maristseasspring 2004 ns a quarterly review of the sydney province Sharing Our Call in Bougainville, June 2004 "I am so encouraged to hear that lay people have such a signifi cant role to play in the Marist Project" Comment of one participant * From the Provincial * Special Features * Archive Corner * Around the Communities * Requested Prayers * Brian’s Backpage * The Four Seasons * Jubilarians 2004 * What’s Jack Reading? From the Provincial ...To follow Christ as Mary did Greetings, Editor Brian Etherington informs me that an unusual feature of this Spring edition of Marist Seasons is that it does not feature an obituary. How typi- cally Spring! This is the season of new life and hope; this is the season for opening up, clearing away obstacles and accumulated rubbish. We are about to hold the 13th Provincial Chapter of the Sydney Province and whilst it's coincidental that it occurs in Spring, it is a most appropriate time for us to take stock and then move forward in confidence with a fresh spirit and open mind. Please pray for its ongoing success. The tributes to the Jubilarians contained in this edition encapsulate in well chosen words seasons of commitment, love and care of the young. Each of these fine men have weathered the winters of life and chosen again and again to be springtime people. Let us give collective thanks for these men and for those who have sup- ported them on the journey. Happy reading. Brother John Thompson Marist Seasons 1 Spring 2004 Around Our Communities Olympic Spirit Rocks Dalton Gardens Village ndimmed by years and creaking bones, Dalton Gar- Uden residents threw themselves into the Olympic spirit by organising their own torch relay climaxing in the “cauldron” flaring to ecstatic ovation. Br Bill Beninati, along with Terry Budgen took a stage, Des Murphy’s short spurt was dramatic while Berne Giuliani, posing as Sean Mulcahy, the Irish champion of the 50 metre crawl raised hoots. (Our fourth rep, Silvo, was scorching the slopes in his annual winter Olympics at Thredbo.) This is but a glimpse of the community spirit in our re- tirement village. At the cauldron - Bernie, Des and Bill Marist involvement in this vibrant community of some 300 people- religious and lay, accommodated in a mix of town houses, apartment, hostel and nursing home (with dementian unity). Bill is a smiling presence around the village using his remarkable musical talents in liturgies and concerts and taking a leading role in social events. He’s Terry Bud- gen’s “minder” with visits and walks, as well as pro- viding transport for shut-ins. Outside activities include committee work in Education for Aged care, assisting Brothers with transport, ongoing involvement with Old Boys, family and friends. Des and Bill helping Terry on the Torch Relay A few nights before Bill and Sil were hosting a birth- day party for Br. Neal, who, along with another Christian Brother, Michael Knights are our near and very helpful neighbours. Bill cooked with his usual verve and flair. Of course, we started with prayer to celebrate our brother- hood. Monday nights are our regular community nights with this same mix. The concept of such community living was daring when proposed some seven years back. It has proved to be ex- tremely enriching, rewarding and timely for the Brothers who have chanced it. It has also given us a new energy and focus on mission. We hope in this brief overview Brothers will deepen their understanding and feel for our Bill, Dell and Bernie in "colonial clobber" Marist Seasons 2 Spring 2004 Around Our Communities Des is mostly out and about as chaplain at Marist Youth Care, centred at Blacktown. Keeps his hand in with Lent- en discussion groups as well as “haunting” social occa- sions like “happy hour” on Friday night. Thanks to the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, who have put so many resources into providing the very best in aged care, there is a warm, embracing spirit here. The community sprit is remarkable where neighbourly concern and support is so strong. The inspiration of old sisters in their 90’s is powerful. Recently Sister Attracta topped 101- green growing and full of sap. Fr. Aub Law- son msc, (ex Parra Marist in the 40s) provides wonderful service in daily Mass and his cheery spirit. Outside lec- turers, like Brian Beggs, attracting some 20 participants in his present course on Matthew’s Gospel, provide on- going enrichment. As “Fr Mulcahy” Bernie (above) is in big demand for his very professional recitations of Australian poets Banjo Patterson, Henry Lawson, John O’Brien, with a repertoire of more than 20 poems. Some 8 performances this year. At the support level Bernie helps out with visits, taking Communion, transport, printing of our bi-monthly, “Gar- den Clippings”. After years of service to North Sydney community with two days a week on their books, Bernie is now powering through his family history. Dick- Silverius is still deeply engaged at St. Pats Dun- das, specially with coaching Maths and footy and tending his prize winning roses. Dick’s immense good will and talents are on hand for BBQs and other entertainment. Bernie with Brigidine Sisters Andre and Eugenie The Lenehan family involvement, especially at the farm In our new form of community living there’s room for at Bathurst is ongoing and insistent. more creativity and harmony in this stage of our life. Of course, it demands a deep commitment and sensitivity and brotherly good humour with this close living in pairs. In the spiritual life there are many advantages : greater peacefulness, more time for reflection and reading and more interaction with people who enjoy the greater wis- dom and vision of old age. As one of our group said “I’ve grown so much since I have lived here”. This surely has echoes of Jesus' promise: “I’ve come that you might have life, life to the full”. (John 10:10) So Brothers , get in line…..your time might come too. Des Murphy Silvo with Br Michael Knights (Christian Brother) at the Australia Day BBQ Marist Seasons 3 Spring 2004 Around Our Communities Canberra Back to the Future? The colder southern weather and a chance discovery of three serge soutanes in mint condition have seen the younger Brothers at Canberra don the black habit for school. The appearance of the Broth- ers in black has been greeted with interesting responses from the students and some extra time in religion class to explain what a rabat is, but generally the comment is something like ‘Brother, you look cool in black!’ Pictured above are Brothers Andrew McFarlane, Andrew Moraghan and Greg McDonald. Westmead - ACU r Cyril Quinlan was hon- Boured recently with a lun- cheon at the Strathfield Cam- pus of ACU to celebrate his 25 years of ministry with Austra- lian Catholic University. Brs Peter Conolly, Tony d'Arbon, Dominic O'Sullivan, Julian Quinlan, John Thompson (Provincial) and Cyril Quinlan Marist Seasons 4 Spring 2004 Around Our Communities Final Vows Retreat - District of Melanesia he seven Brothers from the District of Melanesia concluded their retreat, which was led by Brs Charles Howard Tand Jeff Crowe. They spent a few days visiting some Marist Communities before returning to the District. Thanks to Charles and Jeff for leading the retreat, and to the Brothers and Communities who hosted an extended ministry visit for individual Brothers and to Br Chris Wills, who coordinated this program. Lino Vira from Espirito Santo, Vanuatu Stanley Bakere from Buka, currently Simon Emil from West Sepik Province in and currently teaching at St teaching at Yangoru High School in PNG and currnetly teaching at St Josephʼs Dominicʼs Rural Training Centre at the East Sepik Province of PNG Rigu at Mabiri on Bougainville. Vanga Point, Kolombangara The Young Melanesian Brothers departing after their Community and Ministry Experience and their Retreat. Left to Right: John Tukana, Stanley Bakere, Brendan Neily, Mark Poro, Simon Serero, Simon Emil and Lino Vira. Zebulun Suri is absent as he departed from Cairns. John Tukana from Buka, currently Simon Serero from Madang Province Mark Poro from Guadalcanal Province in teaching at St Josephʼs Rigu at Mabiri in PNG, currnetly teaching at St SI, currently assisting with Formation at on Bougainville Josephʼs Tenaru Solomon Islands Laumanasa House Postulancy in Tenaru. Marist Seasons 5 Spring 2004 The Four Seasons Farewell rother Wayne Threlfo over the last 11 years has voluntarily resided in the College infirmaryB for the sole purpose to be there to assist the nursing staff during the day and to be on call throughout each night. It has been a mammoth task that has involved long hours in emergency wards and middle of the night calls for assistance. Brother has decided that it is time to finish up in the capacity, however will still live here at the College in the Brothersʼ community. On behalf of all the staff and students present and past within our boarding community I would like to thank Brother for the warmth, manner and professionalism in which he carried out this role. We will miss him dearly in this capacity, however we wish him well and to enjoy the uninterrupted sleeps that he duly deserves! (Item from Marist College Ashgrove Newsletter, Boarders section, 10th June 2004) later to the German Brothers at Samoa. Br Misplaced Patriotism Clement had gone to interview Billy Hughes, then Prime Minister. Brother pleaded and tried he following extract is taken from some of to make little of what this Brother had done. The Tthe jottings Br William Molloy put to paper P.M.