December 2020, No. 56

Publication of the Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel—Australasia

VISIT US ONLINE | www. osa.org.au

Artwork by Duc Tin Nguyen OSA From The Provincial “As the creator of heaven and earth, He is the creator of Mary. But according to the statement of St. Paul, “born of a woman”, He is the Son of Mary. The same Lord of Mary is the Son of Mary. The very creator of Mary was born of Mary.” - Augustine, Sermon on John 8, 8-9

At the heart of Christmas faith is the intimacy of God and humanity expressed in self- emptying love. Jesus reveals this intimacy in his very self. Mary’s welcoming of this gift in her body

Christ into her heart. (cf. St Augustine, Sermon 25, 7-8)makes sense because she had first fully welcomed

The longing in our hearts for a sense of the nearness of God is a gift. It is there in whatever being each person who shares in that humanity that God has shared with us in Christ. Christmas many respects and, from a faith perspective, this is celebrated on 25th December – it is lived each needhappens we have to us. to This know has and been feel a we difficult are not year alone in day in our attitudes and actions of love, justice and has been very real in our common experience. peace. Compassion, understanding, solidarity – these have been experienced in countless acts of mutual On behalf of the Augustinians of the care and concern. The self-emptying love that Australian Province I wish each of you and your families a peaceful and joyful celebration of Christmas and a good year to come. In so doing I orChristmas in a family celebrates context worked has been to ensure reflected the in well- the express the gratitude of the Augustinians for the beingselflessness of others. of many who either professionally many ways you have supported us by your prayers and friendship throughout the year. You are in the In celebrating Christmas 2020 none of us prayers and thoughts of the Augustinians. knows the journey of the year ahead. The hope and the promise that we celebrate at Christmas is real. God Bless Our faithfulness to that hope and promise is in our Fr Peter Jones OSA personal and communal commitment to the well- Prior Provincial

2 THE AUGUSTINIAN | December 2020 Safeguarding

The Augustinians are committed to the safety and care of all people within its communities, especially children and vulnerable adults.

The Augustinians acknowledge with sorrow the deep distress caused to any person because of the harmful actions of Order members and regrets the lack of care and oversight in the past.

The Augustinians are committed to the Church’s ‘Safeguarding’ program that ensures children and vulnerable people are kept safe and respected. This is supported by Gospel values, faith in Jesus Christ, and the teachings of St Augustine.

The Order of Saint Augustine-Australasia achieves 97% compliance mark for Safeguarding

The Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel- Australasia embarked 12 months ago on a program to implement Catholic Professional Standards Limited (CPSL) ‘safeguarding’ program. CPSL was established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) and Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) in

responseThe to safeguardingthe finding of program the Royal provides Commission. a strong governance framework for Church entities to build safe cultures and environments so that all people including children and the vulnerable are protected. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. The audit process provides assurance that safeguarding controls have been designed appropriately and are interviews, observations, and a review of policy, procedures,operating efficiently. processes It and comprised controls. wide It covered ranging the Order’s Australian and overseas (South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand) operations.

The Order was complimented by CPSL for a 97% compliance mark and for the commitment and standard of the work undertaken’.

David Holland Project Officer Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel-Australasia CPSL Audit

VISIT US ONLINE | www. osa.org.au Augustinian Education

What It Means To Be An Augustinian Graduate

spent there, and it has helped me to realise a few things - those things being the ways in which this Augustinian educationGraduating has helped St. shape Augustine’s not only College me, but in all November 2020 graduates has left and me those with beforea lot of us, time into to the reflect men uponwe are my today. time centralised. Each and every boy is a part of a wider school community who help to foster and grow their potential and allowThe them most to become significant the aspectbest versions of my journeyof themselves. at The wasfriends the you community make become around more which than the friends, school they is become your family, and I myself know that I have made some friends for life, for that I will always be grateful. I still remember my orientation day and the many different uniforms and unfamiliar faces sitting on the front driveway of the school, who are now today a part of what is my community.

Augustine’s embody the values of St. Augustine, and are an essential part of our journey at the school. These values whichHowever, have this been community shared with goes me, beyond interiority, the confines humility of and just compassion friendships which with have boys, helped the teachers me to atgrow St. individually and helped our Augustinian community itself to grow. I am grateful for the teachers at this school, some of whom have helped me through my darkest hours and have helped nurture me through my academic journey and to reach my potential, an experience which many other boys can attest to. of my journey, and especially now as a graduate I have come to appreciate the Augustinian values which are now an evidentThroughout part of my my character. time at St. These Augustine’s values College,have stemmed I have been from given the consistent the opportunity practice to reflectof our onChristian each aspect faith myself, with a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian formed through Augustinian values, these being,whilst ata sense school, of on humility, reflection a heightened days, pastoral realisation periods andof interiority tutor groups, and eacha gratitude contributing and charity to imbuing in everything each boy, thatand you do, and if you walk through these grounds, you will be able to feel these values and see them in action.

My time spent at this school will remain a part of me for the rest of my life, and I will forever be grateful for my opportunity to study there, for the friends that I have made, and for the values which I now apply to my everyday life. I will strive to remain a part of this community, a community which cherishes each other and one that seeks to have each and every person become the best versions of themselves, a goal which I am thankful for.

Jack Berry School Captain 2020 Saint Augustine’s College - Sydney Awards Night Speech

Sir Newton said, “What we know is a drop, what we don’t know is an ocean”. I think it is fair to say that 2020 has been a year of great discovery and collective learning for us all. We have learned about our world, our local community and ourselves. importance of being agile. We have learned that uncertainty and We have learned about fragility yet resilience, sacrifice, and the individuals. We have met the challenges of this year relying upondisruption, the skills while we have difficult, developed can enable in earlier us toschooling grow and years, develop as hard work, perseverance and the continuous search for truth.

This year we, along with senior school students all over Queensland, have not only contended with the disruption and disappointment that COVID has bought, but also a level of uncertainty surrounding the new grading system, the ATAR. We have learned that:

Our work in year 10 and 11 really matters. Hard work in these years will pay off and is necessary in order to achieve the results we want at the end of year 12. Unlike the OP system, under the achieving strong results in both years. ATAR system our assessment results in both years 11 and 12 count towards our final score, so we need to be We have also learned that now, more than ever, in navigating this new system, our teachers are our best ally. They work tirelessly to support our learning and development and this year they have done so whilst

Our teachers are not only knowledgeable, but also approachable and incredibly generous with their time. They adapting to new learning delivery methods such as ‘learning from home’ and for the first time, the ATAR system. from their knowledge and guidance. are critical to our academic success and we should embrace every opportunity to engage with them and benefit Last but not least, we have learned about the importance of our wider Villanova community and the role to compete against each other for rankings, allowing us to further embrace the brotherhood that the Villanova Collegeit plays inenvironment our academic fosters. achievement. By being A collaborative, further benefit helping of the each ATAR other system out is and that supporting students are each no other, longer we required will all

benefit. The senior years of learning are not a sprint, but rather a marathon. We will not win the race in the last care of ourselves by balancing study with co-curricular activities, by monitoring our mental wellbeing, and using every100 meters, resource but available rather by to uspacing including ourselves other and students, persevering. teachers Achieving and importantly our academic the wider best Villanova requires community. us to take

Learning is a lifelong journey. Every year what we learn and know grows, but as Newton holds, that what we don’t know is an ocean. We must always continue in the footsteps of Saint Augustine, and his belief of restlessly searching for truth.

I congratulate all the boys who will receive an academic award tonight for their hard work, commitment, and dedication to their study. It has been a year of great disruption, but you have persevered and got the results and that is something worth celebrating.

I leave you with one final thought by Winston Churchill which captures an essential takeaway from this extraordinary year- Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Ben Sciacca Academic Captain Elect 2021 Villanova College - Brisbane

VISIT US ONLINE | www. osa.org.au I approach this, having celebrated mass on All Justice & Souls Day with a small community of Pakistani Catholic

refugees.1. They That are causedsimple mefolk to with reflect. a simple approach to Peace religion. The truth is that the wealthy and powerful do not usually become refugees and, if they have to

friendly routes. Urban Refugees 2.flee Their their religion country, serves they as can “their take insurance other, more policy” user

And Spirituality 3. The Church is one sure avenue they know for help. 4.during their long, hard quest for a new home. I was captivated by certain sharing at a recent they sure become poorer during their long time as network meeting of those helping the urban refugee refugees. If they are not poor on fleeing their country, community in Bangkok. A spirituality for urban refugees is to uphold the The US Embassy representative proudly shared two key values of hope and dignity. In their situation, with everyone the planned US Resettlement Programme refugees can easily lose either or both but their reality for 2021 which allows for 15,000 refugees. Huh? Only is so harsh that they have to hold on to both at all costs. 15,000 and the President is yet to sign off on it which means that any resettlement is A spirituality for urban refugees now at a standstill. I checked in my Bangkok calls us to be ever the statistics. The same US with the other, showing the face programme allowed for 85,000 in of God and God’s compassion. 2016; 54,000 in 2017; 18,000 in It is based on a gospel that is the last year; now this. Big deal! transformational for our life. This spirituality may be framed A woman from the local by four key elements: Anglican community shared about the crisis facing their 1. No one is a stranger. Look church. With Covid-19, any to the other as a companion. refugee who had work, which 2. We are all on a journey. We share in the pilgrimage on the counter’, is now without work. way to God. Thisthey canmeans only that find ‘undermany theare 3. Love others for who they desperate for money to pay the are in God’s eyes. rent and buy food. So they are 4. Faith and justice go together. hitting the church looking for Faith demands actions that help. Her cry is - What can we are true. do?

The short end of the story is that helping this refugee population is not as simple as just giving food have arisenAs I write for methis, out I reflect of this that pandemic this hopefully – respect, simple and money, of which there is not enough to go around in responsibility,statement of purpose solidarity. reflects As we the respect three key ourselves, words that so the helping community. Yes, what can we do? Engage we respect others. We have a shared responsibility for in more rigorous advocacy? Petition possible donors? our world and each other. We are in this together and Initiate ‘hard nosed’ programmes? we will get out of it together.

All good stuff but this is taking the wrong, basic As the logo of the Caritas International track. What really sustains these people? I would name Campaign for Migration says, “Share the Journey”. the true sustainers as self-reliance and spirituality. Let me focus on the latter as it is a theme assuming greater Fr. John Murray OSA attention in this age of the pandemic. What is to be a spirituality of urban refugees?

6 THE AUGUSTINIAN | December 2020 gathered volunteers to repack food items and dry AFAS reaches out to Filipino goods and some volunteers were proactive in giving Families during COVID food relief to our scholars and their families. Other the “no work-no fee policy”. The safety guidelines AFAS is a partnership between the Augustinian werebeneficiaries followed are during the teachersthe repacking who wereand distribution experiencing of community at Villanova College, Brisbane, Australia and goods to houses and villages as seen in the pictures. some Augustinian communities in the Philippines.

Inside a bag of relief goods (the yellow bag; When the Philippines was hit by the coronavirus see picture) are the basic items that an ordinary family last March, a lot of people were at high-risk including could afford to survive on for a week or two during the the Australian-Filipino Augustinian Solidarity (AFAS) pandemic - a 10-kilo bag of rice + few bars of soap (for scholars and their families and the Augustinian school washing and bathing) and few sachets of shampoo + a communities with which AFAS worked. When the variety of canned goods (sardines/corned beef/tuna) Philippine government declared a state of calamity in + a kilo of sugar + packets of coffee/milk/Milo for each the country last March, the local governments of Cebu and Bacolod, where AFAS immersion usually takes least for a week or two. place, also announced lockdowns simultaneous with beneficiary. These food items will feed the family at other major cities in the country. AFAS donated $20,000 to assist the relief program in the said communities. The Filipino people The Department of Social Welfare and were grateful for the support and generosity of AFAS Development (DSWD) and other government agencies throughout the pandemic crisis period. Schools were extended their relief services to the far distant back on August 24 throughout the country, and we islands. Other charities like Caritas Philippines hope our scholars are coping well. and some church organised charities also helped ease the struggle of the people. Our very own AFAS Fr. Saldie Lie Resolado OSA here in Brisbane for any chance of giving charity. Sr Janethcoordinators Pagal, DLS were (Principal/Coordinator quick to update the of AFAS the Divino family Amore Academy, Talisay, Cebu), Ms Judith Fe Pilongo (Coordinator:Basilica del Sto Nino-Cebu) Ms Desiree Diel (Coordinator:CSA-Bacolod) and Sr Arra Joy Mago, OSA (Coordinator:La Consolacion College, Murcia) informed Tony Hindmarsh (a founding member of AFAS, Villanova College) regarding the relief services that the AFAS family could do for the Filipinos.

During the height of the Covid pandemic, each coordinator consulted their communities with the basic needs of the affected families. They immediately

VISIT US ONLINE | www. osa.org.au SJOS: A Witness to Compassion in Action

SJOS FOOD STORE St ’s Outreach Services (SJOS) is a The store provides at least 175 items of non-perishable community-based service located in the Parish of food per week. It offers to its visitors staple food like South Yarra, a parish that has been under the care of cereal, pasta, rice, eggs, milk, heese, sugar, tea, coffee, the Augustinians since 1975. All of SJOS services are honey, and many more grocery items. Committed delivered by a very dedicated volunteer team, made volunteers from all walks of life and background take up of different people from all works of life, who come turns in manning the store which is open 3 days every together, volunteering their time and skills, with a week. common goal, to help others in need.

SJOS was founded in 1998 as an “Emergency Housing Association” to provide accommodation opportunities for the homeless and marginalised in the community. The vision of SJOS is to provide temporary, emergency and transitioning accommodation, and food services, to those in need in the community who are homeless or disadvantaged. All the services it provides fundraising, private donations, corporate and trust donations.rely heavily on the support of financial donations via

During Covid, SJOS has been a source of support to so many disadvantaged in the community though its various services, which include the following:

SJOS TRANSITIONAL HOUSING UNITS The SJOS Housing Units are fully furnished and self- conditions only need to bring their personal belongings withcontained them. Over so that the years, families the leaving12 transitional difficult housing living SJOS GARDEN CLUB units and the crisis shelter of SJOS have provided The SJOS Garden is developed and nurtured by a group accommodation to so many homeless people and of dedicated Club members who ensure that fresh distressed and disadvantaged families. produce is harvested weekly for visitors of the Food Store to enjoy for their meals. A variety of herbs, fruits SJOS BREAD BANK and vegetables are grown in the garden. The Bread Bank provides a 24/7 supply of bread to those in dire need in the community. The bread comes from local bakeries who offer their leftover bread to be repacked and stored into freezers by a group of volunteers

8 THE AUGUSTINIAN | December 2020 Advertisement courtesy of The Catholic Leader, Brisbane

VISIT US ONLINE | www. osa.org.au Friends of St. Augustine Prayer Resource Guide Augustinian Lay Dear Friends, old and new, Partnerships This format combining several Augustinian publications into one gives me the opportunity to share the spirituality of our patron with a broader reaching out of the mind for God”. (Sermon 9,3). audience beyond the loyal band of Friends who I take great comfort in the fact that he speaks of have been receiving this Prayer Resource for the our relationship with God as affectionate and past 20 years. Welcome if you are joining us for the not coldly intellectual. In fact, in one place in his

there is anything more to share about Augustine a friend”. If only we are aware of it, we are being thatfirst time!has not After already so many been years said, you but may I can wonder assure if bombardedConfessions withhe confides overtures to God of God’s “I talk love to you at every as to you that the Beauty ‘ever ancient, ever new’ that turn, and gratitude becomes our sole attitude and so fascinated him in his search for God continues the impetus to a prayerful response from the heart. to ignite a spark of delight in the hearts and minds In fact Augustine tells us “Lengthy talk is one thing, of every new generation of followers. a prayerful disposition which lasts a long time is another. Excessive talking should be kept out of In a certain sense, this written letter is a prayer . . . To spend much time in prayer is to knock with a persistent and holy fervor at the door of the One whose help we implore. “To spend much time in This task is generally accomplished more through sighs than words”. (Letter 130, 9, prayer is to knock with a 16). All of this should alert us to the fact persistent and holy fervor at that communication at the prayer level is not the same as that of ordinary discourse. the door of the One whose When talking to a friend we deal with words, ideas and symbols in order to make help we implore.” a connection, but in the realm of prayer - Saint Augustine the vocabulary is more an awareness of

very old-fashioned way of communicating when freedom and peace which speak of there are so many other webinar discussions, God’s presencecurrents more flowing than withinwords uscan of convey. openness, The zoom meetings, podcasts and YouTube interviews process is sometimes one of pain because of the circulating which are easily available by logging changes that must take place before we are ready into the net to gain some understanding of the for a particular movement (illumination) the Lord impact Augustine’s thought still has on today’s has in mind for us. “Let us leave a little room for society. But so often the topic I am asked to share with others centers on what he has to say about us look within ourselves and see whether there isreflection some delightful in our lives, hidden room place too inside for silence. where Letwe can be free of noise and argument. Let us hear the heartPrayer, - soand reading that requires is the better time to way ponder to achieve his words this. Word of God in stillness and perhaps we will then quietly and digest them in the quiet of your own come to understand it”. (Sermon 52, 22) So what actually is prayer for Augustine? To this he replies in one of his sermons: “Your prayer I hope the times we spend together drawing is your conversation with God”. (En. Ps 85,7). In comfort from the words and experience of such a another place he tells us “Prayer is the affectionate wise mentor continues to guide you on your prayer, With much love,

10 THE AUGUSTINIAN | December 2020 Fr. Paul Maloney OSA Chaplain From the National Leader of Friends of St Augustine

It is wonderful to have the opportunity through this newsletter to share news from the Friends of St Augustine with the Augustinian family. From the New Leader of One of the many joys of being part of an Friends of St Augustine - teachings of St Augustine as they are shared with usAugustinian through homilies Parish is andbeing formation able to benefit opportunities from the Coorparoo such as the Friends of St Augustine. There is a Friends’ group in every Augustinian Parish in Amici carissimi, Australia as well as in Kyabram, Victoria and there My name is Cathy Monterde and it is are new groups forming in Cairns and on the Gold with great honour to be installed as the new Coast. leader of Friends of St. Augustine in Brisbane, last 12th of August, 2020. It is truly a blessing In a normal year – not this year! – Friends’ to be part of a vibrant, amazing and wonderful groups meet several times a year and with the group sharing the spirit of the Augustinians assistance of resource material developed by our within the Church where our commitment is formation co-ordinator we explore the teachings expressed in community, friendship, prayer, of St Augustine. Through friendship and sharing gospel-centred life and formation. in a supportive environment we use Augustine I have been serving St. James Church, How can I live my faith? How can I be an authentic Coorparoo, Brisbane for almost 2 years now Christianas our guide in today’s as we seekworld? to answer the questions: as their 9am Mass Coordinator. I’m also an active member of the Young Adults Group and As with all things, this year has been very a devotee to the Holy Rosary. different for our Friends’ groups and experiences have differed greatly depending on the level of Being new to the role and still learning, lockdown in each state or area. The Brisbane group I’m very grateful to have the previous leaders of has been able to meet regularly and we are very Friends guiding me and the members who are pleased to introduce a new leader in Coorparoo, very supportive and caring. I truly appreciated Cathy Monterde. Welcome and thank you Cathy how they welcomed me. for taking on the role. A huge thank you to Ray Mitchell for his commitment and for the care he I share with you my all-time favourite has taken of the group in the role till now. restless until it rests in you” - St. Augustine quote of our beloved Saint: “Our heart is Jacky Worthington

* If you would like to make contact with your local group, please email Jacky at [email protected] or make contact via the Friends’ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FOSAAu

VISIT US ONLINE | www. osa.org.au From the President of the Augustinan Formation Association

As far as providing news to share from the Augustinian Formation Association (AFA), we like due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, all ourmany AFA others events have planned had a quietfor this and year different had to year be cancelled but hopefully AFA will be able to get back to some fundraising in the New Year so that we can continue to support the Augustinian students both Adrianna at the of Fr. Quang Tuyen Pham OSA

financiallyDespite and socially.the Covid-19 pandemic and its St Clair in western Sydney. It was a lovely day and restrictions, it was wonderful that Professions celebration despite the restriction of numbers. and of the Augustinian students were still able to take place but under different AFA is very thankful to all our members, circumstances. I was incredibly lucky and friends and supporters for their continued support privileged to be able to attend the Ordination to and prayers for our Augustinian students. Blessings the Priesthood of Augustinian student, Br Tuyen to all for a very holy and peaceful Christmas and a Pham, on 1 August 2020 at the Holy Spirit Parish at bright and happy 2021. Adriana Bowyer

From the Leader of the Augustinian Volunteers Foundation Working Group

The Virtual City2Surf was a fabulous success with 22 volunteers and supporters have joined in Brisbane and Sydney. The activity has raised $14,500.00 to support the work of the Augustinian Volunteers-Australia. For 2021, the following events have been planned: • Cultural Community Market Day – March • NAIDOC Week Celebration – July • Virtual Walk with Augustinian Volunteers – July • Celebration Dinner with our Patron & Volunteers - September Look out for more details about these and other Events in 2021.

For more information on AVA, visit https://augustinianvolunteersaustralia.org

Honorine Jarkey

Sydney participants of the virtual city2surf Feature Stories Nothing is out of God’s hands!

These days, one of the most popular issues that people in the whole world are concerned about is the pandemic of COVID-19 that has lead to a great number of deaths and totally affected the lives of human beings from their daily activities to their physical health. However, how we are facing this crisis for the time being is very important. Because of the tragic pandemic, some people live as though there is no more hope for their future, while others still keep calm in prayer and believe that God will not abandon them. My view is that though the pandemic has a terrible effect on our lives, I still believe that nothing is out of the hands and love of God.

There is no doubt that the community infection of the COVID-19 has disturbed all the normal activities of human beings. People have to stay inside their house all the time. All public gathering activities like physical classes, shopping, or even Masses in the Church are strictly forbidden. It seemed that people could no longer make any plans for their own lives. Let’s take my experience when I was in the novitiate year as a typical example. We were supposed to have a week of real-life experience with the poor in Kinatarkan Island, a one-week retreat in Tulo-Tulo, or four outing days with the community to end the formation year. Unfortunately, all these schedules were called off because of the pandemic. Moreover, our simple profession day was very simple because there were no parents, guests, or friends in attendance. So you can see that the pandemic has a great effect on our daily life to the extent that we cannot be sure about any of our future plans unless we have vaccines for this virus. are facing at this moment. Instead of being sad, anxious, or depressed, since so many things are happening to us or not goingHowever, the way in this we pandemic,want, we should if we see calm things down with and faith, realize we thatcan easilythere aredeal still with so all many the difficultiesblessings that that God we churches were closed. Many Christians did not have a chance to celebrate Easter, while I was able to fully attend thegives religious us in difficult rites in situations. the Seminary. As with I was last really Easter, happy for example,because maybe in order God to letlimit me the offer spread representative of the COVID-19, prayer allfor the all those who could not participate in person. Another example is that I was supposed to go back to Vietnam for my studies but I could not because Vietnam is still locked down. A little bit upset, but I believe that maybe God knows that it is not safe for me to go home at this time. Therefore, I just enjoy each moment of each day and believe that God has his own plan for me.

Finally, do not panic but just put all your trust in God’s hands and you will see what miracles will occur.

Br. Duc Diem Do OSA

VISIT US ONLINE | www. osa.org.au singing, and so on. Parishioners volunteer to prepare this special celebration. Many volunteers come to help after their daily work. Some of them help to decorate the lights and some skilful people help to animate the theme.

For Vietnamese people in general and for Vietnamese Catholics in particular, Christmas is a festival. In Catholic areas, Christmas is a huge celebration for them. Christmas is not just celebrated on Christmas day only, but also celebrated even a few days before and after. People go to Church for Mass and to watch the Christmas lights and the theme. Many non-Catholics also go to the Church to enjoy Christmas because they feel a joyful and happy time Christmas is to be had in this celebration. Thousands upon thousands of people go to the church for this event. Celebration in Vietnam The Church in Vietnam does well by introducing Catholicism in this way to all Vietnamese, even Christmas is one of the main and important though Catholics in Vietnam are only seven per cent events in Catholic liturgy. Every year, people around of the population. the world are waiting for this moment. They celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, the one Christmas has special meaning to the who humbled himself to be like us. With Christmas Vietnamese, especially to Vietnamese Catholics celebrations, people have a chance to meet each because it brings people closer to each other, both other, especially at family gatherings. It is now not Catholics and non-Catholics. No matter what religion just Catholic people who celebrate Christmas but they are, they just come and celebrate this joyful also non-Catholics enjoy this celebration. Vietnam is and happy event, to celebrate the birth of the Lord. one example. Here the Catholic population is around Furthermore, it is a time for Vietnamese Catholics seven per cent, but Christmas is one of the biggest to give thanks to God who sent his only Son to and celebration for Vietnamese, event though it is not a for us. And the last thing it is, is a time for gathering public holiday. Funny enough, students can even have family members. to do their exams on Christmas day. Forget about exams. In this article I will describe how people in Fr. Kim Phu Tran OSA Vietnam celebrate Christmas and its meaning for Vietnamese people.

Around one month before Christmas, every parish in Vietnam has started preparations for this event. They have meetings to discuss what they will do and decide on a decoration theme for Christmas at their parish. A Christmas’ “theme” for their parish is how to decorate and animate characters from bible and make them alive at this celebration. For example, a parish may choose to animate a “theme” that Mary will carry baby Jesus from inside the manger out to show to all people, and Jesus will cry. Or a “theme” may be that the three wise men riding on camels will move around the manger of Jesus, and every time they are in front of Jesus, their heads bow down. Or a “theme” could be that Jesus is sleeping in a hammock, and Joseph is moving the hammock, while Mary is

14 THE AUGUSTINIAN | December 2020 WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!

Please consider helping the Augustinians through the following ways:

AUGUSTINIAN VIETNAM MISSION FUND AUGUSTINIAN SEMINARY TRUST FUND (not tax deductible) (Tax deductible) Donations will be used to assist the new Augustinian Donations are used exclusively for the ongoing Community in Saigon with their setup costs which provision for our seminarians. Envelopes are include preparation to invite young Vietnamese to available in our parishes and you can make a test their vocation in the Augustinian Come and donation by cash, credit card or direct deposit. See Program. You can make a donation by cash or direct deposit. Account Name: Augustinian Seminary Trust Account Name: Augustinian Vietnam Mission Fund Fund BSB: 082 146 BSB: 082 146 Account Number: 13 610 4220 Account Number: 7359 03067 Reference: Please include your name Reference: Please include your name

AUGUSTINIAN VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIA BEQUESTS TRUST FUND (Tax deductible) If you would like to know more about what we do, please visit our website. Website: www.augustinianvolunteersaustralia.org ForPlease donations contact madethe Province by direct Office deposit, for information please con- You can also donate via our website or by direct on how you can leave a bequest to the Province. deposit tact our officeMailing for a tax Address: deductible receipt. Account Name: Augustinian Volunteers Australia Order of St Augustine Trust Fund PO Box 7278 Warringah Mall BSB: 062 287 Brookvale NSW 2100 AUSTRALIA Account Number: 1043 4293 Phone: +61 2 9938 0200 Reference: Please include your name Email: [email protected]

PUBLICATION TEAM THE AUGUSTINIAN December 2020 Fr Percival Sevare OSA (Coordinator) For additional copies, or to unsubscribe, Fr Peter Jones OSA Fr John Sullivan OSA Order of Saint Augustine Fr Belonio OSA POplease Box contact 7278 Warringah the Provincial Mall Office: www. osa.org.au Br Duc Tin Nguyen OSA (Layout artist) Brookvale NSW 2100 AUSTRALIA PHONE +61 2 9938 0200 EMAIL [email protected] NATIVITY PRAYER OF SAINT AUGUSTINE

Let the just rejoice, for their Justifier is born.

Let the sick and infirm rejoice, for their Savior is born.

Let the captives rejoice, for their Redeemer is born.

Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born.

Let free men rejoice, for their Liberator is born.

Let all Christians rejoice, for Jesus Christ is born.

St (AD 354-440)

The artwork cover is a painting of Br. Duc Tin Nguyen OSA portraying his interpretations of the Nativity scene.