From the Rector

Greetings! 

I share your frustrations. Even though the news of an extension to the lockdown period is not what we wanted to hear I want to remind you about the need for self-care whether that be outside in the back yard getting some fresh air, going for a walk or making contact with family and friends for a chat. Don’t forget that we have Mass each morning at 8.10am (links at the end of this newsletter). Praying for ourselves and one another brings a sense of peace, healing, and comfort. Prayer can foster positive feelings of gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, and hope, which aides our well-being even though we are experiencing uncertain times. 

This morning, observing our COVID regulations, we celebrated a College Eucharist for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. The Eucharist was livestreamed into each homeroom.  The tradition is that having completed her journey of her earthly life, Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. Fr Eric Alleaume OMI, Parish Priest of St John Vianney, Mulgrave was the preacher on this solemn occasion. Fr Harry Dyer OMI, Rector, was the presider with Fr Kevin Davine OMI & Fr Giancarlo ILLO OMI concelebrating. Thank you to all who assisted with the celebration and made it possible to be livestreamed to our College community and beyond. As Christians celebrating this Feast we hope to follow where Mary has gone.

This feast is also an important celebration for the Oblates. Before their final approval by Rome, Eugene de Mazenod expressed concerns about the survival and future of his small group of Missionaries. On the Feast of the Assumption August 15, 1822, Father de Mazenod solemnly blessed a statue of the Immaculate Conception (left) in the church of the Mission in Aix. Eugene later reflected that this day of August 15, 1822 marked an important moment in the life of the Congregation because having blessed the new statue he gained a powerful life-giving insight, a God-given assurance that he was on the right track and that he needed to persevere despite all the external storms raging around him that seemed to threaten the existence of the Missionaries. Over two hundred years later the Oblates continue to reap the harvest of this boost of confidence when our Oblate Madonna “smiled” on us.

On Saturday August 7, the Oblate Family of the Australian Provence held its annual gathering. Unfortunately, we couldn’t meet in person, however, through modern technology we were livestreamed, as the example (left) of one screen shot indicates. The meeting was a great success with over 165 participants covering all Australian Oblate ministries, whilst further afield we welcomed Fr Louis Lougen OMI, Oblate Superior General and Fr Peter Stoll OMI from Rome, and members from Beijing, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong.   

Fr General OMI, informed us that presently there are 3877 Missionary Oblates world-wide. Around the time of the founding of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate about 45 other religious groups were formed with the Oblates the only religious group still in existence today. I believe that says something about our mission, our spirit and working closely with our people who have embraced our charism as co-participants in our mission. This meeting was a follow-up to the First Asia Oceania Lay Association gathering held via livestream on July 17, 2021 with participants from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, India, Colombo, and Jaffna. 

Last Friday, August 6, was Principals’ Day. I thought this was an excellent opportunity to recognize, celebrate and thank Mr Coghlan for his remarkable and tireless contribution he continues to make in the leadership role our College and community.

During our various lockdowns the skeleton staff and students have been treated to a morning toasty organized by Merry De La Zilwa. A big thank you to Merry and the canteen ladies from all who look forward to and enjoy this treat.

Oblate Retreat: From Sunday evening, August 15, until Friday, August 20, we will be joining the Oblates of the Australian Province for our annual retreat. Unfortunately, this year the retreat be held via by Zoom. We will have two talks per day. Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM, Bishop of Parramatta will be giving our retreat talks. Bishop Long is the former parish priest of St Joseph’s, Springvale. Please keep us in your prayers. 

Weekday Mass links: 

Monday 16 August 2021          https://youtu.be/96N9NwQ9wwk

Tuesday 17 August 2021          https://youtu.be/mhdB41aVG0E

Wednesday 18 August 2021   https://youtu.be/_F8d5naOTGY

Thursday 19 August 2021        https://youtu.be/YaVY_qz-H8U

Friday 20 August 2021              https://youtu.be/hkvAYDxFFRA

Have a Smile! 

Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep connected with God and one another!

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate,

Fr Harry Dyer OMI

Rector