Farewell, Fr Kevin

It will be with a tinge of sadness that Fr Kevin Davine OMI, College Chaplain, has decided to ‘pull stumps’ on his long and dedicated priestly ministry at Mazenod College. On Friday February 16, after the Day of Excellence, the Year 12 students and staff formed a guard of honour up Kernot Avene to acknowledge Fr Kevin. On Monday February 26 Fr Kevin will move to our Camberwell Community to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Fr Kevin Davine OMI was born in Warragul, Victoria and educated at St Patrick’s College Sale (Marist). He joined the Oblates in 1952 at Sorrento and was sent to Piltown, Ireland to study. On July 29, 2024, Fr Kevin Davine OMI will celebrate 65 years of priestly ordination. On the 29th of July 1959, Fr Kevin created history by becoming the first Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate to be ordained in Australia. The ordination took place at St Mary's Cathedral, Sale, Victoria.

Fr Kevin has enjoyed a long and distinguished ministry in education and is the only rector/principal to serve in all three Oblate Colleges:

Mazenod College, Victoria: 1989-1995 / 1973- 1977

Mazenod Western Australia: 2002-2004

Iona College, Queensland: 1978-1983 / 1996-2001

A change of ministry followed in 2005 when he moved into parish ministry, as parish priest, St John Vianney’s, Springvale North (2005-2010) and then as parish priest of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Sorrento (2011-2017). In 2017 Fr Kevin resumed his college ministry at Mazenod College, Victoria through his presence as College Chaplain. In 2010 he was awarded the OAM in the Australia Day honours list, for Service to Education.

With some extra spare time, Fr Kevin may have more of an opportunity to offer a little prayer for his favourite Demons to improve in 2024.

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Harry Dyer OMI