunity to see ness to take-in the view. It is about taking time to and experience mass with different priests working appreciate the quality of who we are in relationship within the Canberra area including our priests from with one another Kippax. We pre-recorded our parish’s weekend and the gift of God mass and uploaded it to YouTube on each Saturday in creation. afternoon. By Iokimi Vunivesilevu msc, Superior, Canberra There is a diversity and the Parish Team of opinions about the effects of the MY STAY IN CANBERRA AT KIPPAX PARISH ‘lockdown’ with all Michael Nithan msc its fears and stress- I write this because I would like to share with you my es, concerns and experiences in my ministry and how I am coping anxieties. We are with the recent natural calamities. Communication all in this together, is essential in any relationship and friendships can spaced apart in the only thrive when we take the time and effort to dining room and keep in touch with each other. So I take this oppor- chapel – in some tunity to share with you all. I have been here for the ways creating a last six months and everything is new and exciting. I distance – but in arrived here starting with the hot summer, bushfires, another way wel- smoke, hailstorms and now the present pandemic of coming spacious- COVID-19. ness to take in a I began with extreme heat which actually started in fuller view and to November and went through December and Janu- savour the time to ary. Then towards the end of January, we ended up know and to be with storms and hail. known Smoke choked the capital. From the beginning of December, Canberra experienced 56 days where the smoke pollution exceeded the air quality

Page 10| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

The Parish Team at St John the Apostle, Kippax– (L-R) Fr Iokimi,(acting Parish Priest), Marian England, Sharon, Fr Michael Nithan) safety standards. There were also 12 days when the escape the heat, the smoke or the hail. We were level reached the highest hazardous rating, leaving either locked inside because it was too hot, or you the ACT one of the worst areas for air pollution in the couldn't go outside because it was too smoky and world. all the national parks were closed. It was really horri- ble. And now COVID -19 is keeping us isolated from Some of the parishioners shared with me about their everything. summer plans. For many it meant that their summer Above all, this is new to me because I have never traditions of spending days outside at the river, in experienced such things in my life. I started my min- the park or bushwalking were not just unreachable, istry with many challenges and expectations. Christ- they were dangerous. They spent a whole lot of time mas and New Year were quite different from all my indoors which is unusual. Usually they go out, and known traditions. One of the biggest challenges I have picnics at the lake or find new parks. It made faced was getting my driver’s license. Now I have life a little bit more challenging. They will never for- my license but may not drive anywhere. I spend my get this summer. time these days gardening, cleaning the house, cy- While the smoke was a constant reminder for us with cling, preparing my homilies and contacting friends the threat of nearby fires, it was a completely differ- and family. I am learning much and miss very little, ent weather system that ultimately did the most taking every opportunity to learn. damage to the city. Hail as big as golf balls and One of the many blessings and opportunities as a winds of up to 117 kilometres per hour tore through missionary is that I am experiencing different cul- Canberra on January 20 in a storm that had resi- tures, religious beliefs, languages, weather and even dents running for cover. During the storm thousands food. It is a touching experience for me to be in of cars, roofs and windows were damaged by hail. such a parish. It’s the virtue of generosity that allows The hailstorm was devastating in itself, but having me to become fully human. By nature we are that right next to bushfires and being locked inside made to love those whose culture and language and not being able to breathe the air outside, it was and way of life may be different from ours but we insane. "It was juxtaposition between crazy and cra- are invited to be generous in everything that we do. zy." Bushfires, heat, smoke and hail storms. A break- I thank the Lord each day for all these hidden bless- down of Canberra's extreme summer. ings and great support I am receiving. Once again a big thanks and regards to my family and all the When we would usually find residents outside enjoy- MSC family. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be eve- ing the many natural wonders and making the most rywhere loved and our Lady of the Sacred Heart of daylight saving, people were forced indoors to pray for us. By Michael Nithan msc

Page 11| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Palm Sunday Mass at OLSH Randwick celebrated by Peter Hearn msc and Peter Antony msc, was live streamed SYDNEY PARISHES by Alo Lamere msc, Superior

The Sydney Parishes Community is doing well. I am glad that I was able to communicate with all the members by phone. They are all in good form and continue to do their ministries in the parishes as much they can.

Our brothers in Randwick are doing a very good job by providing live streaming masses both daily and weekends. Their masses are very well "attended or viewed" by good number of people. They are still also being part of the hospital ministry, even though they said that there are not many patients. Bill Brady and Peter Hearn are quite busy with daily masses as well as novena every Thursday. Peter An- thony also is taking turns in doing masses and hospi- tal ministry. Suroto also live-streams his weekend masses in Indonesian. He got about 3-4 thousand viewers every weekend.

Phil Hicks is doing

well. He and Bob Irwin have 3 days masses per week. Peter Guy and Tru in Erskineville are doing well too. Phil says mass for They record their weekend masses and put them in Brown Nurse Sisters YouTube for people to watch. Sometimes Tru every Saturday comes to take Quy from Kensington to have dinner evening (they still with them at the Erskineville presbytery. keep social distanc-

ing). Phil is looking forward to having I am doing alright so far at Kensington. I live-stream Thang to live with weekend masses and write daily reflection based him in the commu- on the gospel of the day and published it in the par- nity. ish facebook and Whats-app group apart from weekend reflections. I have been with Quy for over a month. So far he is doing well.

St Brigid’s Parish, Coogee By Alo Lamere msc, Superior, Sydney MSC Parishes

Page 12| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Kensington Campus by John Kelliher msc, Signing into the Monastery Residence occurs at the Superior Main Entrance. Visitor Health declarations [with Temperature checks] are recorded.

Here is the mini report from the Kensington Campus. The Monastery is in lockdown. The Chevalier Re source Centre Community is contained.

Kenso Monastery community is travelling safely, the men are keeping well! Since lockdown, the monas- tery reduced to 23 men. The CRC increased to 11 MSC enabling some external ministry.

Monastery prioritizes social distancing in the Bishop Verius Chapel [Masses at 7am & 9am, Evening Pray- er], in the Dining Room and for twice weekly exercises. Recording temperature checks at the Entrance Seating in the Dining has reduced from 5 to 2 per- sons per table. The atmosphere during dining, We are keeping well and prayerfully negotiating the though more subdued, has enabled good yarning lockdown. Internet facilities are wonderful and well one to one! maintained, recently enabling participation in the Funeral & Burial of Br Ted Merritt MSC.

The Clinic located in the Monastery has maintained our healthy environment. Men are eating well and appreciate the care we experience.

Many enjoy exercising in the Monastery grounds. Some definitely feel uneasy with the lockdown, which excludes coastal walks, swimming, bike riding & Centennial Park adventures.

We are blessed with a spacious Residence facilitat- ing social distancing. Hand washing stations are located at regular intervals, including Chapel Routine Exercising and keeping healthy entrance Page 13| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart L-R:Paul Castley msc, Michael Sims msc and Brian Gallagher msc, Victoria and Tasmania by Philip Malone msc, Superior Peter M isn't fazed by being unable to go to cine- mas to review movies - he reviews films showing on All of us are in good spirits and Netflix from his room here. He is also putting togeth- for the parish men (Terry, Khoi, er a book to honour Paul Stenhouse - a labour of Ted, Des. Krish) the focus has love for a friend. The book been, as elsewhere, providing looks as though it will be a liturgical nourishment for those tour de force judging by in their care - especially during the array of significant Holy Week. The Parish Teams people who have agreed have also been mind- to contribute. Peter C ful particularly of those shut-in as well as in lock- keeps the down, organising for their well-being both physical home front spick and and spiritual. span and offers a selec- At Blackburn Brian tells me he has settled in to his tion of meals well worth new home, venturing out for a walk each day and staying in for. He has also going across to Cuskelly House for prayer. resumed the art/skill Peter Malone msc and Peter Curry msc The Pre-novices (Anh and Vincent) along with Kenji of the Jigsaw puzzle. and Mark have made themselves available for helping out with shopping trips, odd jobs and what- Krish, together with Paul Compton is preparing for ever. This may be somewhat curtailed as Kenji is the online seminar God and Science - Can They about to restart first semester lectures at YTU - with Coexist? sponsored by the Chevalier Institute. I en- the concomitant reading, research and writing of close the flyer as an attachment. Should be a great assignments, Khoi and the pre-novices have their semina and well worth being part of. program to pursue as well, while Mark has the post That is us for the moment. As you can see we are novitiate program to manage. busy, well and careful. We are also mindful of all our Frank Andersen msc (left) is sisters and brothers, particularly those not as well busy with his gardening and his placed as we are and who are aged, ill or dog (fortunately recovering caring for those who are. after a serious bout of ill health). Frank keeps in touch Henley Beach By Paul McCormack msc with various members of the Here at Henley Beach you will find parish Priest Paul province regularly. Cashen msc , Tan Nguyen msc, Noel Mansfield msc

Mick has more than enough to and Paul McCormack msc. keep him busy in his ministry at We streamed the Easter ceremonies and have Little Sisters and seems to be been 'pod casting' to our parish members. He have coping well with this in the a communication tree where a team of 30 contact COVID-19 environment. Not having to worry about our parish folk by phone. Of course we are 'stay at Carlton has taken a great weight off his mind these homes' but we can exercise along the beautiful days. Henley Beach. We still have our wonderful staff coming here to man the office, thanks to Noreen Here at Kew life goes on pretty much as usual, with and Barbra. The foyer of the office is open during each of us (Paul , Peter M, Peter C and Philip) taking the day for parishioners to collect the parish bulletin all appropriate precautions as required. There is and other bits and pieces including blessed palms much learning of Zoom and other techniques for on Palm Sunday and even chocolate eggs on East- communication related to online teaching as Paul, er Sunday. Peter M and Philip are all involved in this through We have been celebrating daily mass in the confer- Heart of Life and YTU. Paul has his regular (and ex- ence room in the presbytery. It is a brave new tra) meetings with his Teams of Our Lady group via world! It's difficult to imagine what the parish Zoom as well as Spiritual Direction sessions. and the church will be like in the future. Page 14| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Blackburn by Terry Bowman msc days a week. However, we are still producing the weekly newsletter and the secretary is emailing it Parish life here at Blackburn has certainly to our parishioners. I have been very moved by changed dramatically over the past month due the generosity of so many parishioners who have to the coronavirus pandemic. I feel very sorry for put money into the presbytery bank account for our faithful parishioners who cherish the Mass so the first collection. Many of them also have come much and now they are unable to attend. For to the presbytery with donations. We are very many of our parishioners coming to Mass is also blessed here at St Thomas the Apostle Parish very much a social connection for them and Blackburn. now they are missing out on that as well. Please God we can get back to normality sooner rather than later.

MSC Formation Houses and Community in Blackburn by Khoi Nguyen msc

We in Blackburn are feeling blessed with our little community including Mark (Post-Novitiate Director), Kenji (Scholastic), Khoi (Pre-Novitiate Director), Vin- cent and Anh (Pre-novices), Terry (Parish Priest) and Brian (in retirement across Cuskelly House).

With the closeness we share in this community, we fortunately don’t feel so isolated but much more connected and closer to one another in this circum- stance. The lockdown has certainly posted some practical challenges and limited possibilities for the With the use of modern technology, we have pre-novitiate and post-novitiate formations. But so been able to put the Sunday Masses and the far our students are doing greatly well in the allowed Holy Week Liturgies on-line. I know the parishion- conditions. ers have been very appreciative of this and I have received a lot of positive feedback. At this Kenji is working hard on his essays and assignments, stage, I would like to thank Khoi, Mark, Brian, apart from directing and recording the online mass- Kenji, Vincent and Anh for their continued sup- es for the Blackburn parish. port during this challenging time. I would also like to thank our wonderful students who have been Anh has been the main tech head behind all these pre-recorded masses. Vincent and Mark have been essential assistants in practical issues of this ongoing project. They have also been carrying out many maintenance and handy jobs around Cuskelly House and Brian’s new home.

Mark was able to join the Provincial Council Meet- ing via Zoom and was pleased with its effectiveness. Khoi has been continuous in the running of the pre- novitiate program with Anh and Vincent.

Brian has been settling well into his new home, and continues to improve it week by week. He has also been closely and well looked after by others in the community – with his shopping and other things.

Terry has been tirelessly caring for people in and outside of the parish, especially to those who are instrumental in bringing our Masses on-line. It is lonely and sick. His online masses and homilies (and very much appreciated. jokes) continue to touch and inspire people near and far. Last week I had my first funeral during this crisis time and it was quite bizzare to have only ten In general, we are all going reasonably well in our present at the funeral, although they did live lockdown. All of us are missing our people and stream the funeral service. friends, and apart from ringing them or keeping in touch with them online, we continue to pray for Some of our staff are working only a couple of for them all.

Page 15| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Cuskelly House Photos by Kenji Konda Pick up a vacuum cleaner off the street and repair it Some novel ways to pass the time during this pandemic, brought to you by Cuskelly House:

Attend to running repairs around the house ..Mark Hanns

Pick up a hobby:

Pretend to study:

Start a vege patch Replace tattered and an avocado lines off of the Hills farm Hoist

Write a book….. Dig and concrete seal a new ……...Write drainage another pit… book…. Pre-novice - Khoi Nguyen Vincent Phan

Page 16| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Little Sisters of the Poor at Northcote Downlands College by Vince Carroll msc by Michael Sims msc

Just a small contribution of how we are faring here We started the day yesterday with a streamed (I at the Little Sisters of the Poor - catering for the think) 45 minute conference which had over 100 at aged - at Northcote. it. It commenced with prayer and arrangements so far. We have some 75 residents here in the Home and Holy Name Villa. The place has been in lock- There were e Mails from the principal - FAQ's for off- down for several weeks, only staff allowed in and site learning and supervision arrangements of those out - no visitors, no volunteers...... who came in and letters to parents which are pretty We are following the directives of the Archdiocese comprehensive. of Melbourne re liturgy. Holy Week ceremonies were kept to the basics and I celebrate Mass each The arrangements put in place to keep the kids day in our chapel with two assistants only - the learning at home, and being in contact with the Mass is televised into the rooms for the residents. Downlands community on a daily basis with PC teachers and line teachers, are to me just extraordi- Most of the residents are very fervent Catholics and nary. Students who come in here will be supervised are awaiting the Holy Spirit to hover over by Boarding staff. They will continue with off-site Melbourne and our Home, to allow all to re- learning, as it were. No classes as such but follow a ceive the Eucharist , and not just recite words for a class routine/timetable. We expect about 110 stu- spiritual Communion. dents in as from Tomorrow, Wednesday. I think

Due to the Coronavirus I was unable to meet up about 50 of them are Boarders (of 226). I think this is with my fellow MSC for the Easter meal. Hopefully expected to go on for 5 weeks. the virus will have disappeared by July when we here host our MSC for the monthly meeting. I thought I might send this to you below, as my com- mendation to the school authorities here as we commence our second term. It’s just mind boggling Holy Week Ceremonies and daily Masses televised into the rooms for the residents to an un-tech person like me to see what they have in place.

Hi Stephen, Anne and Chris, I am just amazed at what you have been able to accomplish so far! I don’t understand a tenth of the effort that has gone into the work, but I want to thank you and commend the whole teaching, boarding and auxiliary staffs on what seems to me

to be an amazing outcome of possibilities offered to this point. I am sure parents and students will feel that they are in safe hands here.

Well done and God bless.

Fr Vince

Vince Carroll, Chaplain at Downlands College

Page 17| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart SOME REFLECTIONS ON CONTINUING FORMATION GATHERING by our Vietnamese MSCs

The Continuing Formation Gathering of MSCs in first life stories, about our journey of getting to know MSC years of ministry took place at Douglas Park, from (vocation story), about our cultures. It happened in Feb 17th – 21st, 2020. This is the first time that the the spirit of listening, understanding and accepting gathering includes young MSCs from Australia, India the differences. This is quite important for us be- and VietNam. What a beautiful and memorable cause we come from different backgrounds of gathering! cultures, families, countries, personalities, … There is no fear among us at all in sharing our stories. For me, a very interesting question during our sharing is that telling one fact about yourself that is not gener- ally known. Only at this level of truly trusting each other that we are able to share some of our “unknown parts”. And there are many beautiful stories. So I feel that we are so different but united in one Heart. This atmosphere really makes me feel comfortable with others’ presence.

As a young MSC in the first years of ministry, I find many difficulties and challenges. Yet such gather- ing like this one, really refreshes and encourages me to move on with trust and confidence. I really ap- preciate those who organized this gathering, Chris and his Council, especially Frank with his full pres- ence with us and being our facilitator. It is so won- Beautiful, historic Douglas Park, novitiate for a majority derful. So I hope that we would see each other of our MSCs again in next gathering. I am so happy to see all of our brothers, young MSCs in this gathering. First of all, I am really impressed on the venue of the gathering, a little hut, named “HeartWorks”, in a By Hoàng Huy MSC, Superior, Vietnam Community very big compound of Douglas Park. At this very place of “HeartWorks”, we really worked ‘heartly’ on getting to know each other, on sharing our stories, on listening ‘heartly’, on laughing together, on cook- ing local food, on supporting each other, … as we (young MSCs) have been journeying through our very first years of ministry as MSCs. At this “HeartWorks” hut, I truly felt the hearts of our brothers gathering here.

Hoang Huy in a sharing session with newly ordained Vietnamese MSCs

Reflection by Quang Vu Bui msc

I am Quang, I have been 3 years a MSC priest. So, I am one of attendants of young MSC in continuing formation gathering on Feb, 18 – 20, 2020 at Douglas Park, Australia. Peter Hendriks msc, enjoying a Vietnamese springroll We have three days together to get to know each Secondly, I like the atmosphere of the gathering. It other: who we you; culture, background of religion, was not so tense and heavy, but more relaxed, of family, and of government; TABOO; planning for friendly and supporting. We spent time sharing our next year.

Page 18| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart For me, knowing and understanding each other are most fruitful and meaningful because it has made us to be close to each other as a family, although there were those whom (three young MSC Indians) I met at the first time. I have seen all faces of joy, peace and happiness of my confreres and of my- self. Thanks very much for this gathering, because I feel a strong sense of belonging and being in the com- munity, although I am far from Australia, different from others, have never any talk to some for a long time, and even met the three MSC Indian at the first time. Once again, thank you very much. By Quang Vu Bui msc

Reflection by Hung Phuc Nguyen msc Quang thrilled with a motorized lawnmower in rural setting What I most appreciate from the gathering was the - not a common sight in bustling city of Vietnam spirit of internationality. Thanks to those who came In this gathering of 16 people, there are Aussies (5); up with the idea that it was possible for us to be part Indian (3); Singaporean (1); Vietnamese (6); and of the MSC Australian province. It was simple but one Australian (facilitator). This is the first time we are meaningful to me and to all (I presume). meeting each other to know and to share with each other. From these sessions, we were able to know and understand each other. This is a sign of communal and bonding community. I love this at- mosphere very much, because although we are from different parts of the world with different per- sonality, tradition, way of life…, but yet we are ce- mented by our faith, and by our sharing one com- mon Charism and spirituality.

We also had time to prepare our own meal to share to others. I loved to prepare our Vietnamese food (fresh parrot fish spring roll) to entertain other mem- bers from Aussies, and Indian. We all enjoyed it very much. In these agape meals, we were able to share our own food, our tradition of food and of eating. And we were able to build up our bonding Minh and Hung preparing a Vietnamese dinner as well.

Participants of the Continuing Formation Gathering of MSCs in first five years of ministry, facilitated by Frank Dineen msc

Page 19| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart The gathering has given young MSCs from whether They were geographically separated, but strongly in Vietnam, India or elsewhere, the opportunity to and totally united in mission and in spirit. meet one another. Getting to know each other and sharing is to deepen the relationship of each so that Through this meaningful historic story, I came to be one can understand more about others’ life and assured that even I may be in my own personal min- mission together with its’ challenges. The gathering istry and it may seem not to relate to my other MSC has brought younger generations of MSC closer as Brothers’; even it may seem that I have to face the we belong to one province. For me, this will en- difficulties and challenges in my ministry by my own, hance the sense of being a missionary for everyone … but surely I will never be alone and disconnected. and everywhere. We work and share the same In fact, I always have the support and encourage- mission of the universal MSC. I will give my support ment from my MSC Brothers as well as I always join for this gathering to be continued as it has started myself in the one Mission of the whole MSCs, that is so successfully. Thanks, Frank and Chris for “To be on earth the Heart of God”. This is truly the facilitating the meeting. insurance and inspiration for my ministry as an MSC. By Hung Nguyen msc By Danh Doan msc

Reflection by Danh Doan msc

Five days gathering is not long but it is a memorable and enjoyable time for me personally. It was a very chance for me to catch up with my MSC brothers from India, in Australia and, of course, from Vietnam. We had a precious time of praying, sharing, playing, eating, drinking, …, having fun together, and to be inspired by one another.

Among those many activities we had, I found myself most impressed and encouraged by the Ministry Experiences Sharing session. This was the opportunity for us to share with the whole Group about our own ministry, our own way of carrying it out, our own challenges as well as lessons and inspirations we got from our ministry.

Most special to me was hearing about the beautiful stories of some early Australian MSC in their mission placements. They were alone by their own in isolated mission area, and it was very hard in terms of communication at that time. The best connection they could have was by telephone, and one of them faithfully kept on calling every other member at the same time every day to have Danh, currently based at Bathurst Island Parish, reflecting a chat, to share and to support each other. and learning about the good works of our deceased MSCs

and how they have lived out their mission of

being on earth the Heart of God Peace and tranquility: gorgeous sunset at Douglas Park

St Mary’s Towers MSC Cemetery where a majority of our MSCs are buried May they rest in peace Page 20| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart MSC in Vietnam and Beyond: Mark Hanns MSC

Huge statue of Christ the King in Vung Tau Vietnam, similar to the statue in Rio, Brazil

At the request, encouragement, prompting and movie The Truman Show. It’s perfect! Everything is arm-twisting of our Provincial superior to go to clean, manicured and perfectly thought-out and Vietnam to run a retreat and summer school for our well-ordered. I think every city and shire councillor, seminarians, and despite my protestations that I was and every parliamentarian should go to Singapore lacking the necessary qualifications, surrendered to to learn how to plan and organise and get things the superior’s sacred summons, and Fr Chris McPhee done. The people are friendly, and smile and say and I flew together to the newest sector of our “G’day” when you pass them in the street, much province via Singapore on 2 June. like Tasmanians do… except Singaporeans don’t actually say “G’day”. They say something else that’s In the first week when we left Australia we visited not Strine. Our main purpose in visiting Singapore Singapore. What a place! It’s like living in the was to visit our recently ordained Krish Mathavan’s

A city view of clean, manicured and perfectly thought-out and well-ordered Singapore

Page 21| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart a priceless part of the culture which I applaud! I think the retreat went well. I read their evaluations. They went gently on me. Actually, they awarded me a high distinction. After all that trepidation it is satisfy- ing to know that the retreat hit the mark.

They’re a superb group of men. I’m greatly im- pressed with them. It’s great to actually know them now. It’s their custom of respect to address an elder in position or age as “Uncle”, and so they did with me. That was a reminder of my age! They professed their vows on the Friday, and then on the weekend we travelled out to Long Hai near Vung Tao for their holidays and summer school which I had to lead. I fumbled through it. I’d never done this stuff before. I’ve learnt it, but never taught it. Oh well, another life

Mark with Krish’s parents at one of the beautiful gardens in Singapore, the Garden City mother and father as there are no other MSCs in Sin- gapore. Krish is currently PP of Moonah, Hobart.

When Chris and I arrived in Vietnam I travelled six hours up north of Saigon to the mountains and a retreat house with 14 of our men, those who were post novitiate and not yet finally professed. It’s beautiful up there. Every second mid-afternoon, the annual rainfall of Hobart fell upon us. We were at a Salesian retreat house at K’Long. The retreat house experience. I gave them a taste of the practice of director knows a few of our Salesian priests and spiritual direction. brothers in Australia and even here in Tasmania. He even knows Boys’ Town in Engadine, in The Shire Ho Chi Minh City is bustling with motor scooters and where I grew up. Small world, huh? bikes. There are millions of them. And it seems that the road rules are just guidelines, really! While they People crank their lives up at about 4.30 am there. ride and drive on the right side of the road most of Churches ring their bells at 4.00 am. On the retreat the time in principle, they weave in and out on the we took it a bit easy and didn’t get ourselves up till wrong side too, and up on the footpath when it 5.30 am! But a siesta is customary every day. That’s suits,… and no-one crashes! Everyone makes way for everyone else. But they blow their horns con- stantly to let each other know they’re coming. One bike will carry Mum, Dad and two kids. Another shopkeeper will carry everything for his store on his bike, the load bigger than his entire family! I rode with great trepidation on the back of a scooter on the first ride, then decided to trust the protection of the patron saint of travellers - St Christopher, Jesus Mary and Joseph, and God the Father (gotta have big back-up), and the rider, and the 750,000 other riders…. And survived! But I’m not up to doing it my- self.

Vietnam is quite lovely, as are its people. They are immensely considerate and kind. When I walked anywhere around Saigon and Long Hai, I was the one and only Gringo, and an object of curiosity to them until I said hello, and then they’d break into a smile and say Hi. "Sin chao" is "hello". The kids love to shake hands and speak as much English as they can, and draw it out of this foreigner. There seems to be real harmony, too, among people and religions. In one street there’ll be a Catholic church and in the next street there’s a Buddhist temple, especially in Saigon and surrounds. The government has Page 22| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart footage in some documentaries of the last helicop- ter lifting off with all those people on board and the thousands more on the roof of the building and around it on the last day of the war when Saigon fell to the northern troops. That’s where I was. That, and the war museum were unimaginably haunting, the latter being gruesomely upsetting. The war museum is presented in a very even and measured way, and it’s as I remember the news reporters reporting on it.

A few of us, including Fr Bogey (Provincial) and Fr Nords (Novice Master) from the Philippines, travelled down to the Mekong Delta before we continued to Long Hai, and some Sisters of Providence there or- ganised a boat trip on the Mekong for us. Again, the kindness and hospitality of theirs was outstanding.

Leaving Vietnam at the end of the month I travelled to Korea and visited the DMZ. (That’s dee em zee for Koreans and Americans, but dee em ZED for Aus- softened its stance against the Church over the tralians!! Point emphasised!). I planned to lean decades and now it is quite tolerant, yet still with across and shake hands with young Mr Kim III. (He limitations. sent his apologies that he couldn’t meet me. He

For my birthday four of the seminarians drove us was still recovering after meeting the US president at from Long Hai down to Vung Tau and climbed the the DMZ). Being there was historically fascinating, two mountains with the huge statues of Christ the especially as I was accompanied by a veteran of King and the Virgin Mary,(pictured above) similar to the Korean War. He didn’t have the same fascina- the statue in Rio, Brazil. We swam at Vung Tau tion as I did. At ninety years old and feeling exceed- where I taught a ten-year-old boy to swim. His moth- ingly fatigued after the drive, he said, “Yep. Been er saw me swimming and decided I could teach here before. I’m tired. Let’s go home,”… ninety sec- him, so we did. onds after our arrival

The Provincial superior of the Korean MSC province, That was satisfying to see a kid go from not swim- Fr Benedict Ko was very excited to meet with anoth- ming to swimming in half an hour. When we arrived er MSC all the way from Australia. The sense of home, the lads had organised a birthday bbq, brotherhood was sponta- cake, beer and sparklers. Great blokes and a great neous. We travelled over day. It’s damned hot there. 31 degrees and 80% to the MSC formation humidity. Sweated buckets climbing the mountains. house near Incheon and Almost every house there has a small industry in the received a truly enthusias- front of it and every tenth house is having a makeo- tic welcome there and ver or re-construction. People are really industrious. joined in the monthly Mass The country is obviously prospering. Good luck to in honour of Our Lady of them. One shop will repair motor scooters next to the Sacred Heart attend- another shop selling bridal-wear next to a barber ed by three hundred peo- shop next to a karaoke bar. It’s all very eclectic. ple. Fr Benedict included And every other house has a life-sized statue of me in the celebration and Mary at the front. Vietnam reminds me a lot of Mexi- introduced me to the con- co. It’s hot and humid, and the houses are all nar- gregation and invited me to address them from the row concrete houses like the Mexicans’. On the pulpit. Following the Mass we joined the core group highways they have open-walled cafes with plastic of organisers for a magnificent Korean BBQ at a res- chairs, and the owners lie around in Mexican-style taurant. Again, Asian hospitality has raised the level hammocks until someone comes. And there are of hospitality to a higher level. I’m so pleased to hammocks for the weary travellers. The food’s have had this encounter with our MSC brothers and cheap and tastes superb. (How did we survive our sisters in Korea. In a small way it strengthens our MSC childhoods on bangers and mashed potato?) My brotherhood/sisterhood internationally and interpro- mandatory gut infection only lasted forty-eight vincially. And importantly the Vietnamese and Aus- hours on the first round. Then again a couple of tralian links are strengthened. weeks later. No big deal. It was gone by the follow- After an overnight flight home and every day since, ing night. The beer’s cheap there too. I’ve had the long awaited Vegemite on toast I went to the old South Vietnamese Presidential and real leaf tea in a pot. palace in Saigon. You may remember that news Page 23| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Welcome New MSC Staff members

As this not a common flight route, those pilots would be very skillful and in a heightened state of excitement with the concentration required to keep these vehicles in the sky, one mistake at that height could be fatal.

Similarly, the Principals and staff of our MSC schools are experiencing a very different and exciting time as they manoeuvre their schools and classrooms onto remote learning platforms. While the technology has been around for at least a decade there is nothing like an international pandemic to hasten its implementation. The Colleges have coped quite well with this transition and all have worked on ensuring that the wellbeing of their Mark McGinnity– first Lay Director of MSC Education, students and staff has remained a priority and that speaks of his vision for the MSC colleges which makes our schools special is maintained during this time. Navigating Change in MSC Education This year has seen the inaugural appointment of a As I sit here in the home office looking out the lay person to the role of Director, MSC Education. It window a pair of C130 Air Force cargo planes flew is also quite a significant change and one that directly in front of me extremely low on the near requires that the Colleges and the new Director horizon, perhaps not even 100m above the water. re-emphasise what is important about being an MSC I suspect that they are practising low flying along school. Formation in Heart Spirituality becomes even coastlines particularly at this time when there is very more essential for the Boards, Leadership, and staff little other traffic in the air and the cost of fuel of our Colleges. The Chevalier Institute, recently significantly cheaper than normal. I must admit to under the directorship of Alison McKenzie, has done not having seen such large planes flying so low un- a wonderful job in this regard and with Alison less they were taking off or landing. moving into retirement at the end of the year her replacement will be a crucial appointment for the ongoing authenticity of our schools.

A webinar via Zoom : ‘God and Science – Can they coexist?’

Page 24| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

During coronavirus shut down time there has still MSC Province Business Manager been much activity in the Chevalier Institute with Andrew Mir the highlight a fabulous webinar: ‘God and Science – Can they coexist?’ presented by Paul Compton and Krish Mathavan with around 70 participants from all across Australia and even some overseas viewers. It has been viewed on youtube over 230 times.

Good governance is by its very nature fairly dry and time-consuming, however in the modern world it is an essential aspect of the conduct of our schools. While the colleges operate in four distinct educa- tional jurisdictions, there are possibilities for econo- mies of scale with respect to some areas here. Greater accountability in all spheres, but particularly in the realm of Professional Standards, are challeng- es that will have an even greater focus in the years Andrew Mir, newly appointed Business Manager, joined ahead. the MSC Provincial team on 16 March 2020

There has been some collaboration and even the Andrew Mir has worked in the not for profit sector for occasional sporting competition between the over sixteen years, with the last twelve and a half schools over the years. Currently the student lead- years being Chief Financial Officer for global not - ers from Downlands College meet up with the for-profit entities focussed on eliminating avoidable Chevalier College leaders each year but the blindness in emerging countries, through: ‘tyranny of distance’ that characterises this great continent still presents challenges to all the schools * Research & Development into Optical intervention coming together in large numbers. With people far devices (Contact & Spectacle Lenses); more comfortable now meeting via some form of teleconferencing it will be interesting to see how this * Online Professional Education on best practice evolves into the future for both staff and students of for Eye Care Professionals; our schools. * Establishment of Optometry Schools in emerging countries; & Most independent schools are facing financial chal- * Establishment of eye screening centres in lenges with the uncertainty of long-term govern- emerging countries. ment funding support and the ever-increasing costs of education. Affordability of a Catholic education Prior to working in the not-for-profit sector, Andrew in an MSC school is a key concern for our Colleges occupied various Finance roles in Funds Manage- and their Boards and this will take on greater signifi- ment, Mortgage Lending, and in the building cance as time progresses. All of the MSC Colleges material industries. Andrew completed his are on the journey to making scholarships and bur- saries available to prospective students but it undergraduate degree at the University of New South Wales and is a Fellow of CPA Australia. appears almost inevitable that the demand for these will increase over time. Ensuring that our schools have strong Foundations to provide finan- cially into the future is something that will need to be considered.

Mary MacKillop was known to say in times of difficulty or change: ‘Let us trust in God’s good Providence’, and just as the pilots of those large planes trusted in the ability of their vehicles so we, in the schools domain, trust in God’s good Providence that the great work carried out in our schools over the last 90+ years will continue strongly into the future. By Mark McGinnity Director, MSC Education

Page 25| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Earth Care- Call to action to care for our common home

Catholic Earthcare Australia director Bernard Holland with ACBC General Secretary Fr Stephen Hackett MSC (Catholic Earthcare)

Catholic Earthcare Australia will host a national There will also be a large youth component to the Convocation of Catholic Leadership in September event with key youth presenters in the main forum to continue its emphasis upon personal change as and at workshops. being at the heart of leading community change. Fr Stephen Hackett MSC, General Secretary of the Bernard Holland, Director of Catholic Earthcare, an Bishops Conference, said young people, including ecological agency established by the Australian young Catholics, are highly engaged in the pursuit Catholic Bishops Conference, said those in senior of social and ecological justice. leadership roles in the Church in Australia are re- “This gathering will support them in that effort and sponding to the teachings of Pope John Paul II who also provide an opportunity for them to develop called for “an ecological conversion”. their faith and to grow as leaders for our changing “Many are responding to caring for our common world,” he said. home through managing systemic changes, howev- Catholic Earthcare’s Youth Coordinator, Clare er it’s not until we change our own heart, mind and Vernon, will be conducting a national competition daily practices that we live an ecological vocation for youth aged 16-25, to both help identify the top and become a leader by example,” Mr Holland 20 speakers to attend the convocation with support said. and sponsorship from Australian Catholic Superan- He said behavioural change is at the core of all con- nuation and Retirement Fund. Registrations are now version and leaders are a key part of this change. open at www.catholicearthcare.org.au.

The Convocation, on September 4-5, has been To play its part in helping protect the health of earth, placed in the two days leading up to the National and its inhabitants, Catholic Earthcare Australia is Catholic Education Conference (NCEC) and will mandated, through the activities of education, re- challenge attendees to address systemic practices search and advocacy to give leadership in re- in their own lives. sponding to Pope John Paul II's call to "stimulate and “It will also offer practical solutions from leading pre- sustain the ecological conversion". senters and remind us all of our place in the world,” From Cathnews 16 March, 2020 Mr Holland said.

Page 26| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart THE HEART OF LIFE CENTRE, MOVE TO MALVERN, COVID-19 REPORT

The Director of Heart of Life, Paul Beirne, makes a Ben Ross, who packed the Heart of Life Library into report on what has happened at Heart of Life, the dozens of catalogued boxes, helped stack them first months of 2020. onto the moving van, and installed them meticu- lously in what became the Heart of Life Library on the first floor of The Vicarage. An amazing effort in- deed, which further establishing our close operation- al link with the St Paschal Library.

In the midst of all the activity of packing, moving and relocating, and in coordination with the MSC Provincial Chris McPhee, a Heart of Life Summit was convened on 23rd January to consider the future of Heart of Life, or indeed, whether or not it had a fu- ture at all. One consequence of the challenges that Heart of Life faced was that, as Director, I cancelled the intake of new students who had applied for Part Time 1 of the Siloam course, on the grounds that, it is a two year course, there was no guarantee that Heart of Life would still be in existence to offer them On 3rd of October, 2019, at the Transitus of St Francis the second year of their course in 2021. Things were liturgy, I was informed by the Franciscan Provincial that serious. As Director, I also compiled a seven- that the lease on the premises we were occupying page Position Paper which outlined the past, pre- was not being extended and we would have to sent and possible future of the institution, which con- evacuate the premises in the near future. He in- tained the very real possibility that Heart of Life formed me, however, that a space had been set would not be in existence after the current year. aside in the restructured St Francis monastery for The meeting comprised the MSC Provincial, mem- Heart of Life, and he invited me to view this space bers of the MSC Provincial Council, members of the the following day, an invitation which I accepted. MSC Formation Team, and representatives from Several members of the Heart of Life staff also in- Heart of Life and was ably chaired by Rev Dr Peter spected this possible new location, and in the end, Bentley from WellSpring Spirituality Centre who is also in consultation with the MSC Provincial and Provin- a lecturer at Heart of Life. The outcome of the meet- cial Council, we made the decision not to take up ing is summarized as follows by the Director: the Franciscan’s offer. This meant that within a very “The Heart of Life Summit concluded at 4pm. There short window of time we had to find a new location was unanimous agreement among participants that for Heart of Life, pack up all our belongings, includ- the day had not only been worthwhile, but had out- ing the Library, clear out the premises, and move to lined a blueprint for the future of Heart of Life that is a new location in time to welcome returning and encouraging, practical, and far-reaching, built new students on 7th February, 2020. around 9 very specific recommendations. It also out- Without going into the complexity, or the drama, of lined key decisions that have to be made by mid- this challenge, we did manage to find a place to 2020. I think it is safe to say that the attendees at the move to—The Vicarage, at the rear of St Georges Summit were energized by its discussions and out- Anglican Church in Malvern. We were made to feel comes, and, even with challenges ahead, are unit- very welcome by the Wardens and Council mem- ed in confidence about the future.” bers of St Georges who made every effort to ac- The move was completed on Thursday 6th February, commodate their new neighbours, and to make us the day before the students were arrived. Orienta- feel at home. There was one codicil to the agree- tion was completed the following week, and classes ment however, which offered a significant chal- began the Monday after that. The staff of Heart of lenge--the lease of The Vicarage would be for just Life, confident that we had managed to at least one calendar year, a duration during which the St subdue if not to tame the whirlwind, began to relax Georges Council would be planning a future devel- a little in the knowledge that we had at least 4 opment of The Vicarage. Consequently, Heart of months until the next phase of the search began. Life’s search for a permanent home continues. “Phew” we sighed collectively, “What else could In order to make the move from St Paschals, a rally- possibly go wrong?” ing call was sent to the graduands from previous Then COVID-19 struck!! We closed everything down years, who were very generous with their time and at The Vicarage on 23 March, vacated the premis- efforts. They came, packed, discarded and es, and now all teaching, learning, supervision and cleaned—we could not have done without them. communication is conducted via ZOOM. Special mention must be made to the St Paschal’s Library Manager, Miranda Fifield who, together with What does the future hold for Heart of Life? Associate Librarian Nick Gellatly and Library Officer Watch this space!! Page 27| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

40 Years Ordained-24 May 1980 50 Years Ordained-9 May 1970

Since ordination John has spent his ministry in Greg McEnnally – Since Education at the MSC Col- ordination, Greg has de- leges. He was a teacher at voted his life to teaching, Chevalier College from 1981 namely at the MSC -85, then in the RE Team at colleges Monivae and Douglas Park Daramalan and PNG for before doing further studies three years. in the US. Upon his return he Between 1992-99, he was in

was appointed Rector of Parish Ministry and hospital chaplaincy at Monivae College for 5 years, then Rector of Chevalier College for the next 6 years. Randwick. He then moved to teaching English in China for ten years. Prior to In 2002-2005, he was Deputy Provincial, after which he took up the Principalship in that he taught English in Indonesia for a year. Having lived in China for 10 years and acquiring a Downlands for 5 years. He was Provincial Superior from 2011 to 2017. John is a member of the MSC good appreciation of the culture and the places, Education Council and Education Committee and is Greg has authored a few books including A Chaplain of Chevalier College and resides in the Traveller in China (2014), China: Behind the Mask (2017), A Traveller in Fujian Province (2018). community in Bowral NSW.

50 Years Ordained-9 May 1970 50 Years Ordained-9 May 1970

John Graham has spent most After ordination, John of his life as an MSC working O’Connor devoted the first in Japan. 15 years of his ministry in John was a ‘late vocation’, education, teaching and making his first profession on being Sports Master mainly February 26th 1965, ordained in Chevalier, Monivae and on 9th May 1970. After some briefly in Daramalan. He time on the staff at Chevalier was part of the RE Team College, he was appointed based in Douglas Park, was to Japan, serving in various chaplain to hospitals and parishes staffed by the MSC. In 1985, he spent a year’s to overseas sabbatical in Melbourne at the National Pastoral pilgrimages. On return from overseas studies, he Institute. worked in Parishes in Wadeye NT, Broken Bay and He is one of the last three Australian MSC working in was Parish Priest of Kings Meadows in Tasmania for Japan along with Brian Taylor msc and Keith Humphries nine years , before retiring in Kensington. msc.

Page 28| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart 55 Years Ordained-21 July 1965 50 Years Ordained-Bishop – 2 July 1970

Vincent Carroll-Taught in Downlands College from 1966- Bishop Desmond 1982 with a 4 year break in Charles Moore, or- 1972-76 teaching at St John’s dained in 1957 was College in NT. He then taught posted to Douglas Park at the seminary in Rabaul and as assistant to the St Pauls Pastoral Centre in PNG novice master and the till 1993. He returned to Down- bursar of the lands as Chaplain for 4 years, monastery for 2 years. then College Chaplain in South In 1960, he received his Africa, Parish Priest in Toowoomba, Nightcliff and first overseas posting to S.Africa. Vince was the MSC Justice Committee Sec- Post Moresby, PNG, retary and organised the “Listen to the Voices” Abo- where he worked with riginal Affairs conference. In South Africa, Vince was the bishop and the parish priest for a year before a teacher, RE Coordinator, AIDS worker and later as becoming the Superior of the MSC in Post Moresby. Priest Administrator and Manager for development He was then posted to Milne Bay and, in 1970, was work. Vince is currently Chaplain at Downlands Col- appointed bishop of the 20,000 sq km diocese of lege in Toowoomba. Sideia, succeeding the founding bishop of the diocese, He stayed at Milne bay for the next 31 55 Years Ordained-21 July 1965 years, In 1996 Bishop Moore was knighted for his work in Papua New Guinea. John Franzmann - Almost all of John’s MSC ministry has been in education and his forte is 60 Years Ordained-24 July 1960 Maths, teaching and coach- ing students for more than half Edward McCormack-spent 25 a century. One of his students years in PNG as missionary, is the youngest renowned priest, chaplain of PNG mathematician, Geordie Wil- Defence Force and in liamson. His first appointment Croydon barracks. In later was to Daramalan College. He years, he worked in MSC was Principal at Chevalier Col- parishes like Moonah, lege and at , St John’s College Adelaide, Canberra, Ballarat Principal. For some years, he was part of the admin- and Darwin. Ted was also istration of the Diocese of Darwin. Two tangible results of Administrator of Darwin his work can be seen in his history of Chevalier, This Cathedral. Later, he made Many Faceted Gem, and history of Monivae College. himself available for parish John now lives at Chevalier College community contin- supply for priests going on holidays. This has taken him uing his dedication to students and to maths. around many parishes in the state of Victoria, and the Bishops happy to ask for his services . Ted presently lives 55 Years Ordained-3 April 1965 in the Monivae College community in Hamilton,

Peter Malone - After ordina- Victoria. tion, and further studies in Rome, Peter returned to teach theology in Canber- 65 Years Ordained-30 July 1955 ra. For the next 10 years, he was pre-novice director in Croydon and Editor of After ordination, Martin Wilson Compass from 1972-1998. studied philosophy in Rome From 1984 to 1997, he was at the International the superior, adult educa- Scholasticate and returned tion & spirituality institute to Australia as foundation (Heart of life ) & Compass editor. He began reviewing lecturer in Sacred Heart films in The Annals, in 1968. He headed the Catholic Seminary. His principal work Film Offices of the Pacific from 1989-1998; was presi- was in Papua New Guinea dent of the International Catholic Organisation for and in the Northern Territory Cinema from 1998-2001; and world president of Lecturing anthropology in SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communi- PNG, in Missiology work and Parish work in Northern cations, 2001-2005. He is the Pacific representative to Territory for almost 20 years. the SIGNIS Cinema Desk. Peter taught theology at He founded the Nelen Yubu centre and since 1991, has Yarra Theological Union for decades where he lec- been Director and Editor of Nelen Yubu, a magazine on tured on theology and the cinema. aboriginal issues. He currently resides at Chevalier He has authored more than a dozen books, includ- Resource Centre. ing Screen Jesus and Screen Priests. He has been a member of the Catholic, Ecumenical and Interfaith Juries at International Film Festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Page 29| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Tribute to Ted McCormack msc on his 60th Jubilee of Ordination

Together with our priests and parish communities, I give thanks for Fr Ted’s generous availability to celebrate Mass in many places. Paul Bird CSsR Bishop of the Diocese of Ballarat

On behalf of our diocese of Ballarat, I offer hearty congratulations to Fr Ted McCormack on his diamond jubilee of ordination.

We have been fortunate to have Fr Ted ministering in our diocese for 12 years, serving in Hamilton at Monivae College and in numerous parishes throughout our diocese.

Ted has been a member of the Victoria-Tasmania community for many years. (L-R): Ted, Paul Castley and Michael Sims.

He has served in the parish of Hamilton and he has also been ready to travel to parishes such as Portland, Camperdown and Mildura. The people warm to his easy manner and his kindly pastoral care.

I offer my thanks to Fr Ted and my very best wishes for his jubilee.

On a personal note, I have been grateful for Fr Ted’s cheery welcome when I have visited Monivae

College to celebrate Mass for the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

Paul Bird CSsR, Bishop of Ballarat

Page 30| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Tribute to Martin Wilson– 65 years Ordained

I have been asked to write some words about Mar- These were times of exploration for me. A few years tin Wilson on the occasion of reaching this milestone later and still at the YTU Martin offered a social of 65 years since his ordination as a priest. anthropology course on Australian Aboriginal Society. It was a new course and I considered myself fortunate to be able to take it.

It was the era of the call for Aboriginal self- determination and of the advances in missiology and the theology of the Church in its engagement with different cultures. Around the same time Martin had attended the ordination of Patrick Dodson the first Aboriginal priest in Broome who was a student with us at the seminary at this time. Martin highly respected the insights that Patrick brought and looked forward to working with him.

By way of preparation for the course at the YTU Martin had facilitated a review of MSC missionary

Martin though a priest is also a social anthropologist and has written up the story of going to do fieldwork at Peppimenarti in the NT as something of an undercover priest. His thought was that he would be better able to observe the social structures of the community if he went there as a social anthropolo- gist rather than as a priest. He was finishing a private Mass one day in the caravan when some young girls took issue with this and when he asked them if they would like him to say Mass for them they answered: Yes, we are Catholic aren’t we! After that he said a Mass each day and that became a central event for the community. Martin working with community members in Peppimenarti Congratulations to Martin! I would like to take this work in the NT. He had then spent some months opportunity to thank him for his friendship and for living alone in a caravan at Peppimenarti in the the part that he has played in my life with his interest Daly area. Peppimenarti was in its beginnings as a and encouragement in my work in PNG and in new movement of Aboriginal peoples in the NT who remote Aboriginal communities in Australia. were leaving the larger mission communities and returning to their homelands. This began more than 40 years ago when Martin was appointed to teach metaphysics at the YTU in I was deeply impressed with his accounts of the Box Hill. Martin had a doctorate in philosophy from places both in PNG and in Northern Australia that the Gregorian in Rome and had recently he had visited and the ceremonies and experiences completed a Masters in Anthropology from the Uni- that he described. versity of PNG while teaching philosophy at the seminary at Bomana. Martin lectured on kinship, marriage arrangements, ritual and the richness of the religious life of Metaphysics with its abstract categories and Aboriginal society. He introduced us to the writings esoteric language presented its challenges to a of the anthropologists and scholars of Aboriginal 20year old seminarian who had come from a dairy society. One of these was Dr. W.E.H. Stanner a farm in northern Victoria. However, it was during renowned anthropologist who had a long associa- that course that Martin introduced us to TS Eliot’s tion with the Murrinhpatha of Port Keats and had poetry; the words from the Four Quartets have re- written of the ceremonies and their underlying mained with me since. values. An important theme taken up by Martin was

“We shall not cease from exploration Stanner’s expressed surprise that most Christian mis- And the end of all our exploring sionaries to the Aborigines had not recognized the Will be to arrive where we started richness of the religious life and outlook of Australian And know the place for the first time”. Aborigines.

Page 31| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart I would insist it be required reading for anyone who today is preparing to engage in this ministry.

The variety of articles written by many who have spent a life time walking the good way with Abo- riginal people is a precious record of the issues that were being tackled from 1978 to 2002. The number of different people from around the country who contributed to this venture is remarkable. Women and men, Catholic and not Catholic, wrote on a vast array of issues related to this ministry. Of par- ticular significance and a source of hope was the number of Aboriginal writers who also contributed.

In the later years of my studies before ordination I would meet with Martin in his office for brewed coffee and the occasional drop of whiskey. As important as it was for me to chew over the ideas Martin at the front of the Store in Peppimenarti and issues confronting the church’s missionary work in the NT and PNG I found myself sometimes He wrestled further with the implications of these in- seeking spiritual guidance also as I confronted the sights in a booklet printed in 1979 and titled Old New various ups and downs in formation. Martin was a and Timeless some pointers towards an Aboriginal good listener.

Theology. I was able to steady the ship with advice sometimes

During the Kulama ceremony at Bathurst Island and given from his own insights and experiences and his in these days with the Wadeye people who still familiarity with literature, philosophy and the writings gather with more than a thousand people for their of the spiritual classics and given in a friendly and initiation ceremonies I find myself going back to congenial setting.

Stanner and some of the other writings and revisiting Our friendship has continued. I was always warmly some of the issues Martin raised as he considered welcomed if we met on my leave from PNG. He was the deeper issues at play and what it is that God’s familiar with the languages Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu and spirit is calling us to now in our relationship with the the places where I was working and the French and first peoples of these lands. PNG MSC confreres with whom I was working.

As well as lecturing at the YTU Martin set about the Since beginning work in the NT in 1993 Martin has establishment of the Nelen Yubu Missiological Cen- visited me both at Bathurst Island and then again at tre at Daly River. Its aim as set out on the cover of its Wadeye. On Bathurst Island he gave me lessons publications was to mediate between anthropology over several beautiful dry season afternoons in and similar disciplines on the one hand and the rich- fishing and how to catch the elusive barramundi. ness of Aboriginal culture on the other with the emergence of a church both truly Aboriginal and On a visit to Wadeye I was pleased to accompany truly Christian. him to Peppimenarti to meet with the people and to hear him reminisce about his experiences and Nelen Yubu or ‘the dreams at that time. Some years later and in spite of good way’ as it trans- the ban on visits by Church personnel he was able lates still goes before to make an arrangement with the elders to stay us and there continue there for a few weeks.

to be debates about Martin has continued to show an interest in my work how well we are trav- amongst the Aboriginal communities in the NT. At eling this road. more than one Province Chapter he has spoken of the importance of continuing our presence among However for just on the Aboriginal people of the NT. 24years Martin and his secretary Keren Cal- There are less pickups at the airport these days but vert persisted in pub- he continues to always make himself available to lishing the periodical me on my trips to Sydney and I enjoy the opportuni- Nelen Yubu. This was a ty to share something of the life and developments truly remarkable effort in our ministry here and to receive his reflections.

and a wonderful re- source for anyone By Leo Wearden msc ministering today in Aboriginal communities.

Page 32| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Golden Jubilee of Episcopal Ordination of Desmond Moore Jesus on July 27, 1957), I was posted back to Douglas Park as assistant to the novice master and the bursar of the monastery."

Bishop Moore held this role from 1958-1960, at the end of which he received his first overseas posting. For his first 12 months in PNG, Des was based in Port Moresby where he worked with the bishop and the parish priest.

After two years, Fr Moore, who was then religious Born 12th May, 1926, Desmond Charles Moore, superior for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in M.S.C. Ordained Priest of Missionaries of the Sacred Port Moresby, was posted to Milne Bay and, on Heart of Jesus Bishop Emeritus of Alotau-Sideia, Pa- March 7, 1970, was appointed bishop of the 20,000 pua New Guinea. sq km diocese of Sideia, succeeding the founding bishop of the diocese, Bishop Francis John Doyle For 41 years, Bishop Desmond Moore ministered to MSC. "There I was for the next 31 years," Bishop the people of Papua New Guinea. Now in retire- Moore says. ment in Sydney, he still has a heart for the region. Bishop Moore grew up in Adelaide, relocating to In 1996 Bishop Moore was knighted for his work in Sydney as a young man to become a Missionary of Papua New Guinea. Ever humble, he accepted the Sacred Heart (MSC). He says it was his "desire to the award without fanfare, as a mere representa- go to foreign missions", and the constant presence tive of the many religious and lay missionaries work- of MSCs throughout his childhood, that drew him to ing in the region at the time. the order. "The only people I knew who did mission "It was granted to me by the Queen; I don't know work were the priests," he says. how that came about," he said.

Despite having al- ready completed his His time in PNG high school educa- gave Bishop tion, Desmond Moore a greater Charles Moore understanding of "hadn't done too the challenges much Latin". "I was faced by there for three years Australians who doing school, then served in the had a year in the no- Region during vitiate, before I went World War II.

to Croydon in Victo- ria. "When I was first ordained (as a priest of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of

Page 33| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart A Tribute He could be found in the offices of business Bishop Sir Desmond Charles Moore msc KBE houses and stores, bringing with him always a breath of fresh air; people enjoyed his forth- “I think we lived in the best times, Tony.” right views on everything from the price of “You can be sure of that, Russ.” roofing iron to how the country was being run.

Those times started for the two of us when we we studied at Croydon with Des for a short Bishop Des was always a dedicated shepherd who cared personally for all his sheep – or “donkeys” as time. They were the heady days of Vatican II we would sometimes be called when we had for the younger students. Des, who had come annoyed him more than usual. His house was al- to Croydon after a spell of civvy life as a ways open to anyone in need or distress, and most banker preferred to trust the compass of his left him helped or comforted. When he was home simpler faith that had served him well, and he was always available on the mission radio net- continued to work for a yarn or to discuss any problems that do so through- arose in the far flung out his life. parishes of his diocese. After serving his To quote Russ, “I PNG missionary have to say person- apprenticeship ally I have never met in Port Moresby, anyone so charita- Des was ble and so witness- appointed P.P. ing to God’s love in his life-style.” of Boregaina in

the Central Most of all he will be Province and remembered by us soon became as a man who also the MSC fostered freedom in Superior. He our tiny corner of the was appointed Church. He was a Bishop of Sideia man of definite in Milne Bay opinions, but he had Province in a remarkable toler- ance for those who 1970. disagreed with him. Joe Ensing had He directed most already arrived matters and people at Sideia a short with a light hand. He gave his young time before. priests -such as we Russ and myself had already been working in were then – plenty of rope in their ministry, but let Milne Bay for some years. The three of us were us know very definitely when we had reached the there to welcome our new Bishop and friend end of it. from student days. For the next 31 years we worked under him in our island parishes. It was Again Russ, “Des trusted his priests while allowing us an experience we will never forget. to be ourselves, warts and all! We, in turn, trusted him, allowing him to be himself. Such mutual trust Bishop Des was a man without any pretensions engendered warm friendship and contributed to to be anything else but himself. He respected both sides giving of their best in MSC solidarity.” the formalities demanded by his Office, but apart from that was content to be what he To Des: you may not believe all this, Des, but that’s would have described as “a pretty ordinary how we remember it. And now, when you have to bloke”. He could often be found on the wharf bear with the inevitable limitations that age helping to load one of the mission boats, or imposes, we pray with you that, in God’s good time, you will know the joy and the fullness of that organising the passengers and deck cargo blessing you gave to us, in the presence of him with typical energy – sometimes to the who is the Truth that sets us free. bemusement of the crew. Often he would be out and about around By Russ, Joe, and Tony Alotau – at one time on a motor scooter.

Page 34| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY 0F ORDINATION—TRIBUTES JOHN GRAHAM MSC: A TRUE MISSIONARY OF and he was off to Japan in 1974. Since then, with THE SACRED HEART by Priyo Susanto msc his missionary zeal, he dedicated his life to the Japa- nese Church and the Japanese people. Learning a new language was not an easy task. He learnt his Japanese in a Japanese language school in Kama- kura, and old city just south of Tokyo, a city in Kana- gawa Prefecture for two years or so. After finishing the language school he came back to Nagoya and since then most of his missionary work were related to parish ministry, always in contact with the Catho- lics as well as the non-Catholics who came to the church searching for the truth. Despite facing many difficulties, he stayed faithful to his work, because he believes that it takes time to get used to the local language, culture and customs. He has always drawn his strength to carry out his mis- sion from the community of missionaries. He treas- ures the regular gathering and the sharing of pray- ers and experience. He treasures his commitment to the society, to the parish and to the people. He This year John Graham MSC is celebrating his treasures the support from the parishioners with golden jubilee, 50th anniversary of his ordination to whom he works closely.

the priesthood. He and his parish have been He is a true missionary. Though he has not seen preparing a golden celebration in the parish. inviting results of his work in leaps and bounds such as the the local bishop to celebrate the with a chrism influx of people to the churches asking for baptism, Mass. He and his classmates have been preparing he won’t give up in serving the people through his to celebrate the jubilee back in Australia. And the work of witnessing in parish and other charity in- MSC Japan Region has been planning to have a volvements. He believes that Japan and Japanese community celebration in Nagoya. However, the church are still in need of the missionaries’ presence. COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all our plans. True that the local priests are doing their best, but

the spirituality side of the church is best shown by Although he has always been interested in vocation the religious missionaries. He believes that the mis- to religious life, John joined the MSC when he was sionary work has to be continued with the emphasis already 26 years old. Graduated from Sydney Uni- on promoting peace, since peace in the Christian versity in 1959, John built his career in teaching belief has a universal value. mathematics and physics. He also, from an early age, has been attracted to the devotion to the Sa- He is a true missionary of the Sacred Heart. It is his cred Heart of Jesus. He said that he always had with resolution that he has to continue to give witness to him the picture of the Sacred Heart. the love of the Sacred Heart. He feels the need to promote more the devotion to the Sacred Heart. While studying at the university and then later while Congratulations! working as a high school teacher he joined the Aquinas Academy, a Catholic adult education for the Lay, run by the Marists. He nurtured his faith in this institution, but also was influenced by the Pas- sionists through their retreats. He had with him the picture of Sacred Heart, educated in faith by Marists and spiritually led by the Passionists! And he decid- ed to knock on the door of the MSC!

He entered the novitiate in 1964 and took his first vows in February 26, 1965. After the completion of his study in Philosophy and Theology he was or- dained to the priesthood in May 9, 1970. His first min- istry as MSC priest was teaching Math and Physics in the Chevalier College, from 1971 to 1973. The former Provincial Superior John Mulrooney was one of his students.

His dream was as missionary to be sent to the mis- sion. He applied to be sent to Japan, was granted John with Chris McPhee at his Parish in Kakamigahara, Japan Page 35| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Thank You to GREG McENNALLY msc by Greg McCann msc

Gregory McEnnally msc was born on January 9th, He was truly a great companion, an excellent 1944. His father was a greengrocer in the Randwick teacher and a loving, caring, sympathetic col- area, and Greg was educated at Bridgidine Primary league. He revealed to students and staff and School and Marcellan College, Randwick. friends a true MSC Spirit and I was proud to have him by my side. Greg and I entered Douglas Park Novitiate on the same day - January 24th, 1962. We were together in Canberra Monastery where he was one of the first MSC's to complete tertiary studies at the Canberra University. We were together again at Croydon, Victoria in 1969 while I was the cook. After his ordi- nation on May 9th, 970 we found ourselves together again at Monivae and it was here that his athletic prowess became monumental especially during his running races against me where he gave me a 10 minute start!!!

After teaching in Monivae and Daramalan, Greg went to Chicago in 1987 to study Scripture and after that he went to PNG where he taught Science and was Parish Priest in the Bainings area. Greg, travelling the mountains of Fujian Province China Our paths didn't cross again until 2002 when Greg

arrived in China from Indonesia where he had been Thank you Greg for your years of friendship - thank teaching English to our Indonesian MSC students. you for your generosity and thank you for being We both taught English at the Anglo Chinese there when I needed you. The Little Sisters of the College. We were also able to secretly have Mass in Poor are blessed to have you as a chaplain. my apartment...I felt very blessed! For the past 50 years you have made a significant In 2008 I went to Tongren, the area where the first contribution to many peoples lives. Thank you once MSC's had a diocese and Greg, once again, gener- again....and..... keep up the good work, Mate. ously made himself available and we were together

Greg McEnnally (back right row), taught English to students in China

again. He was wonderful with the students. He and the students climbed every mountain around the Greg McEnnally- missionary priest, teacher , traveller and author of three books: A Traveller in China (2014), China: city and his 'walks and talks' were monumental and Behind the Mask (2017), A Traveller in Fujian Province (2018) the students loved him.

Page 36| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Tribute to John O’Connor msc on his 50th Jubilee, by Greg McEnnally msc

In 1960 John and I became classmates at Douglas Park, subsequently spending many years together in the novitiate, scholasticate – both in Canberra and Croydon – teaching at Monivae College and now in the same community at Kensington. With John Graham we were ordained together at Randwick in 1970.

John with his parishioners at Kings Meadow Parish,Tasmania where he was Parish Priest for 9 years before retiring in Kensington

John relaxing at the gazebo of Kensington Monastery Classmates: John O’Connor (left) and Greg McEnnally

I recall one incident in the seminary, when he and I were pitted against each other in logic – all in Latin. I won – but only on a technicality, as he quickly saw through my “clever” argument and proceeded to shoot me down in flames.

He is an energetic ideas man and an organiser. In the seminary, for example, he initiated the “Poor Man Masses” for the feast of the Sacred Heart. At Monivae, as sports master, he organised various sporting events, inaugurating an annual swimming carnival with St. Pat’s College, Ballarat.

He is also a people man, enjoying other’s company, and especially engaging in repartee. He loves to stir people, but never maliciously. I know too that he has been much appreciated in parishes, more recently spending a considerable time in Gymea Parish.

If I were to choose one word to describe John – admittedly an impossibility – it would be “solid”, and I am not referring to physique. He is solid in commitment, solid in reliability and solid in faith. He always has been. Ad multos annos.

By Greg McEnnally msc

Page 37| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart The interconnectedness of life, climate change and pandemics by Claude Mostowik msc

In 2015, Pope Francis, in Laudato si’, underlined the known, but the links between animal and human fundamental connection between the environmen- health could not be clearer. tal crisis and the current social crisis. To remind us that ‘everything is interconnected, he called for a In 2019, human-induced climate change was personal and community ecological conversion.’ blamed for hot Australian summers and the deadly bush fires over 20% of the country. Distressingly, en- tire habitats of several animal species were lost as were the lives of an estimated 4 billion animals. As people ask when this pandemic will end, we need to ask how it came about. It is not enough to find a scapegoat such as China or blame those liv- ing in bad social circumstances when they are dis- proportionately impacted. The experience of this pandemic must wake us to humanity’s capacity to demand changes of ourselves, our communities and all levels of government.

Destruction of forests by multicultural corporations and their replacement with soy, palm and cattle, have accelerated climate change. According to indigenous leaders, this encourages the emergence of serious disease. The loss of habitat has brought wild animals into closer contact with humans and domesticated animalsenabling diseases, such as the coronavirus to jump the animal-human barrier and spread through human-to-human contact.

The coronavirus is now telling the world what we In October 2019, Pope Francis issued another docu- ment Querida Amazonia (Beloved Amazon) to have been saying for thousands of years — that if we do not help protect biodiversity and nature, then reflect on cultural, ecological and religious issues we will face this and worse future threats. facing the Amazon - a distinct ecological territory with population of 34 million including 3 million in- This pandemic like climate change does not care digenous people from some 400 ethnic groups. His about race, culture, or gender identity. Several oil hope is for a region that fights for the ‘rights of the companies have conducted misinformation cam- poor,’ especially the ‘original peoples’ whose rights paigns about the known effects of fossil fuel on cli- have been ignored and threatened by national mate in the 1950s through 1999. Millions were misled and international businesses and which he labelled into thinking that fossil fuels were less harmful than as ‘injustice and crime.’ The distinctive cultural, so- they were. Attempts are increasing to hold entities cial and human riches of the Amazon need to be responsible for climate-related impacts such as recognised. floods, hurricanes, wildfires and drought. This ac- Querida Amazonia reiterates Pope Francis’ the most countability would galvanise action to drastically important themes from Laudato Si’: that everything reduce greenhouse gas emissions. is connected: ‘The care of people and the care of Querida Amazonia also highlights the negative im- ecosystems are inseparable.’ Focusing on the Ama- pact on climate, indigenous plants and trees and zon in particular, and other regions, he points to economic interests that extract resources and threaten the equilibrium of the planet which ‘depends on the health of the Amazon region.’ As our planet now is living with yet another pandem- ic, it is time to realise that we are in a new geologi- cal epoch (Anthropocene) where ‘humanity’s influ- ence is causing global climate change, the loss of wild spaces, and a drastic decline in the richness of life. Microbes are not exempt. Whether on coral reefs or in the human gut, we are disrupting the rela- tionships between microbes and their hosts, often pulling apart species that have been together for millions of years’. Covid-19’s history is not yet fully Page 38| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart the extensive negative transformation of forests into are called to love. We have not been willing to stop agricultural land in the Amazon region. It also points and pay attention. Our political leaders have not to mountains stripped bare for mineral resources in been brave enough to pass and enforce legislation the Philippines and African countries. People are to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for their exposed not only to environmental disasters like responsibility in making us dependent upon their mud-slides, destruction of homes, and all kinds of products. dispossession but also to the severe ecological im- balances that threaten wholesome living, for hu- Humanity is faced with a series of self-made, interre- man, animal, and plant alike. lated crises, from the environmental catastrophe to

‘Already, the effects to the natural world are mas- poverty, inequality, the absence of peace and an sive and deadly, including infectious disease trans- unprecedented level of displaced persons, among mission patterns.’ Where scientists and popular other pressing issues. All have been brought about movements could not convince the world to act, by the negative behaviour of mankind, by the per- vasive modes of living, the corrosive values and ide- Mother Earth is bringing about a reorientation ologies that dominate contemporary life. through this pandemic! One might be forgiven for wondering if it is not Mother Earth’s response to de- Socio-economic and political systems are unjust structive human activity. when they favour the few at the expense of the many, or when they are driven by divisive materialis- ‘If only the world [had] worked to strengthen the tic values. Self-centred human activity has disrupted rights of indigenous peoples — who have learned to ecosystems and weather patterns altered by the live in nature with biodiversity and protect animal contamination of the atmosphere which has led to and plant species — we would see fewer epidemics destructive climate change. Many people recog- such as the one that we are currently facing.’ nise the need for a new way of living, but resistance has been fierce among governments and corpo- Recent peer-reviews have concluded that protect- rate power. ing the land and human rights of indigenous peo- ples who occupy much of the Earth's forested areas We have a unique opportunity to rethink how we is the best way to keep forests standing. This in turn inhabit our ‘Common Home’. We need to question reduces global warming and biodiversity loss. They capitalism’s unlimited accumulation, competition, play a vital role in successful conservation and resto- individualism, indifference towards the misery of mil- ration but are often excluded from decision-making lions of people, the downsizing of the State and the about forest policy. exaltation the ‘greed is good’ motto that many fi-

‘For us, climate change is not abstract .Just in my nancial institution hold to. The current pandemic small community ... we are [now] struggling to pro- and threats to the planet highlight what Pope Fran- duce certain foods because of the changing cli- cis calls an ‘anti-life system’ because it has violated mate. All of the Caribbean coast of Central America ‘the most universal law of the cosmos, of nature and is confronting rising sea levels, and that is having an of the human being: the interdependence of every- impact on the economy.’ Sucre Romero one with everyone; that there is no being, much less us humans, that is an island disconnected from eve- Globally, indigenous territories are increasingly under rything else.’ threat. Weakening of environmental protections, We are called to different relationships with nature indigenous land rights, and the rule of law pose an and the Earth. We have to overcome indifference existential threat to indigenous peoples and local and feel the pain of others in our hearts. In the pan- communities and their territories. Reversing this trend demic, no one is immune. We have to be in solidari- is critical for the future of the climate-buffering Ama- ty with one another, to care for each other and all zon forests. Indigenous leaders say protecting indig- living things and take collective responsibility be- enous rights and forests can assist in finding medi- yond our fences or the nearest hill. cines to counter serious diseases and future pan- demics. However, global companies too often enter By Claude Mostowik msc indigenous lands and take their products and tradi- tional knowledge without compensation

The slow dying of the planet has meant the suffering and death of many people around the world. As this has happened, too many the governments of the world, like latter-day Pontius Pilates, have set aside their responsibilities and blamed the people. Dec- ades of international negotiations and the commit- ments to agreements like the Paris Accords, person- al, institutional, and systemic behaviour has not changed enough to stop the dying of this planet we

Page 39| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Farewell Edward Merritt msc

friends are mourning Brother Ted’s departure from this life, we can be more intent on thanking God for all the gifts he endowed Brother Ted with and in re- calling how he used these gifts for the good of oth- ers. As we celebrate this Requiem Mass to commend his soul to God, I will limit myself to recalling just a few of the salient features from the life story of this quite unique Religious Brother.

Edward Patrick Merritt was born in 1928 at Corinda, a suburb of Brisbane. Even as a Secondary School student, young Ted felt a call to a religious vocation but it was only when he was 25 years of age that he took ‘a leap in the dark’, as he put it, and travelled “In him, who rose from the dead, down to Douglas Park, south of Sydney, to join the Our hope of resurrection dawned. The sadness of death gives way To the bright promise of immortality. Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death We gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven.”

My dear friends, as we link up together as best we can this morning to commend to our loving God the soul of a Missionary of the Sacred Heart, Brother Edward Patrick Merritt and to bless and honour his Ted with his two sisters and parents mortal remains, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart as a Brother. Up till the words I have that point he had been working in the motor indus- just quoted, from try, a job that would stand him in good stead in his one of the Requi- subsequent missionary labours. em Mass Prefac- es, sum up for us Brother Ted made his our essential first commitment as a Christian belief in religious brother mid- what happens to 1954. Subsequently he us when our life worked as a gardener on this earth at Douglas Park for two comes to an years, in the office of end. This belief is the MSC publication reinforced by St “The Annals” for two Paul’s statement years and in our board- in his letter to the ing Colleges for a similar Romans (Chapter period. Again, this 8): “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the range of tasks, together dead has made his home in you, then he who raised with the skills he had Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your own earlier acquired in the mortal bodies, through his spirit living in you.” workforce, prepared In other words, the victory of Jesus over death and him for his life on mission stations in the Northern sin that we have but a few days ago celebrated, is Territory. the model and pattern of our own destiny. We too, Missionary life in the 60’s and 70’s was tough and at are to pass through death to life in Christ Jesus and times, harsh in the extreme. Our Northern Territory see God face to face for all eternity. And the sorrow missionaries in those years, were expected to be self- and sense of loss that we naturally experience at the reliant men of grit and perseverance, capable of death of someone we have admired and loved, enduring isolation and an exacting lifestyle, with ex- give way to a celebration of his personal gifts and of pertise in sharing the faith, along with the practical all that he achieved throughout a long and dedi- skills needed to cope with almost any contingency. cated life. It was on June 30, 1966, that Brother Ted arrived in And so, though this morning, family, confreres and the Northern Territory to begin more than half a

Page 40| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart century of dedicated commitment to the life and ministry of the Diocese of Darwin in a special engagement with the Indigenous and the marginalised.

Ted with Bishop Eugene Hurley and Peter Hendriks msc beck and call of innumerable people on the mar- gins of society, with their many and various needs and their at times importunate requests for immedi- ate help. Brother Ted matched these activities with repairs and maintenance tasks at The Ranch, with an energy level that people twenty years younger than him could well have been envious of.

From 1960 onwards, Brother Ted lived and worked For the last 15 years I lived at the MSC Centre in for significant periods on all of our NT Mission sta- Nightcliff with Brother Ted and witnessed at first tions: at Bathurst Island, at Wadeye, at Woody- hand his manner of life and his unswerving loyalty cupaldiya where he lived for a number of years in a to his religious vocation lived out with gospel sim- demountable, at Daly River and at Santa Teresa, 80 plicity. km south east of Alice Springs - at times the resident mechanic, at times the accountant or the town clerk, and then at the age of 60 he learnt how to fly a plane and acquired his pilot’s licence.

It is impossible in this short article to recall in any de- Ted with Malcolm Fyfe and community members on his 90th tail the day-to-day challenges faced-up to, the dramas that occurred, the simple joys of life experi- I used to think that Brother Ted would live to be 100 enced, the many relationships forged. years of age. In fact, several times I warned him he In 2001 Brother Ted withdrew to Darwin, living at should have something prepared to say at MY fu- the MSC Centre, commonly known as “The Ranch”. neral Mass. Admittedly a risky commission to give to It was not to be a retirement but a new lease of life, someone who had lived in the same community dedicated to the St Vincent de Paul Society, at the with me for so long! So, what happened over the space of two weeks was totally unexpected. That Br Ted who obtained his Saturday morning when he started to feel unwell, pilot’s license at with the pain increasing each hour… Brother Ted the age of 65 in trying to downplay it, but within hours, the ambu- order to fly for Murin Airways, lance was called and the first aid people did all and Mr Frank they could to ease the pain before he was taken to O’Donnell, e the Emergency Department. Next morning, he un- director of Catholic Mis- derwent a quite massive operation and thereafter sions and the spent most of his remaining days in the ICU. I want first General to pay tribute here to the care that he received Manager of Murin Airways

Page 41| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart from the doctors and nurses at the Royal Darwin So thank you, Brother Ted, for your enormous contri- Hospital. From time to time we thought Brother Ted bution to the life and mission of the Church in the would somehow manage to overcome the forces Northern Territory, with special emphasis on helping that were pulling him down, but it was not to be. the Indigenous and the marginalized. There is an ancient and well-known prayer called A few days before a possible transfer to the Darwin the Anima Christi, a prayer addressed to Christ in the Hospice, a Palliative Care nurse was plying him Eucharist and generally recited after receiving Holy about a tedious range of questions to be filled in on Communion. It is a beautiful prayer that Brother Ted the Hospice Forms. Surprisingly one of the questions was familiar with. It begins with the words: was regarding what had been the focus of his life. Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me Brother Ted replied unhesitatingly “Eternal Salvation Water from the side of Christ, wash me and the Service of the Poor”. What a privileged mo- Passion of Christ, strengthen me. ment to be present at that interview! Then looking ahead to the fragility and mortality of A few hours after he was transferred to the Hospice the life of each one of us, it continues on Holy Thursday, he simply stopped breathing. Two O good of his very close friends were at his side, Peter Liddle Jesus, hear and Joan Halvorson who are both here this morning. me... I want to extend my personal condolences, the con- In the hour dolences of the Darwin diocese and those of the of my Missionaries of the Sacred Heart to Brother Ted’s death call younger sister Margaret and her husband Des, to me; and their children and to all his other relatives, most of bid me them down in Brisbane. They have been in frequent come unto touch with us throughout these last couple of weeks. You Needless to say, the poignancy of these recent That with events has only been heightened by the distancing your Saints restrictions we currently have to work under. I also I may want to extend our condolences to Brother Ted’s praise You; many friends and clients, many of whom will now be Forever wondering who to turn to with their needs. and ever, Amen. “In the hour of my death call me and bid me come un- to You.”

In the hour of Brother Ted’s death, we can be sure it was Jesus who called him and bade him to come to Him, so that with all the Saints he could be with Him and praise Him forever.

As we continue now with the celebration of the Mass, we can be sure that Brother Ted, who as a I also want to mention my fellow MSC priests and Missionary of the Sacred Heart was so faithful to his brothers, especially those ministering in the Darwin religious commitment and to the teachings of Jesus, diocese. Our NT MSC Superior, Father Leo Wearden so devoted to the presence of Christ in the Eucharist at Wadeye, Father Peter at Daly River, Fathers Pat and always ready to help the neediest of God’s Mara and Danh Doan on the Tiwi Islands and of people, is already enjoying everlasting life, peace course my concelebrants here at the altar. All of and light in the Kingdom of God. these men will miss Brother Ted’s fellowship and his Homily by Malcolm Fyfe msc ever ready willingness to assist them in any way needed. Tribute from Fr Frank Brennan, SJ A great man. The master of the wry understatement; a In particular, I want to mention Brother Herman tireless worker; a fearless, persistent, practical advocate Kooyman, who is in lockdown at the Pearl Aged for the little guy; a man of simple faith with a big heart Care Facility. He would love to be here this morning and absolutely no pretensions. He embodied all that's best to give witness to how much and how often Brother and noble about the Australian MSCs. He worked in the Ted did everything he could to make life a little kitchen when I was a boy at Downlands in the '60s and more tolerable for him. Brother Herman will miss then we saw a lot of each other at the Daly and in Darwin Brother Ted very dearly indeed. over the years. May he rest in peace.

Page 42| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Visit from the The Philippines by Rudy Abao msc

Rudy Abao speaking up for social justice in the Philippines (above) (Below )Rudy at his Golden Jubilee celebrations Recently, Rudy Abao from the Philippines Province paid a visit to Australia. VOCATIONVOCATION : What’s a alife life for? for? From 1958 to the end of the 1960s, Filipino students For what reason was I born? came from the Philippines for their theological stud- ies at Croydon. One of them died here, Demetrio For what reason was I born? Sepe, and is buried in the cemetery at Croydon. Rudy Abao, Jose Pascual and Pedro Arguillas (who What is the greater purpose and died some years ago) came to Croydon in 1962, meaning of my life? almost 60 years ago.

Rudy was a man of social justice and suffered dur- What is the greater purpose ing the Marcos regime. Later he became Provincial We, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Superior and head of the MSC Media Centre, and follow Christ who “loves with a human heart”… Communication Foundation for Asia, in Santa Mesa, Manila. meaning of my life? He was able to renew memories and meet many friends and contacts, especially in Melbourne and Will YOU make known this same love; Sydney. He joined the Victoria/Tasmania the gentleness and compassion, community at a meal, and visited Daramalan College, Canberra the patience and the mercy of the heart of Jesus?

We, Will the it be YOU?Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Contact: Fr Thang Nguyen msc Email: follow [email protected] Christ who “loves ; [email protected] with a human heart”… Tel: (02)9665 8999 or 0450 433 090

Page 43| Missionaries of the Sacred Heart CHECK LATEST NEWS UPDATES AT www.misacor.org.au

28 May 2020 Provincial Council Meeting via Zoom 17-20 July Parish Visitation to St Brigid’s Coogee 7-17 August Parish Visitation to Launceston and Moonah, Tasmania

11-14 Sept Parish Visitation to Our Lady of the Rosary Kensington 18-21 Sept Parish Visitation to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Erskineville

RECENT APPOINTMENTS Thang Nhu Nguyen has been appointed MSC Director of Vocations and is based at St Brigid’s Parish, Coogee Iokimi Vunivesilevu has been appointed as member of the MSC Australian Province Finance Committee

Photo by Chris McPhee msc at the National Art Gallery in Canberra

Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | 1A Waltham Street, Coogee, NSW 2034 www.misacor.org.au | [email protected] | 02 9665 8999