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News from Fiji
The Natovi St John the Apostle Parish Bazaar went well despite the heavy rain. Apart from raising the needed funds–that go towards the pastoral upkeep of the parish, was also a time for FAMILY FUN/catch-up with the simple families of Natovi. They came from everywhere, from the mountains and terrains of Wainibuka to the coastal sea of Tailevu. Some slept on the grounds for 2-3days with their families selling their bazaar goods while others travel daily. Our students and I lodged at Pelavilla and joined the parish community. Was also an opportune time to give Pellavilla a good scrub. It was worth every effort since our people have done so much for us.
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News from the International Mission: Formation and Parish
Oceania Formation Community farewelled Richard Waro as he embarked to Fiji, where he will beginb the Propaedeutic Term at Pacific Regional Seminary – go well, Richie and be good to your formator, Fr. Joseva…
The Formation Community also completed a “leaf house” at Red Beach – it is a place for social activities like BBQ’s as well as meetings – thank you Bro Gideon Tahunieti
The Good Shepherd Parish also celebrated the KUSTOM WELKAM for the Archbishop, Chris Cardone OP, who then led us in celebrating Confirmation for about 140 Candidates from the 14 local Communities of the Parish. This was followed by Feasting and entertainment.
Rest in Peace
PAUL DRYDEN CM…..25 Jan 1931 – 4 July 2017
Paul was born in Sydney in 1931 the second youngest of seven children His mother died when he was two years of age. His Primary schooling was in Sydney but family circumstances saw his secondary education transferred to St Stanislaus’College Bathurst, NSW conducted by the Congregation of the Mission. Impressed with the priests at the College, in 1951 he entered St Joseph’s Training College the Vincentian Seminary at Eastwood in Sydney, where he completed his studies, he was ordained on 19 October 1957 at St Vincent’s Church, Ashfield.
Paul spent his first year after Ordination as a curate St Joseph’s Parish Malvern, Victoria, before being transferred out in the country to St Vincent’s College Bendigo then conducted by the Congregation of the Mission as Bursar. After five years here he was transferred back to his alma mater “Stannies” again as Bursar for five years.
In 1969 Paul was sent to the parish at Wandal, Queensland in the Rockhampton Diocese as Parish Priest.. It was during Paul’s time at Wandal that the new Church of St Vincent was built. There he was known as a very much “hands on”’ Pastor ever ready to pitch in with hammer, saw or shovel in hand. He was always readily available to his parishioners and a much loved Pastor.
A variety of postings followed – Chaplain to Cabrini Hospital Malvern; resident Chaplain Lourdes Retirement Village Killara in Sydney. In the Diocese of Bathurst – Chaplain of St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Administrator at the parishes of Molong and Kandos.
In retirement Paul was always most appreciative of the concern and support from the Vincentian Community and especially in Sydney from the Vincentian Community in Marsfield who cared for him with dedication, devotion and affection during his retirement. His final days were spent at Cardinal Freeman Aged Care, where in the 60th year of his Priesthood, he quietly slipped away to God on 4 July last.
Paul was a much loved priest by all who knew him, ever faithful to his Vincentian calling in the Congregation of the Mission and the charisms of its founder St Vincent de Paul.
Fr Romuald Barry CM…..16/1/1935 – 17/7/2017
Rom was born in Hobart, Tasmania. Following secondary schooling at St Stanislaus’ College, Bathurst NSW, he joined the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians). Ordained in July 1959, he was asked to study the Scriptures, initially in Washington DC then in Rome. This was a defining step.
The Word of God became his preoccupation in those studies and in the life of teaching which followed. He taught in the diocesan seminaries in Perth, Adelaide (where he was Rector 1982-89) and Mosgiel (NZ), also at Hunters Hill NSW (Marists), Eastwood NSW (Vincentians) and for a brief time in Addis Ababa; he taught for ten years at Catholic Theological College, Melbourne. There were brief, parish appointments and he spent five years at St Stanislaus’ College. People still talk about the tours he organised to the Holy Land.
Rom made a deep impression on his students with his easy smile and gift for friendship. His enthusiasm for The Word was contagious and they recognised that what he taught was also what he was living. He specialised in the Old Testament with interest in the Wisdom Literature and, especially, in the Prophetic Literature where he pursued further studies in Jeremiah.
His final years were difficult as he moved into dementia. He died at St Mary’s Concord where he had lived for four years. May he rest in peace.