De Mazenod Family Gathering 2021

With much excitement and success, we held our Annual Gathering of the De Mazenod Family on 7 August 2021. This is the third such Gathering that has been held, with the first meeting held physically in Fremantle in 2019, with different representatives from the various Oblate ministries across Australia. This year’s Gathering was also meant to involve some physical hubs but with the yoyo-ing of COVID restrictions, we met online instead – over 120 participants from the various ministries including Oblate Parishes, Youth Ministry, Oblate schools, Rosies and St Pats, priests and laity. As a team, it was a delight to see so many of you at the Gathering. The sense, even over Zoom, was one of warmth and connection.

The aim of these Gatherings is to annually come together as the one family – to connect, inform, unify and engage with the wider Oblate community across the common foundation of St Eugene’s charism.

The theme this year was Being the Most United Family. The program included a welcome from the Provincial, Fr Christian Fini, and a reflection by the Seminary Rector, Fr Andrew Chen, on Being the Most United Family using St Eugene’s charism. There was time for sharing and discussion on the reflection, as well as input from participants on what it takes for the De Mazenod Family to meet St Eugene’s dream of Being the Most United Family. We even had a surprise visit by the Superior General Louis Lougen.

The Vision and Mission Statement for the De Mazenod Family was presented and feedback sought on aspects of the Statement that most resonated with participants.

A summary of projects completed in the last 12 months was also presented along with the context in which these fit into the overall scheme. An overview of the new website and the courses available, was also presented, as well the commencement of a DMF Committee (still looking for members! See more details on this website).

Projects in the last 12 months included:

• the online prayer resources and prayer programs held online during COVID;

• the courses on St Eugene of varying lengths developed and available on this website;

• the Chat newsletter with its activities, updates and reflections on the charism;

• this fancy new website you are on, constructed to provide greater connection, and ease of access to the available resources;

• an upcoming parish mission and,

• involvement in international Lay Association Gathering.

There are many more upcoming events and programs, keep checking in on the De Mazenod Family website.

Evangelisation in today's digital world

The efforts of our seminarians and Camberwell community to connect to people through digital means has recently been acknowledged by an article in Adelaide’s Southern Cross newspaper. During the constant lockdowns in Melbourne, Br Joshua, Fr Christian and other members of the Camberwell communities have sought new ways of reaching out through digital media and technology. From livestreaming masses from the Seminary Chapel, to developing short prayer videos for social media and building online training courses; the Camberwell community has found a new way in which the Church can mission and ‘go out’ to the world to preach the Good News.
This recent venture has inspired Br Joshua for the topic of his Masters thesis as he finishes his seminary studies, focusing on the way we as Oblates understand mission within this new digital reality. It has been great to see more Oblates take up this challenge and find ways, through technology, to connect with their parishioners and reach out to the poor and abandoned of this world. With the social isolation that lockdowns bring, it is important, now more than ever, to find ways through technology that we can continue building community and the family of the Church that St Eugene envisioned.
You can read the full article from The Southern Cross here: https://thesoutherncross.org.au/people/vocations/2021/07/29/evangelisation-in-todays-digital-world/

St John Vianney's: Building Community

Recently, Melbourne Catholic, the new Archdiocesan News Service, published a wonderful article about the parish community of St John Vianney’s in Springvale North. The article mentions Fr Eric Alleaume’s 30th anniversary of priesthood, the multicultural communities at home in the parish, the connections to the local schools and the great youth ministry of Oblate Youth Australia vibrantly alive in the parish. Many things to give thanks to God for!

You can read the full article at https://melbournecatholic.org/news/st-john-vianneys-parish-a-family-community

Oblate Safeguarding May 2021

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate remain committed to the safety and well-being of all in our ministries, especially children and vulnerable adults.

We continue to prioritise healthy and respectful support for those affected by the trauma of abuse and the following report demonstrates some of the ways that the Oblates monitor and ensure the highest standards of care possible.

In Dec 2017 Australia witnessed the conclusion of the Royal Commission into the Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse and the handing down of the findings of this 5-year inquiry. In response an organisation called Catholic Professional Standards or CPSL (recently changed to Australian Catholic Professional Standards) was formed. It operated independently of the church and was responsible for developing the 10 National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and auditing all Catholic Church entities.

In 2019, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate employed a National Safeguarding Coordinator, Megan Vardanega, to oversee the safeguarding audit on behalf of the Oblates and their ministries in Australia. Work began in early 2019 and the final report of the Safeguarding Audit of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate has recently been published.

The Oblates as an order were audited alongside their ministries which included Rosie’s Oblate Youth Mission and Oblate Youth Australia. Iona College and Mazenod College WA are already regulated and have accreditation and external oversight processes already in place to operate as a school, so they were not reaudited by CPSL but CPSL did require a Declaration of Assurance and Compliance from each school to demonstrate how the individual schools meet each of the ten standards.

Audit procedures included the following:

• interviews, observations and enquiry with the OMI Leadership Team, Safeguarding Coordinator, individual OMI members and relevant personnel.

• ·review of key safeguarding documents, policies and procedures; and

• assessment of the design, and testing of the operation of safeguarding controls implemented by OMI.

The Oblates have demonstrated compliance with 98 % of the indicators relevant to their operations under the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. A further two Indicators (2%) are in the initial stages of implementation. There are 6 recommendations – no Priority 1 (high rated) audit recommendations and three Priority 2 (medium rated) recommendations and three Priority 3 (low rated) recommendations.

This excellent result reflects the significant work undertaken by so many people across all Oblate ministries to ensure that the Oblates have the safest places possible for children and vulnerable adults. The Oblates remain committed to building a culture into the future which places safeguarding at the core of all thinking and action.

See below for the link to view the full report.   

https://www.cpsltd.org.au/safe-church/church-reports/

De Mazenod Family May Program

Happy Easter from the Oblates!

This Easter is doubly special and a great occasion to celebrate. Last year, all of us missed out on our normal Easter festivities. There were no church services (apart from online), there were no family gatherings. Much of the year has been spent ‘in the tomb’, waiting for the resurrection. Although this year still had its limitations, we can all rejoice that we are ‘out of the tomb’ and have some possibility to pray at Church and to be with family. Easter is the culmination of the Church year and the time for us Christians to reflect on many important things. We commemorate Jesus’ acts of humble service and his image of servant leadership on Holy Thursday; we give thanks for the gift of the Eucharist, the ever-lasting sign of his love for us. We acknowledge his suffering and death on Good Friday; with gentle hearts we offer our praise for his sacrifice that redeems us all. Then, together we rejoice on the most holy of nights, on Easter Saturday, that Christ’s love triumphed over death and restores us to new life. Finally, on Easter Sunday, we go to the empty tomb with the women and in faith we say, “He is Risen, Alleluia!” That empty tomb is a simple and stark image for us, which reminds us of God’s great power and that everything is not in vain. God works wonders in the darkness and he brings us all to the light of new life. There have been many dark days over the last twelve months and in many parts of the world there still are. So thank God for his blessings on us today and we pray for those still in darkness, that soon they will see the light.

Many blessings upon you and your families this Easter season.

From the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Feast of St Joseph - Protector of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate

St Patrick's Day Reflection - Fr Austin Cooper OMI

On 17th March we celebrate the feast day of St Patrick, who brought the Christian faith to Ireland and through many Irish missionaries across the centuries, has helped to spread the Good News to all parts of the world. Fr Austin Cooper OMI reflects upon the life of St Patrick and the influence of Celtic Spirituality on our Church.

More reflections available here: https://demazenodfamily.com.au/spiritual-reflections/

Fr Ian Mackintosh OMI, RIP

Fr. Ian Mackintosh OMI, RIP

Ian Joseph Mackintosh was born on the 7th November 1939, in Geelong, Victoria, and was educated at St Joseph’s College Geelong.

He joined the Oblates in 1959 at Sorrento, and did his scholasticate studies at Cedara, South Africa, from 1959 to 1965; he obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Africa. He was ordained in Geelong, on the 8th December 1965.                              

Fr Ian’s first obedience was to teach at Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, arriving there in 1966, its first year. He became Rector in 1973, and subsequently was Rector, Mazenod College Mulgrave from 1978 to 1983. Then in 1984 it was back to Mazenod College, WA as Head of Religious Education for nearly 6 years, before a final school appointment teaching at Iona College until the end of 1992.     

He then moved in to parish work, with 12 years at St John Vianney’s, Springvale North, firstly as assistant Parish Priest, then as Parish Priest. From 2005 to 2010 he was Parish priest at Sorrento, then spent 6 years as Parish Priest of Dernancourt before his final appointment in 2017 as Parish Priest of Sorrento.

True to his down to earth nature, Fr Mack spent his 3 month sabbatical in 2016 supplying in Geraldton diocese, as acting Parish Priest of Newman, Tom Price and Paraburdoo, driving many kilometres through the outback, ministering to miners, their families, and aboriginals, assisted by Josephite sisters. All in all an experience he enjoyed.

In January 2020 he retired to Camberwell community house. He died suddenly at Camberwell on the morning of February 19, 2021.

Affectionately known as “The Bear”, Ian was a passionate sportsman, loved Richmond AFL team (wore Richmond socks) and disliked umpires and referees. A great reader who loved history and politics, he was passionate about the Oblates and the Church, prepared his sermons in great detail, loyal and steadfast. He was a home body, who did not like sleeping away; gregarious, great company, and honest. He saw the best in people, was kind, and responded to needs.

We thank God for Fr Ian’s faithful service to the Australia Province and Church for over 55 years.

Anniversary of the Approval of the Congregation and Rule

17th February
Anniversary of the Approval of the Congregation and Rule

17 February, 1826, ten years after the foundation of the Oblate congregation, the congregation and its Rule were officially approved by the Church. From the Rule and Constitutions, it states that these "...set out a privileged means for each Oblate to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. They are inspired by the charism lived by the Founder and his first companions; also, they have received the approval of the Church. Thus, they allow each Oblate to evaluate the quality of his response to his vocation and to becomea saint.”

The preface to the Oblate Rule sets out advice on how “…those who want to follow in the footsteps of their divine Master Jesus Christ (should) conduct themselves…

They must strive to be saints.
They must walk courageously...
They must wholly renounce themselves…”

As members of the De Mazenod Family, the above words of St Eugene to the Oblate priests can apply to us as well. As we mark the anniversary of the Church's official recognition of St Eugene’s vision - for an order of priests willing to “oblate” themselves or fully lay down their lives in order to bring others to Christ -let us spend a moment asking ourselves: How do we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, how can we present Him to those we come across each day?

How can we more readily lay down our own life for the other?

Click here to read the Letter by the Superior General to the Congregation on the Anniversary of the Papal Approval of theConstitutions and Rules.

Lenten Reflection - Fr Austin Cooper OMI

More reflection avaliable HERE

Fr Bernard O'Brien OMI, RIP

Fr Bernard Maurice O’Brien OMI, RIP

It is with great sadness that the Australian Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate received the news of the passing of Fr Bernard Maurice O’Brien OMI, on the 16th January 2021.

Fr Bernard was born on 12 December 1937 in Melbourne, one of four siblings, and educated by the Christian Brothers at Brunswick and North Melbourne. After meeting the Oblates through his summer holidays at Sorrento, he joined the Oblate Juniorate in Geelong in 1951 to complete his studies and discern his vocation. He joined the Oblate Novitiate at Sorrento in 1955 and was sent to study at Cedara, South Africa. He was ordained in Durban on 3rd February 1962.

His first obedience was to the teaching staff at Iona College from 1963 - 1977 followed by 5 years teaching at Mazenod College, Lesmurdie. Fr Bernard was one of the few Oblates who studied and trained specifically for primary education.

He moved from education ministry to parish ministry in 1983 as assistant at St Paul’s, Massey, New Zealand, for two years, then 6 years as parish priest at St Michael’s, North Melbourne. His next ministries were assisting at Dernancourt 1991 Apr- 95, Tea Tree Gully 1996 - 2000 and St John Vianney’s 2001 - 04. From 2005 to 2014 he ministered at Moe, the first 4 years as assistant, then as parish priest.

Early in 2014 he moved to Sorrento to assist, but his health deteriorated and in October 2018 he retired to Camberwell and moved the next month to aged care at East Hawthorn.

In January 2021 his health deteriorated and he died on 16th January at Cabrini Palliative Care, Prahran.

Fr Bernard was an open and approachable priest. His ministry was characterised by a warm and friendly pastoral approach, able to use his own sensitivities to connect with people very effectively.

We thank God for Fr Bernard’s faithful service to the Australia Province and Church for over 59 years.

The Oblates would like to extend their deepest sympathies and assurance of prayers to all of Fr Bernard’s family and friends.

Fr Bernard will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

Christmas Message

De Mazenod Family Gathering 2.0

August 2019 saw us celebrate our inaugural De Mazenod Family gathering in Fremantle and was the beginning of setting up the De Mazenod Family Office. Nimmi Candappa was appointed as Charism Coordinator and shortly after, Emma Hoad joined the team as Charism Coordinator assistant. Emma Rice and Luisa Amati help round out the current team, bringing their expertise from their current roles. It was always the intention of the team to hold a gathering each year, with every second year being held online. With everything that has been thrown our way this year in 2020, we were all becoming familiar with zoom and the wonders that can be achieved with technology.

Sunday 29th November was the day we gathered. We had around 100 people gathered with most connected as individuals, plus a small number who connected in Parishes as a community. De Mazenod Family Gathering 2.0 was an opportunity for us to introduce our team, and be able to “see” them, given that COVID-19 stopped us in our tracks. We heard about the programs that have been developed, as well as how they might morph into the future. A tour of our digital platforms including our De Mazenod Family website, our YouTube Channel and our newly developed Learning Management System. 

We also heard about the plans that we have for the coming 12 months. Meeting with people in the communities as travel restrictions ease and travel remains safe, connecting with those who are abandoned or inaccessible, developing a national committee for the De Mazenod Family with a cross representation of as many of our mission’s communities as possible, planning for our next De Mazenod Family Gathering in 2021 in June, and more.

If you missed joining us for this year’s gathering you can find all the sessions plus questions from the discussion group on our De Mazenod Family website. 

Fr Daniel Szewc OMI. Doctor of Theology. University of Divinity, 2020

A Graduation Ceremony at the University of Divinity is usually a large impressive liturgical function. Each third year it takes place in either St Patrick’s (Catholic) Cathedral, St. Paul’s (Anglican) Cathedral or St. Michael’s (Uniting) Church in Melbourne and is led in prayer (a form of Evening Prayer or Evensong) by the respective Archbishop or Moderator of the Uniting Church. There is also the occasional graduation in Adelaide at St. Peter’s (Lutheran) College. The awarding of diplomas and degrees is then conducted by the Chancellor of the University. This year, the ‘lock-down’ regulations due to the Covid19 pandemic, meant that a scaled down form had to take place and it was conducted on Zoom: most participants sitting in their own home.

In these very ‘low key’ circumstances Daniel Szewc opted to graduate at the Adelaide ceremony this December rather than wait for the Melbourne graduation, usually early in the first semester. The Prayers were recited in St. Pater’s College Chapel with the Chancellor present: everyone else was in their own locality. Nonetheless it was a very moving ceremony and three graduands were invited to speak, among them Daniel, the only Doctoral candidate to graduate. Daniel paid gracious tributes to the University and its ecumenical ethos, his local campus (Catholic Theological College) and his supervisors, Professor Austin Cooper OMI and Dr Phillip Gleeson SDB. He found the whole experience ‘democratic’ in the sense of fostering a willingness to listen to various points of view.

It is also fitting to pay tribute to Daniel. The long hours of research required for a doctorate are rarely understood or appreciated.  Daniel was among the several Oblates to have had to do all this while undertaking his usual pastoral responsibilities, the days of study leave for three years or more are for most a thing of the past. Yet despite his heavy work load, Daniel produced a very original analysis of the ministry of St. Eugene as a model for New Evangelization.  This required a familiarity of the writings of the Founder along with placing them in the context of the times in which he ministered. Daniel produced a thesis with a quite original structure, involving a sympathetic reading of St Eugene and his ‘reading of the signs of (those) times’ and written in clear and elegant English prose.  His work deserves the warm appreciation of his fellow Oblates and indeed of all who are concerned about preaching the timeless message of the Gospel in these times.  Well done Daniel!

AORC Gathering on Mission with Youth

On the 21-22 November, representatives from all across the region came together for the Asia-Oceania Regional Council (AORC) Gathering on Mission with Youth. Over the two days, representatives from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam had the opportunity to explore the Congregation’s Vision and Mission Document for Mission with Youth and develop an AORC network for Mission with Youth.

Originally planned to be held in Hong Kong in January 2020, it was postponed to August 2020. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 and restrictions on travel, the gathering moved to an online format. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as more representatives were able to attend. The gathering began with prayer before each of the Units had a chance to share and introduce the work they are doing with the youth in their Unit. The rest of the gathering was spent exploring and discerning the Vision and Mission Document. Each session began with a short video presentation that introduced the 3 goals of the Vision and Mission, which was then followed by each Unit spending time discussing and exploring each goal and how it applies to their youth ministry. Units were asked to look at what they are currently doing in their mission with youth, what they are doing well, what could be improved and to come up with some new ideas or actions to implement in the future. After each Unit session, there was an opportunity to share with the whole region. Hearing from each Unit was very insightful and showed that many of the challenges we face in our mission with youth are universal and not just specific to our own Units.

The AORC Gathering on Mission with Youth was an incredible opportunity for the region to come together and share, forming new connections and strengthening old ones. Although we are from many different countries and cultures, we are united in our passion for the work we do with the young people in our region.

AORC Gathering on Mission with Youth

Vietnam

Australia

Vietnam

India

West Bangal Region, India

Vietnam

Hong Kong

De Mazenod Family Gathering 2.0

Sunday 29th November, 2020
2:30pm AEDT
2:00PM ACDT
11:30AM AWST

Following on from our Gathering in Fremantle in 2019, we will once again meet as a community, as a family. This year’s gathering will take place online via Zoom.

We are excited to share with you our new Vision & Mission Statements, the projects we have been working on throughout 2020 and the projects we are aiming to complete heading into 2021. If you attended the 2019 Gathering we encourage you to attend and reconnect with the De Mazenod Family and the people you met at the inaugral gathering. Everyone is welcome to attend the Gathering and see where we are heading into the future as the De Mazenod Family.

The Gathering will run for around 1.5 hours and we ask that you register your details in the form below so we can send you the link to the Gathering closer to the event.

If you have any questions, please email: demazenodfamily@oblates.com.au

Fr Donal Madigan OMI, RIP

Fr Donal Francis Madigan OMI

It is with great sadness that the Australian Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate received the news of the passing of Fr Donal Madigan OMI, on the 14th August 2020.

Donal Madigan was born on the 20th May 1937, in inchicore, Dublin and was educated at CBS James Street (Christian Brothers). He joined the Oblates in 1956 at Cahermoyle, studying first at Belmont from 1957 to 1959, and then at Piltown from 1960 where he was then ordained on the 24th February 1963. He was one of seven young men from his street who became Oblates, including Patrick Dwyer.

Donal wanted to be sent to minister in Africa, however in May 1963, he received an Obedience to Australia. He spent his first 4 years in Victoria, at Sorrento, Camberwell, Springvale North then Moe. In 1967 he moved to Fremantle where he was the assistant priest for 5 years. In 1972 he returned to Moe as Parish Priest, until January 1975. He spent the next 6 years as Parish Priest at St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Sorrento before he was sent to Massey, New Zealand from 1981 to 1988, assisting and then as parish priest.

In 1989 Donal became parish priest at Eagle Vale, where he stayed until January 1995. Donal then spent the next 6 years as parish priest at Our Lady of Lourdes, Lesmurdie WA. He then spent 5 years at Sefton, both as parish priest and assisting. He continued assisting at Lesmurdie and Burpengary before returning to Eagle Vale where he spent 6 and a half years before retiring on August 7, 2018 in Camberwell.

Fr Donal was a gentle, genuine, caring priest, always interested in people and their wellbeing, and with a big heart. He was very much a people’s person, gregarious and loved company. He was a devout priest who loved good liturgy and his fellow Oblates.

The Oblates would like to extend their deepest sympathies and assurance of prayers to all of Donal’s family and friends.

Fr Donal Madigan will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

If you would like to live stream Fr Donal Madigan's funeral please click on the link below. Private Funeral to be held on Thursday 27th August, at 5:00pm (AEST) which will lived streamed https://tobinbrothers.com.au/tribute/details/17241/Fr-Donal-Madigan-OMI-Mass/obituary.html#tribute-start

St Kieran's Catholic Church, Moe 1970 - 2020

St Kieran’s Catholic Church, Moe
1970 - 2020

On Sunday 9th August 2020 the parishioners of St Kieran’s, Moe, now incorporating Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Newborough, gave thanks to God and celebrated the 50th Anniversary, The Golden Jubilee, of the opening of the present St Kieran’s Church, Moe.
The history of St Kieran’s Parish, Moe commenced in 1949 with the establishment of this new faith community. Bishop Ryan, then Bishop of the Diocese of Sale, invited the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate into the Diocese to pastorally care for the people of St Kieran’s, Moe. This pastoral care extended to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Newborough in 2014 under the new banner of Parishes in Partnership, through the pastoral care and guidance of the new parish priest, Fr Harry Dyer OMI.

The original two storey building (left) included the church on the ground level and St Kieran’s primary school on the top floor, commenced construction in 1948. Fr John Ryan OMI was appointed the first parish priest of St Kieran’s parish in 1949 and in that same year the church and school were blessed and opened by Bishop Ryan, Bishop of Sale.

In 1965, after 16 years of prayer and service planning for a new church begun under the guidance of Parish Priest, Fr Thomas Shortall OMI. In 1969 the building of the new St Kieran’s Church was approved. The cost of St Kieran’s Church was just over $67,000.00 with a seating capacity of 500 people.

On Sunday, 9th August, 1970, after much hard work and with an atmosphere of great excitement, the new St Kieran’s church was blessed and opened by Bishop Arthur Fox, Bishop of Sale. Fr John Dunlea OMI, Parish Priest, Fr John Hannah OMI, Oblate Provincial, fellow Oblates, and local clergy were in attendance. A large gathering of Moe parishioners, with family and friends from near and far, joined in this faith filled celebration.

In 1999 St Kieran’s parish celebrated 50 years with a written history of the parish entitled ‘A Great People’. Thankfully, this title still rings true to this day. The Official Souvenir booklet has two different references.

From the very beginning there were many nationalities and since its foundation, Moe Parish has been blessed and assisted by generous parishioners serving the community and the wider De Mazenod Family. It is the people of God who are the life of any parish. However, the physical building of St Kieran’s church is also an important reminder to passers-by of the presence of God amongst them, even if they do not frequent our community on a regular basis. The building makes a strong and imposing statement that the life of faith is still alive and active through its people and the doors of welcome are always open. The original description for the church building in the Official Opening Souvenir Booklet highlights this: ‘The porch and main entrance are soaring up inviting people’.  Today, this remains a great witness to all who pass by.

Currently the Oblates pastorally caring for the Parishes in Partnership are Fr Harry Dyer OMI, PP,
Fr Nadeem daniel OMI and Fr Vincent McGillicuddy OMI.

Sadly, on this milestone Sunday in 2020, amidst our new restricted way of life due to covid-19, we can only remember this occasion, rather than our usual prayerful gathering for the Eucharist, followed by a joyful community celebration in Oblate Hall. However, more importantly, we can still give thanks to God for the gift of the many faithful who have been welcomed and passed through the doors of St Kieran’s church to celebrate faith filled family events such as Baptisms, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Weddings, Funerals, school Masses, Anointing Masses, Anniversaries etc and, of course, the weekend and weekday celebrations of the Eucharist which is the source and summit of our Christian lives.

Together, over the 71 years of St Kieran’s parish, parishioners, priests and religious, have continued to strive to live and be faithful to, the ‘Joy of the Gospel,’ which in turn, enables the presence of God to dwell within our City of Moe. Hopefully, this souvenir edition of our parish newsletter will bring back some wonderful memories for parishioners, who, of course are a little older now, than when they were present on this day in 1970.

Fr Don Hughes OMI, RIP

Fr Donald Oswin Hughes OMI

It is with great sadness that the Australian Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate received the news of the passing of Fr Don Hughes OMI.  Fr Don lived a full and active life as a faithful Oblate and generous Priest and up until recent months, even at the age of 87, had been present in the Mazenod College Western Australia Community supporting students and staff.   Earlier this year he refused further aggressive treatment for his cancer, which he had battled with for many years.

In his ministry as an Oblate, he was involved in Education, Formation and Parish ministry.  Fr Don was an Oblate who generously responded to the needs of the Province. 

Born in Fremantle, WA on 23rd August 1932, and educated at CBC Fremantle. Intending to be a diocesan priest he studied philosophy at St Charles Seminary in Guilford WA, then joined the Oblates in 1953 at Sorrento. In 1954 he went to study theology at Piltown, Ireland where he was ordained on the 15th September 1957.

His first obedience was 3 months at Holy Cross, Liverpool, UK before he returned to Australia, to Sorrento.  In his first 2 years he was also at Penshurst NSW, Beaconsfield WA and Camberwell Vic. He taught at Iona College 1961-65, then went to Mazenod WA 1966-72 as first rector.

Fr Don was then rector of St Mary’s Seminary until January 1976, when he moved to Massey New Zealand as parish priest until 1982, then Rosebud Vic for 14 months followed by Tea Tree Gully SA until the end of 1989.

From 1990 to 1995 he was novice master then rector of St Mary’s Seminary for a second term, followed by 10 years of parish ministry in WA, at Fremantle then Lesmurdie. He was then Rector of St Charles Seminary (archdiocesan), Guildford WA for two and a half years, then had a year back as novice master at St Mary’s Seminary, Mulgrave.

He joined the Mazenod College Community in Lesmurdie in 2011, where he has been since. There he loved watching sporting matches, was involved with the boys, and was seen as a witness of faith and reassuring presence and pastoral support to both students and staff.

Fr Don was a generous Oblate, serving a number of terms on the Provincial Council, and was willing to go wherever he was asked, to do whatever was needed. He has been in all the Oblate ministries - he has been missioner, parish priest, teacher, college and seminary rector, formator. He was passionately interested in the congregation: he has been the historian of the province and the keeper of the stories.

Fr Don Hughes will be greatly missed.