Dear Confreres,
I would like to share a few items of news and information with you.
Congratulations to Jim Maloney and Hugh Murray in reaching 60 years of priesthood and celebrating their Diamond Jubilee. Jim celebrated with the Stannies Vincentian and school community. The Eucharist was organised by different members of the school. By all reports it was a memorable event. Following the Eucharist there was a sit down dinner for ninety people in the marble hall. It was also an occasion to farewell Jim from the school. After twenty-seven years of service to the school at different times and various roles. It was a tribute to Jim and to the Vincentians who have and continue to minister at St Stanislaus College. Hugh’s celebration was of a different kind. He celebrated his 60th anniversary by being transferred from hospital to Lady Davidson in North Turramurra. Confreres from Marsfield visited him last night and reported that Hugh was bright and grateful for the visit. Other celebrations will take place at an appropriate time.
- Vincent Manehoua and the confreres in Honiara are making final arrangements for the ordination on Saturday, 30th November. Confreres from Fiji have arrived to be part of the celebrations. Phil Robson is travelling with Mark Tapson as representatives of this part of the province at the ordination. It is a significant moment in the life of this Province and in the history of the Church in the Solomon Islands. I am sure you join with me in sending our best wishes to Vincent and holding all the confreres there in prayer during these days. Vincent’s first appointment is being finalised and I will announce it at the appropriate time.
- Gregory Walsh is completing his time in the Solomon Islands and will be returning to Australia in December. I want to thank Greg on behalf of all of us for a job well done. Greg’s many skills and gentleness has been appreciated by all who have worked and lived with him during these years. Greg will be taking a well-earned holiday before taking an appointment to Bathurst. Greg will join the Vincentian Community at St Stanislaus College assisting Doug and the community in times where there is need. His main work is outside the Stannies Community. Greg has been accepted by the Bishop as the Chaplain to the Bathurst Correctional Services. This is a new role and challenge for Greg. It is certainly a work of the community. I am sure you will join me in wishing Greg well in this new ministry.
- Fr Gregory Gay and the Provincials of the Asia Pacific Region will be gathering in Sydney in February. This is the meeting of the APVC and it is our turn to host it. I am hoping there will be an opportunity for the confreres to meet the Superior General and the other Provincials during the week of the meeting. The meeting will be in North Sydney from February 18-23rd.
- The Provincial Council is meeting in Marsfield next week. The meeting will be on the 4th and 5th December.
- Consultation for a Consultor continues. Phil Robson has served three years and he is eligible for another three. Thank you to confreres who have already responded. May I invite all the confreres to participate in this important consultation.
May God continue to watch over us and bless us during these days.
Greg
Acting Provincial