Rector's Reflection -

Spirit and Vision - Part 8

The Spirit and Vision of Bishop Eugene de Mazenod

is Planted in Australia 

- Part 8

The establishment (1973) of St Mary’s Oblate Seminary in Jackson Road, Mulgrave, created a new vision for the area that would create an Oblate ‘Triangle’ to include the pastoral care of the Parish of St John Vianney and the establishment of Mazenod College.

The Parish of St John Vianney was severed from St Joseph’s Parish, Springvale and officially entrusted to the Oblates on April 3, 1964.

The Parish began with the celebration of Masses in the Parish Hall (below left). The present church of St John Vianney (right & below) was opened in 1974. 

The dream of a Catholic Boys Secondary College in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne was formulated by the Parish Priests, of what would become the original five feeder parishes, that included Springvale, Glen Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Clayton, Springvale North. Mazenod College was built as a Regional College owned by the Archdiocese of Melbourne, whereas Iona College, Brisbane and Mazenod College, Western Australia are owned by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

 Mazenod College commenced on 7th February 1967 with 79 students and 2 staff in two modest classrooms at St Joseph’s Primary School in Springvale until the first building was completed at the current 5 Kernot Avenue address. Classes moved to this site in June 1968, and the official opening of the new College was held on November 3, of the same year. 

The Oblate Missionary ‘Triangle’ was now complete comprising St Mary’s Seminary, Mazenod College and St John Vianney Parish. This triangle of Oblate ministries enabled many Oblate seminarians to gain valuable pastoral experience in the life of a Parish and College as part of their formation. Over 50 years later the Oblate ‘Triangle’ ceased when St Marys Seminary was moved to its new location in Camberwell in 2016.

In 2021 a new vision of Oblate community living was introduced under the cluster system.

The cluster meant that the Oblates of St John Vianney Parish and Mazenod College would live together in community in the Mazenod College Oblate residence.

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate currently ministering from this community: 

Fr Harry Dyer OMI (College Rector), Fr Eric Alleaume OMI (Parish Priest), Fr Kevin Davine OMI, Fr Giancarlo Iollo OMI.

Fr. Harry Dyer

Rector