Vol.48, no.2 MAY 2017

Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate Provincial Reflection

I am writing this on a 6 hour stopover with two remarkable Missionaries. One at the Hong Kong International Airport was a Spanish sister, Sister Rosario who, after having the privilege of spending after almost 40 years in northern India, a week and a half in the Philippines and and other places beforehand, came to then almost two weeks in Hong Kong/ Guangzhou at the age of 74 years, and China. I say a privilege because I have after 12 years there is going strong, with spent time with Oblates from the a passion for the people and the Lord Chinese. They continued, that although Asia/Oceania region and have visited which is infectious. The other missionary they appreciated the generosity and some of the inspiring places of their is Fr David Ullrich OMI who has spent the charity of so many, they were missionary outreach. almost 40 years in the Missions – Japan, concerned that perhaps the gifts the Hispanic Community in the USA and which came from wonderful people, The Oblates, whether in Cotabato, Manila, Mexico and now, 11 in China. They did did not meet the actual needs of the Hong Kong, Beijing or Guangzhou face not want me to mention their names people. They made mention that the many challenges (and rewards) that or their story. It needs to be told and needs of the people were not always we in the first world do not experience I will seek forgiveness when I next see in response to crises, such as the as they do. We certainly have our own them. (Mind you, I did say that I would Asian tsunamis with the incredibly challenges, and rewards, particularly in give a bit of background, and they generous response of the people and an increasingly secular world. begrudgingly agreed.) Government of Australia. The needs of the people were basically based on I was fortunate to spend time with the When I asked them the question that the need to live – food, education and Oblates at an Oblate Gathering and Fr John Sherman put to me, “ The health. They did not necessarily see subsequently at each of the places of challenges of helping our missions – what that “things” needed to be sent, rather mission, also listening to their inspiring are they?”, such a question could not be money sent to missionaries who could stories. I spent some time (not enough) answered in a few words. However I will purchase what was needed and at offer to you the reflections of these two good prices. remarkable missionaries who have been touched by the Wisdom of the Lord. The Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI) was one group Firstly, they said, ascertain the real needs mentioned that always met the needs of the people and not just assume that of the people. Monies sent, were we know their needs. One example sent to people (Oblates and other they both gave in different ways, was missionaries) who spent the money, receiving bundles of blankets, warm not on themselves or on administrative clothing, etc. all made in China and costs, but on the people it arriving at a great cost, to help the was meant to help.

continued... MAMI Feel free to share your requests for prayers with us. As the Camberwell Community offers Mass for you each Provincial day, do feel free to name your needs either by phoning Sandra Dwyer (03 98058888) or emailing them to Reflection [email protected]. Sandra will pass them on to the Oblate Community. ...continued cover article Remembrance of our deceased of the family and friends. Praying for Another mention was made of the our deceased is part of our Catholic China Education Fund of MAMI. This tradition. The MAMI Remembrance fund helps to educate children who Certificate is a meaningful way to so often have to be taken from their offer your sympathy to the family of schools to work in the fields in order the deceased. Again Sandra can help to support the families. In these cases, arrange these for you. their formal education ends and their opportunities to further help their In addition to my ministry with MAMI, families disappear. One of many sad I am also the Oblate Coordinator of stories told was that one family sold Vocations. Working with my brother a child (AUD$ 4000) to make sure that Oblates, I journey with those in the the rest of the family could survive. initial stage of discerning a vocation as As horrible as this is, sadly, it is not a an Oblate Priest or Brother. For many once-off happening. on this journey of discernment, the CALL came through a lay person Probably, the most telling points suggesting ‘Have you ever thought made in the conversations with these From the of being a Priest and/or a Religious?’ missionaries, was that the donor Do you know someone you could say gives us the right, in trust, to choose this to? Never hesitate to contact me how the donation is used to further Director if I can be of assistance especially in the opportunities for the people and encouraging vocations. especially the kids. They believe May is a busy time as we process the that this is the greatest challenge in requests for grants from our missions God bless. supporting the Missions. As the young in China, Indonesia and throughout Fr John Sherman OMI people at our Colleges tell me, “It is the rest of Asia and Africa. Fr Peter not about us!! Daly, our Provincial has just returned from Mainland China and Hong Kong So, donation is an act of faith and visiting our communities. I am sure generosity. I encourage you to support you will find his reflection on the our missionaries, knowing that in visits interesting. While for many faith, you are helping to bring what years MAMI has assisted the work of St Eugene set out as the way of the our Beijing community, it is wonderful Missionary Oblates and their fellow to be also assisting the Guangzhou travellers – “First of all, help them to community as they work with a be fully human, then good Christians community of Chinese Sisters to and finally saints.” assist migrant children. I thank you for all that you are and Thanks to your generosity both for what you do to accompany us in through your donations and the the Mission. May the Lord continue to Christmas cards, we able to increase bless you and your families. the grants to our Indonesian missions. Register Of The Dead I am very grateful for the welcome Fr Peter Daly OMI and generosity of the Sorrento/Rye/ has been enrolled in the Oblate Register Portsea, Sefton and Fremantle parishes of the Dead and is hereby entitled to who have had MAMI APPEALS so share in 10 (ten) daily Masses, and the far this year and I look forward to the prayers of all Missionary Oblates APPEALS in Burpengary/Deception throughout the World, as long as our Bay 17/18 June, Eagle Vale 1/2 July Congregation exists. and Tea Tree Gully 12/13 August. with the sympathy of: Your PRAYERS are essential for the work of our missionaries who work as St Eugene urged them ‘to make Address: people more human, then lead them to Christ and finally pray they become Date: saints.’ Please do remember that we also pray daily for all our associates Oblates of Mary Immaculate M.A.M.I. Director and those who support our mission in 649 Burke Road the Church. Each day the Camberwell Camberwell. Vic. 3124 Oblate Community celebrates Mass for our benefactors both in this life and the next. ‘Big John’s’ vocation from the CELEBRATIONS beginning focused on Indonesia. His studies at Monash University included the Indonesian language and culture. Before being officially posted to the mission, he had visited Cilacap where John he eventually joined Fr Charlie Burrows. Settling into a new culture was not easy but John’s love for the mission never O’Doherty’s waned from his arrival in October 1982. For such a tall man, there were many issues – low doorways, little legroom 50th etc. John sometimes on local transport was charged a double fare.

Fortunately, he liked rice but some other foods tested him, especially taufu. Apparently this dislike came from having once seen it being made Pameran panggilan, 1999 in not-the-most-hygienic conditions. His brother Oblates teased John about his reaction to taufu. After ordination he was posted to Hillcrest Parish, South Australia from In 1984 he became parish priest of 1968 to 1970. Then he was appointed our only parish in Jakarta. This was a Director of Novices at Mulgrave. In big challenge, with living in crowded 1979 he was appointed as the new conditions with traffic jams the order Parish Priest of Rosebud on the of the day and of course the humidity Mornington Peninsula. and heat. He was the only Oblate in Jakarta and shared his ministry and life Fr. John had been anxious to join the in the parish with a Marynoll priest, Fr. John O’Doherty was born in new Australian Oblate Mission in Fr. Jim Kalchthaler MM. (RIP). As parish Brisbane on 27th April 1934 and Indonesia and, after volunteering, priest he bought a white Suzuki Jimny. attended St. Agatha’s Clayfield he arrived in Indonesia on 6th August, He enjoyed his Jimny because it had primary school and St. Columban’s 1982. great leg room and height-wise was C.B.C. in Albion Heights, Brisbane. just right for him, and of course had Fr. John admired the tremendous air-conditioning which is so important At the end of his Junior Certificate, evangelical work of lay people in in Jakarta. John left C.B.C. and began his first various parishes and their deep job in the insurance industry, securing involvement in programmes such After a short time in the parish he was a position with the South British as the R.C.I.A. called to Yogyakarta to open and begin Insurance Company in Brisbane. the novitiate as Novice Master. John After twenty eight years in Indonesia was charged with the construction of After five years he was transferred to Fr. John decided to return to Australia, the new novitiate building. In true Grafton as the district representative owing to various ailments associated John-style all was carefully planned for his company. Four years later he with ageing. He was appointed to with attention to detail and completed was transferred to Casino N.S.W. for St. Pius X Parish, Dernancourt, South on time. a year. It was here that he attended Australia at the beginning of 2011 as a parish Mission conducted by three assistant Priest and his dedication In time he became the first provincial Oblate Fathers, namely Frs. Tom Brady, to various pastoral roles has been bursar when the Province was Robert McGregor and Joseph McCann, admirable. Fr. John is a wise, totally established in 1993. He accompanied the last named being the Director of dedicated, prayerful priest and his deep Fr Mario Beřtolli OMI (RIP), the first Vocations for the Missionary Oblates faith is appreciated by the parishioners. Provincial of Indonesia as they set up of Mary Immaculate. He spoke to He has been deeply involved in various the provincial house in Yogyakarta. Fr. McCann and decided to try out sacramental programmes especially in Once again John was asked to be his vocation in the Oblates. St. Pius X Primary School in Windsor the one who would design and set Gardens, South Australia visiting the up the Provincialate in Semarang. In 1960 he was accepted as an Oblate homes of all children preparing for And as always with his expertise novice and he began his novitiate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, and his connections, the Indonesian in March 1960 at Sorrento, Victoria. Eucharist and Confirmation, Provincialate was set up on the hills Having taken First Vows in March 1961, encouraging their parents to attend above the big city of Semarang. he was sent to join a number of other Sunday Mass with their children. He young Australian Oblates who were began a programme to train altar Ever ready to serve where needed, studying for the Priesthood at servers and succeeded in training some ‘Big John’ returned to Trinity Parish St. Joseph’s Scholasticate, Cedara, thirty boys and girls. He has also been in Jakarta as parish priest for five Natal in South Africa. involved in both Kildare Secondary years. With his usual foresight, land Girls’ College and St. Paul’s College for was purchased for a second parish After three years Philosophy, John boys, celebrating Masses on different to be cut off the original parish and was sent back to Australia to study feast days. also be entrusted to the Oblates. He Theology at the new Oblate Seminary also assisted with the establishment of St. Mary’s in Mulgrave, Victoria. We congratulate Fr. John on his many of a third parish which was eventually From there he attended the Diocesan fruitful years as a priest and ask the returned to the diocese. Seminary at Glen Waverley to complete Lord to continue to bless his priestly his priestly studies. On 22 July 1967, work in the years ahead. John was always ready to serve but Fr. John was ordained to the Priesthood his health became an issue and he with a number of diocesan priests at Ad multos annos. finally returned to Australia in 2009. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne. He was 33 years old. Fr Ian Mackintosh OMI Fr Peter Stoll OMI Missions

RISING FROM THE ASHES OF WAR IN SRI LANKA A Peace Building

Initiative of judicial mechanisms for crimes to train interested persons in taking against humanity, compensation for on this mission. Medical personnel, the Oblates of damages caused to persons and teachers, religious men and women, property, accountability for involuntary professionals, NGO workers, university disappearances, claims on occupied students have signed up for the the Colombo land and the plight of political course. The entire programme is being prisoners. To put it more simply, the graciously sponsored by MAMI Australia Province and of need to restore justice and equality to and the Australian Oblate Province in all parties concerned. collaboration with the OMI province in MAMI Australia Colombo for which the Oblate Institute Much work needs to be done to of Higher Learning is grateful. All wars are evil and utterly transform a post-conflict situation destructive. No one really wins in of ‘no-war no-peace’ into one of a war. The very first unfortunate sustainable peace and reconciliation. If you wish to make a donation to casualty of any conflict is the MAMI apart from the Annual August breakdown in human relationships. Oblates of Sri Lanka are concerned appeal, your gift is always happily This is what Sri Lanka experienced for the well-being of the nation. They received. To assist our administration for thirty long years in a civil war have made the brave decision to and avoid confusion you may like to that left a trail of hundreds of people face the current challenge of building dead and thousands being displaced sustainable peace and promoting use this donation slip. Thank you and deprived of their homes and reconciliation in a nation where racial, for kind and generous support. livelihoods. religious and cultural prejudices have been exploited as weapons to incite Name The war in Sri Lanka ended in communities to violence and war for Address 2009, but the aftermath has left a sheer political gain. State Postcode series of unfulfilled needs which include constitutional changes that The Oblates have designed a diploma Phone will guarantee equal rights and education programme in National Email opportunities to all communities, Reconciliation and Peace Building I have enclosed a Cheque/Money Order made payable to MAMI for $

The Oblates serving in Guangzhou or direct my: Mastercard Visa Guangzhou have over the years become familiar the amount of $ with a small weekday programme Once off Monthly Project sponsored by a group of religious Card number Sisters to care for pre-school migrant According to the China Labour Bulletin, children while their parents are at Expiry date / there are an estimated 277,000,000 rural work. The Oblates have provided migrant workers in China. These are spiritual and moral support for this Card holder’s name (as appears on the card) people who have had to leave their homes initiative over the years. We have now in the countryside and go to the more been requested to begin a programme Card holder’s signature prosperous large cities in search of work. for elementary and middle-school aged Date Guangzhou in mainland China, located students, on weekends to provide about two hours by train from Hong Kong, them a place to study and complete I require a tax deductible receipt. is one such city. It has attracted millions their homework. Young people from I would like further information on making of poor workers from surrounding areas our Oblate Youth China group have a bequest in my will. who come in search of work. Currently already been coming for several Comments/intention: there are estimated to be approximately months to volunteer their services. 5,000,000 such migrant workers in this city of 14,000,000. Some of these are To this end, the mission in Guangzhou single, others come with their families has recently rented a small storefront Mail to: MAMI Office and live in poor areas of the city. Those to serve as a study and activity centre PO Box 384 who come with their children often for the children of the migrant families. Camberwell Vic 3124 have a problem. Because they are from The centre called ‘Angel’s Love’ was the countryside they are not registered officially opened on Christmas Day as legal residents in the city. Though with a party for the migrants and local or ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER education in China is tuition-free for local children. Twenty-seven participated Oblate Missions Developing residents, others must pay for tuition. and enjoyed the Christmas drama, Countries Fund (OMDC) games and refreshment that the 25 NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK young adults provided for the occasion. BSB NO.: 083 347 ACCOUNT NO.: 45500 7380

(Note from Fr John: AUD$10,000 was Please send an email to: [email protected] sent recently from MAMI in support which includes your name, postal address, EFT of this project.) transfer detail and intention.

MISSIONS FROM LITTLE THINGS, BIG THINGS GROW—In most of our parishes we are lucky to see a handful if that of new Catholics being received into the Church at Easter, whereas in the Notre Hong Kong Dame Parish there are often 20. Most say that it was the influence of Catholic Sojourn No. 3 schools which helped form their decision. That is why the 3 primary schools and 1 secondary school play a Since 2008, there role in bringing this about. has been an almost continuous stream Confucius the Chinese sage once said, of Australians who ”EVERYONE CAN BE A TEACHER.” have spent time This was proven to me on more in Hong Kong and than one occasion when very young Beijing. They have students could translate what I was come from all ages saying for the rest of his group. Or and walks of life the 3rd year high school student who to work for the Oblates. We are not although of Thai background spoke lay missionaries in the sense that Cantonese, Mandarin and English as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses well as her own language. Or the upper Would you like are but we are Partners in Mission. primary students who taught me to say and write my name in Mandarin If you are expecting an inspirational, in fits of laughter as they corrected to volunteer in scripture-filled call to the missions, my mistakes. Each school has its own you will be disappointed and if you flavour and will find you a role which Hong Kong? think you will read a long list of my suits YOUR strengths and abilities. successes and achievements that’s The Partners in Mission in conjunction not here either. As a lay person I will Oblate Parishes are renowned for their with the Oblate Beijing community attempt to explain things in lay terms. generosity and I ask you to be most provides Australians with an generous towards MAMI. Australians opportunity to volunteer some of their WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER — like “bang for their buck” and think time to serve those less fortunate in our I was once told that Catholics were “Charity begins at home.” Rather than overseas Oblate schools, kindergartens divided into the Prayers, the Payers give to a Charity in general, why not and centres. The volunteer experience and the Stayers. I owe a deep debt specify that you want it to go to helping is focused on the people we go to of gratitude to all three overlapping an Oblate Parishioner go to Hong serve and may be the most rewarding groups in my parish and my family Kong on your behalf, as circumstances experiene of your life. who enabled me to work for the prevent you from doing so. It may Oblates in Hong Kong. Students would encourage many more Australians ask two main questions, “Why are to volunteer to carry out this most you doing this?” or “What about your rewarding and important work Summer Program family?” It was easier to answer the and be immersed in the culture for second question first as I explained a month. I found it very rewarding – Hong Kong that I was a distant member of the working with the students and being Australian Oblate family who had able to share some of our Australian The summer program will run from come to spend time with my Chinese experiences and culture with them. mid-July, finishing mid-August 2017. relatives and that I brought gifts. The We experienced wonderful hospitality The requirements consist of four weeks first was me, with all my strengths and and have made some wonderful teaching with two classes per day weaknesses, my sense of humour, my friends. Great memories! during the week (8.15am–10.00am and energy and enthusiasm and just as 10.30am–12.15pm) with the afternoon important, my language and culture. Charles McPhee, Hong Kong PIM free. Some Saturday teaching may be In that sense I was fulfilling my required. Experienced English teachers baptismal duty as a Christian to required. spread the faith. On behalf of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate we would like to thank Charles for his ongoing support Partner in Mission and commitment to our Hong Kong mission. Through him we continue to – Hong Kong support those less fortunate. Thank PIM required to commence either you Charles! Feb – May 2017 or Sep – Dec 2017. The program includes some financial support and subsidies (accommodation, food and stipend), as well as the opportunity to explore the many wondrous sights of Hong Kong.

If you are interested in this opportunity or know of someone who is, please contact us on (03) 9805 8888 or pims@ oblates.com.au for further information.

Around the Province Coming Events

21st May the Feast of St Eugene

21–24th May The Oblate Province Brothers Casmir and Josh together Congress VOCATIONS with pre-novice Stephen organised Please pray during these From 5–10th March Oblates involved and ran a very successful ‘Come days for the success of in the formation of our students and See’ day on the 8th April. All the this Oblate Congress. gathered in Melbourne at the Mary participants were from Melbourne. MacKillop Heritage Centre. The focus However, we are hoping for of their discussions was the vision representatives from all States to be 29th May of the recent Oblate General Chapter with us 22–24 September for the next the Feast of regarding the formation of our ‘Come and See’. We invite all our Blessed Joseph Gerard students as Oblate missionaries. Associates to invite those they feel might have a vocation to the Priesthood or Brotherhood to participate. Our 30th May The NEW ST MARY’S SEMINARY. novice Thuan, currently in the last few Mazenod College, By the next MAMI NEWSLETTER months of his novitiate in the USA, Victoria’s 50th anniversary we hope to report that construction sent word that he is anxious to be sporting carnival. is underway. with us for this next ‘Come and See’. 12th June the Feast of Hello Everybody, It was a very enriching and profound experience to work with them, seeing Blessed Joseph Cebula Greetings from their struggles and suffering of life, Fr. Dominic being part of their difficulties, sorrows Rozario! and happiness. The people who 17/18th June I worked with are so neglected, MAMI APPEAL in My full name is marginalized, poor and uneducated Burpengary/Deception Bay Rupak Dominic that sometimes I had to take the role of Rozario. Bengali a lamb among the wolves; sometimes word ‘Rupak’ a shepherd of unruly sheep and 1/2nd July means ‘parable’. sometimes tiger among the cunning MAMI APPEAL in foxes. All these multifaceted experiences Eagle Vale I was born in 1982 in Bangladesh. made me feel that as an Oblate, I was I am the youngest of ten children in being specialized in difficult missions the family. I joined the Oblates after and they gave a meaning to my 12/13th August my O-level and stayed seven years priesthood. Now I am happy that I was MAMI APPEAL in in the seminary and, simultaneously able to be a part of Oblate Mission. Tea Tree Gully finished my A-level and University studies. Then I went to Sri Lanka for Now I am here in Australia to help my Novitiate in 2006. After my First the Province and do my Master of 15th August Profession, I came back to Bangladesh Philosophy. I know it will not be easy to Mazenod College Vic. and completed my B.Ph. I was sent to do two things together, but I remember 50th Ann. Mass especially Rome, Italy to study theology. There that we Oblates are specialized in for Grandparents, in Rome I stayed in the International difficult missions. I am very happy Parishioners and Friends Roman Scholasticate. After my Final to be here among the Oblates of the Profession there, I was ordained Australian Province. Definitely I am of the College deacon and went back to Bangladesh going have some more enriching for my priestly ordination. I was experiences here. I hope my presence ordained a priest on 18 January, 2013. will be beneficial to Oblate missions 1st September here. I very much count on your prayers. Mazenod Jubilee Since my ordination to the priesthood, Dinner for past and present I had been working mostly with God bless staff different ethnic groups in Bangladesh. Fr. Rupak Dominic Rozario OMI

Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate Published by the Oblate Office of Mission, M.A.M.I. Centre, P.O. Box 384, Camberwell, Vic 3124 Telephone (03) 9805 8888 Fax: (03) 9813 2696 Email: [email protected] Web: www.oblates.com.au