RIP Fr Oswald Firth OMI

The Australian Province announces with sadness the death of Fr Oswald Firth OMI, on June 19 in Sri Lanka. The Province was blessed to have him as a Missionary here for a number of years, and he was a great Oblate, a kind and gentle priest with a keen intellect.

Oswald Bernard Firth was born in Nugegoda, Colombo, Sri Lanka, on September 13, 1942. He joined the Oblates in 1961, and was ordained in Rome on December 20, 1967.

He was an Oblate of many talents, receiving a doctorate from the University of Human Sciences of Strasbourg in 1973, directing a number of institutions in Sri Lanka, and was First Assistant General for the Mission of the Congregation in Rome from 2004 to 2010.

He ministered in Australia from 2011 to 2014, including lecturing in Philosophy at CTC and working in formation at St Mary’s Seminary. He returned to Sri Lanka for 5 years, then again ministered in Australia for 18 months from March 2019, mostly at Dernancourt parish.

We, his brothers in Australia, rejoice in thanksgiving for the life of Fr Oswald Firth and join with you in prayers as our hearts are deeply saddened.

Perpetual Vows of Br Jesington Logu, OMI

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrated of the perpetual vows of Br Jesington Logu, OMI. The celebrations was held at St John Vianney’s Parish, Sunday 21st May 2023.

If you were not able join us in person on the day or missed the live stream then you can now view it whenever you want using the link details listed below.

Topic: Mass of the Ascension of the Lord and Perpetual Vows of Br Jesignton Logu OMI, St John Vianney Catholic Church, Mulgrave, Victoria, Australia

Time: May 21, 2023 10:00 AM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86514975661?pwd=SHdFTHRVVTRHZ3k4L0FUczRKY09OUT09

Meeting ID: 865 1497 5661
Passcode: 2023

2023 De Mazenod Family Education Network Retreat

Staff members from St Eugene College, Iona College, Mazenod College WA and Mazenod College Vic met at the Foothills Conference Centre in Mooroolbark to reflect and grow a greater understanding of our shared Charism and establish a programme that will serve our communities in the future. The focus of the retreat was to reflect on the Moments of Grace experienced by St Eugene De Mazenod that led to the formation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Fr Daniel Szewc OMI, Fr Eric Alleaume OMI and Ms Andrea Grant were guest facilitators and led the group of religious leaders from the respective colleges. Provincial Fr Christian Fini OMI, Fr Michael Twigg OMI, Fr Harry Dyer OMI, Fr Joe Anthony OMI and Fr John Sherman OMI joined the De Mazenod Family Team and the Faith & Mission leaders to establish a structure that will provide formation for staff members in the future.

There is always a great sense of comradery and companionship when members from our colleges meet, and this venture was no exception. Members of our Charism Committee have a wealth of experience in faith and mission and are very enthusiastic to share their resources and ideas. The newly formed committee met for the first time in September 2022 and initiated plans to establish an annual retreat to provide staff with a structured and sequential process for formation. Our understanding of mission, witness and service is understood in all our communities, but this is an opportunity to articulate and reflect on the De Mazenod Family Charism in greater depth. The aim is to develop formation programmes to help us appreciate our traditions by investigating the Moments of Grace in St Eugene’s life and how we too can know Christ through service, learning, community, spirituality and respecting the dignity of all.

OMI news from Ukraine and Russia

The latest newsletter from the Delegation of the Polish Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Ukraine and Russia has arrived. There has been a lot of good work undertaken by the Oblates during these difficult times and it is well worth a read.

Download the full Newsletter via the link below.
No: 01-02 2023 - OMI News from Ukraine January to February

Fr Austin Cooper shares some thoughts for Easter

Fr Austin Cooper has prepared a little video sharing some Hymns, Images and thoughts for Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Watch the full video below.

Iona Passion Play

The Iona Passion Play has been one of the largest and longest ongoing productions of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ performed in Australia. Beginning in 1958, Fr Thomas Shortall OMI founded the Iona Passion Play in the typical style of the European productions notable in places like Oberammergau, in Bavaria. The live production, performed on Good Friday, is an amazing visual representation of the final days of Jesus Christ. The Iona Passion Play allows the Gospel stories to come alive and for people to be moved by seeing the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, right before their eyes.

The original 1958 production was organised by the students of Iona College, along with their parents, siblings and other members of the local Lindum community. First performed on the evening of Good Friday in the college grounds of Iona College, a crowd of 500 was expected, but the final numbers reached around 4,000 people.

Two years later, in 1960, the cast took the performance outside of Brisbane for the first time, performing in Toowoomba. In 1961, the Passion Play performed around Australia on an interstate tour, being some of the first passengers on the first commercial flight from Alice Springs to Perth. The play has continued successfully for 65 years, with notable performance all around Australia. In 1973, as part of her Australian visit, Mother Teresa of Calcutta witnessed the performance.

The Iona Passion Play continues to be a big part of how our Iona College community lives out the De Mazenod charism and their Christian faith by bringing alive the passion of Our Lord Jesus to the people of Brisbane and beyond. The 2023 production will performed over Good Friday and Easter Saturday in the Iona Performing Arts Centre, Lindum. Head to the website to purchase tickets and for more information: https://www.passionplay.org.au/

Holy Week activities in your Oblate Community

Please find below the activities for Holy Week in your nearest Oblate community:

FREMANTLE, WA

HOLY THURSDAY 6 APRIL
No Adoration and No midday Mass
7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
8pm to 9pm Reconciliation in English and Italian
8pm to 10pm Adoration

GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL
No Adoration and No midday Mass
11am Stations of the Cross at the Basilica of St Patrick
12noon to 1pm Reconciliation in English and Italian
3pm Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion
4.30pm-5.30pm Reconciliation English and Italian

HOLY SATURDAY 8 APRIL
No Adoration and No midday Mass
9.30am and 4.30pm Reconciliation in English
11am Reconciliation in English and Italian
4pm Polish Blessing of Food
7pm Easter Vigil Mass

EASTER SUNDAY 9 APRIL
Masses:   8am, 9.30am (Italian), 11am and 5pm
8.15am St Anne’s, North Fremantle

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TEA TREE GULLY, SA

HOLY THURSDAY 6 APRIL
Mass of the Last Supper 7:00pm (St David's)
Followed by Adoration until 10:00pm

GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL
10:00am Oblate Youth SA Stations of the Cross (St David's School)
11:30am-2:30pm Oblate Youth SA Good Friday Retreat
3:00pm Passion of our Lord (St David's)
Reconciliation will be available following Stations until 12:30pm and following the 3pm Passion

HOLY SATURDAY 8 APRIL
7:00pm Easter Vigil (St David's)
Lighting of the Easter fire will begin in the memorial garden
Easter Sunday 9th April
Sunday Mass 9:00am (Our Lady of Hope)
Sunday Mass 10:30am (St David's)

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DERNANCOURT, SA

HOLY THURSDAY 6 APRIL
7:00pm

GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL
Stations of the Cross at 9:30am
Passion of the Lord at 3pm

HOLY SATURDAY 8 APRIL
Easter Vigil at 6:30pm

EASTER SUNDAY 9 APRIL
Mass at 9:30am (no evening Mass)

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BURPENGARY, QLD

HOLY THURSDAY 6 APRIL
Holy Thursday 7pm Mass of the Lord's Supper (Christ the King, Deception Bay)

GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL
10am Stations of the Cross & Rite of Reconciliation (St Eugene's, Burpengary)
3pm Passion of the Lord (St Eugene's, Burpengary)

HOLY SATURDAY 8 APRIL
10-11am Reconciliations (St Eugene's, Burpengary)
6:30 Vigil Mass (St Eugene's, Burpengary)

EASTER SUNDAY 9 APRIL
7:30 Mass (Christ the King, Deception Bay)
9:30 Mass (St Eugene's, Burpengary)

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IONA COLLEGE, QLD

GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL
10am Stations of the Cross
3pm Passion of our Lord
7pm Iona Passion Play

HOLY SATURDAY 8 APRIL
2pm Iona Passion Play

EASTER SUNDAY 9 APRIL
7:30am Easter Mass

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CANNON HILL, QLD

HOLY THURSDAY 6 APRIL
Holy Thursday 7pm

GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL
9:30am Stations of the Cross and Divine Mercy Chaplet
11:00am-12:00pm Reconciliations
3:00pm Passion of our Lord

HOLY SATURDAY 8 APRIL
6:00pm Easter Vigil

EASTER SUNDAY 9 APRIL
8:00am Mass (Tingalpa)
9:30am Mass (Cannon Hill)

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EAGLE VALE, NSW

HOLY THURSDAY 6 APRIL
7:30pm Mass of the Last Supper

GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL
10:00am Stations of the Cross in the Church, followed by Reconciliations
3:00pm Passion of our Lord, followed by Reconciliations

HOLY SATURDAY 8 APRIL
10-11am Private veneration of the Cross and Reconciliations
7:30pm Solemn Paschal Vigil

EASTER SUNDAY 9 APRIL
8:30am Mass
10:00am Mass

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SPRINGVALE NORTH, VIC

HOLY THURSDAY 6 APRIL
7:00pm Mass of the Lord's Supper, followed by Adoration at the Altar of Repose and Confessions until 9:00pm

GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL
9:30am Morning Prayer
10:00am Oblate Youth Stations of the Cross, followed by Confessions until 12pm.
11-2:30 Oblate Youth Good Friday retreat
3:00pm Passion of our Lord, followed by Confessions until 5:00pm

HOLY SATURDAY 8 APRIL
9:00am Morning Prayer
10-11am Confessions
6:30pm Easter Vigil, followed by a cuppa in the Felix Gavin room.

EASTER SUNDAY 9 APRIL
8:30am mass & 10:00am mass

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SORRENTO-RYE-PORTSEA, VIC

HOLY THURSDAY 6 APRIL
Rye only 7.30pm.  No morning Mass at Sorrento or Rye on Holy Thursday.

GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL
Confession from 9:45am, Stations of the Cross Sorrento & Rye 10.30am
Solemn Liturgical Act of the Passion of the Lord  Sorrento & Rye 3pm

HOLY SATURDAY 8 APRIL
Confessions 11-12 noon
Easter Vigil Ceremonies & Mass Sorrento Only 7.30pm. There is no service at Rye on Holy Saturday.

EASTER SUNDAY 9 APRIL
Sorrento & Rye 8am, 9.30am & 11am

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MOE-NEWBOROUGH, VIC

HOLY THURSDAY 6 APRIL
7pm Mass of the Lord's Supper (St Kieran's, Moe), followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 11pm

GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL
10am Stations of the Cross (old Presentation Campus, Newborough)
3pm Passion of our Lord (St Kieran's, Moe)

HOLY SATURDAY 8 APRIL
8am Tenebrae Morning Prayer (St Mary's, Newborough)
7pm Vigil (St Mary's, Newborough)

EASTER SUNDAY 9 APRIL
9:30am Mass (St Mary's, Newborough)
11am Mass (St Kieran's, Moe)
5pm Mass (St Kieran's, Moe)

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Easter Message from Fr Christian Fini OMI

Dear De Mazenod Family,  

On behalf of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Australian Province, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a blessed and Holy Easter.  

May the joy and hope of the Risen Lord guide us as we continue to reflect together on the Chapter theme, “Pilgrims of Hope, in Communion.”  

May we take some time to share the hope we rediscover this Easter with one of our brothers or sisters who may have lost it amid the challenges and complexities of life.  

Thank you for your prayers and support, as we promise to continue to pray for you. 

God bless 

Fr Christian Fini OMI 
Provincial 

Introducing our Community at St Mary’s for 2023

At the start of the 2023 academic year, the community at St Mary’s Scholasticate has grown in size, with a number scholastics joining us from a variety of Provinces and Missions.

This is particularly exciting, as it means that St Mary’s has almost a full house of scholastics for the first time since it moved to its new site in Camberwell in 2018. We would like to formally introduce you to the 2023 community and ask you to keep each and everyone in your prayers as we continue to grow and deepen our Oblate Vocations.

From Left to Right: Br Jesington Logu OMI (from Jaffna Province), Br Hieu Nguyen OMI (from Vietnam Mission), Br Rupesh Nand OMI (from Indian Province), Fr Tony Maher OMI (Assistant Formator), Br Thai Nguyen OMI (from Vietnam Mission), Br Benjamin Kombo OMI (from Nigerian Mission), Br Emmanuel Adinuu OMI (from Nigerian Mission), Br Luan Ha OMI (from Vietnam Mission), Fr Andrew Chen OMI (Rector).

2023 De Mazenod Family Education Student Leaders Conference.

Mazenod College WA hosted our 2023 Student Leaders Conference. The students from St Eugene College, Mazenod College Vic and Iona College travelled to Perth to coincide with the celebration of their Opening Mass and the induction of their new student leaders.

The Provincial, Fr Christian Fini OMI, Fr Harry Dyer OMI (Rector of Mazenod College Vic) and Fr Michael Twigg OMI (Rector of Iona College Qld) joined the College Principals and staff instrumental in developing student leadership at the respective colleges to provide insight into the Charism of the De Mazenod Family, the History of the Oblates from the time of St Eugene, and our history in Australia. Fr Fini focussed on the De Mazenod Family and our shared responsibility to live the Charism of St Eugene in our contemporary world.

The programme highlighted our Charism, Leadership and Student Voice. The activities and presentations linked our common purpose and what typifies the culture at our four colleges. Mazenod College WA shared with us their award-winning podcast programme “Leave Nothing Undared” and hopefully inspired others to use this medium to have their voices heard in their respective communities, promoting social justice issues, locally and globally. We also learnt that each College has their ways of supporting MAMI by raising funds on Mission Action Days and the work of Rosies.

Student Voice and leadership feature in our Sustainability Summit scheduled for August. Students shared what they are doing to improve practice at their college under the theme of Learn, Share and Inspire.   

As well as planning for 2023 and learning about our shared charism the Student Leaders Conference provides a wonderful opportunity to build connection. Staff and students enjoy the hospitality of their hosts and have time appreciate our common purpose and the dedication that is evident in our communities.

Thank you to Mr Andrew Watson, Principal of Mazenod College WA, Mr Michael Anderson, Ms Teresa Bulich and Mr John Keogh for hosting our Conference and making it such an enjoyable experience. Thank you to the generous families who billeted the students and all the participants, Oblates, staff and students who immersed themselves into the spirit of the event and shared their ideas and experiences.

Tony Coghlan
Director of De Mazenod Family Education Network

Fr Brian Harris OMI RIP and Funeral Details

Brian Harris was born in Ipswich on the 11th April, 1934, into a Catholic but non-practicing family. He encountered the church in his late teens. He attended Brisbane State High School, Ipswich Boys Grammar and Kelvin Grove Teachers Training College. He worked as a primary school teacher for a couple of years, before working in the public service as an industrial inspector. He tried to join the Oblates while in his early 20s – he went to Eagle Junction and spoke to Tom McDermott, who discerned he was not ready yet to pursue a vocation, and suggested marriage instead.

Brian married Kathleen Mahoney in 1959, and had 6 children. He worked for the Department of Industrial Development in various locations - Longreach, Mackay and 20 years in Rockhampton, where he became Regional Officer. After the death of his wife in 1981 he felt the call of his vocation, he joined the Oblates at Mulgrave in 1989. He was ordained on 17th December 1993 at Deception Bay, Brisbane. His children and grandchildren have been supportive of his vocation.

He served firstly as Assistant Priest, Mary Immaculate Eagle Vale for 4 and a half years, followed by 6 months assisting at St Paul’s, Massey New Zealand. This was followed by two short term stints, at St Patrick’s Basilica, Fremantle as Hospital Chaplain then 18 months at St David’s, Tea Tree Gully before being Novice Master, St Mary’s Seminary Mulgrave, from October 2000 Oct to 2003.

The next 4 years were spent assisting at St Eugene de Mazenod, Burpengary then 4 years at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sefton before returning in 2012 to assisting at St Eugene de Mazenod, Burpengary where he remained until 2020. In that year he underwent cancer treatment and in 2021 retired while remaining living at Burpengary.

Fr Brian is a gentle, prayerful, very pastoral priest with a love of serving the sick. He is quietly determined, very respectful of people, and loves Our Lady and the Eucharist.

His great ability to care attracts people, as does his experience as a married man, parent and grandparent. He is able to build bonds with people of all ages.

Fr Brian Harris OMI passed away on 23rd February, 2023.

Funeral Details

The Funeral Mass will to celebrate the life of Fr Brian Harris OMI at St Eugene’s Parish, Burpengary Queensland on Tuesday 7th March at 10:30am AEST (The funeral is in Brisbane which does not have Daylight savings)

Live streamed link available https://www.qualitymemorial.services/brian-harris

Brisbane (Australia – Queensland)Tuesday, 7 March 2023 at 10:30:00 amAESTUTC+10 hours

Melbourne (Australia – Victoria)Tuesday, 7 March 2023 at 11:30:00 amAEDTUTC+11 hours

Perth (Australia – Western Australia)Tuesday, 7 March 2023 at 8:30:00 amAWSTUTC+8 hours

Sydney (Australia – New South Wales)Tuesday, 7 March 2023 at 11:30:00 amAEDTUTC+11 hours

Adelaide (Australia – South Australia)Tuesday, 7 March 2023 at 11:00:00 amACDTUTC+10:30 hours

Newest members of the Team

The Provincial House in Camberwell, Victoria is thrilled to welcome two new people to the Oblate Office for Mission. Now with COVID behind us to a large extent the workload for 2023 is really starting to ramp up. Eileen White brings a great deal of experience to the team and will be working with The De Mazenod Family. While Kartika Hardjosantoso brings her variety of skills to the MAMI Office to keep up to date with the day to day challenges while Sandra Dwyer is on long service leave.

Eileen White

Eileen has had over 30 years experience working in Primary education with all the qualifications to go with it, including Masters of Arts in Theology, Masters of Religious Education and Masters in Educational Leadership.

She has also worked with a number of other religious orders. First connected to the Oblates in 2005 when working at St Joseph’s Primary Sorrento, and more involved with the Oblates when becoming Pastoral Associate in 2014 until 2020 at St Mary’s Star of the Sea – Sorrento. Eileen also has an interest in eco-spirituality and sustainability.

Eileen is joining the De Mazenod Family Team part time to work with both the De Mazenod Family and the De Mazenod Family Education Network. We welcome Eileen into the Camberwell Office for Mission.

Kartika Hardjosantoso

Kartika previously worked in a law firm as legal administrative assistant and with the Australian Federal government for the past 19 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Indonesia and Masters of International Business from Swinburne University.

She completed the foundation of Catholic Missionary Leadership course last year and started her voluntary work assisting the sacramental program coordinator at her local parish for the past 2 years. She learnt more about the Missionary Oblates and its Charism and Mission during her missionary leadership study and voluntary work.

With her previous experiences in organisation and administration skills, she is truly grateful for her new role as MAMI Officer as it is aligned with her heart, beliefs and values. Kartika will work in the MAMI Office for 4 days a week, covering Sandra Dwyer’s role.

Her passion is learning about life, cultures, and cuisines through travelling, exploring new things and engaging in activities that support and improve mindfulness and social wellbeing.

We look forward to both Eileen and Kartika’s valuable contribution to the Oblate Office for Mission throughout 2023 and beyond. We welcome you to the team!

NOYE is back!!!

After a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Oblate Youth Encounter was back this January. Around 50 young people gathered together at Mazenod College, VIC for a 4-day experience of the Oblate charism and community, connecting together and sharing their faith with each other. We were blessed to have representatives from Oblate communities in three states. We were joined by staff from our Oblate schools and at least 10 Oblates were present throughout the Encounter, particularly providing spiritual experiences of adoration, reconciliation and eucharist for our Oblate Youth. We are grateful to God for blessing this Encounter and we pray for all these young people that they may return to their communities ablaze with the Spirit to share their faith with those around them.

For a closer look at what happened on this year’s National Oblate Youth Encounter feel free to check out the Oblate Youth Australia facebook page or their website.

Spiritual Reflection for Christmas from Fr Austin Cooper OMI

Provincial Fr Christian Fini OMI shares a Christmas message on behalf of the Australian Province

Provincial for the Australian Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Fr Christian Fini shares a Christmas message.

Provincial Christmas Message

On behalf of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Australian Province, I wish you and your families a blessed and holy Christmas.

As you gather this Christmas with family and friends, do take some time to give thanks for the many blessings that God has given you and your family.

May the knowledge and celebration of the Good News, that Salvation has come into the world through the little Child Jesus, the true meaning of Christmas, bring you and your family comfort, peace and joy.

Please pray for us, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate as we pray for you and join us as we journey together in the new year to live the Chapter theme as “Pilgrims of Hope in Communion.”

God bless

Fr Christian Fini

Rosies Queensland–Friends on the Street: 35 years of sharing friendship

November marked an incredibly important milestone for Rosies Queensland and all of our friends as we kicked off a year of celebrating 35 years of sharing friendships.  For 35 years, we have been the grateful recipient of generosity, love and commitment and for this; we are forever grateful. The dedication our supporters and volunteers have shown has helped us connect with so many who were feeling let down, unloved, or disconnected.

To mark this important milestone, we took a life-sized cardboard Rosies van cut-out on a tour to 25 sites across Queensland to help raise awareness of homelessness and disadvantage and the amazing work Rosies does in building community and creating friendships and connections for people who are homeless, experiencing financial hardship, socially isolated/excluded or lonely.

These pop-ups allowed people who had never heard of Rosies to stop by and learn more about homelessness, our work, and to speak to some of the 1500 incredible volunteers that have made the last 35 years possible.

The celebrations have been an opportunity to reflect on the wonderful work of love, care, connection and friendship that our volunteers, patrons, donors and supporters have shared since 1987.

Rosies has become a constant in the lives of Queenslanders in need. It is estimated that our volunteers have had over 1 million hours of genuine conversation with patrons and made at least 2 million warm and savoured drinks.

Rosies has come a long way since the Oblates first brought Rosies to Queensland and worked with that first group of wide-eyed young people whose mission it was to extend the hand of friendship and acceptance to School Leavers and the local homeless population on the Gold Coast. Rosies has grown and evolved over the last 35 years but the mission of love, acceptance and friendship has remained at the forefront of every activity we undertake. Our 1,500 volunteers deliver this message each time they look a patron in the eye and ask, “How are you?” Our school communities live this message through their many fundraising drives, awareness activities, and outreach programs. Each member of our community helps to spread the Rosies message through their financial and in-kind support, sharing their story of Rosies or keeping Rosies close to their heart in thought and prayer.  Every kind interaction both consciously and subconsciously and for that, we thank you.

For our 35th celebration, we also had the great pleasure of partnering with Brisbane artist, and former patron, Jake Moss to create a one-of-a-kind merchandise range that includes vibrant T-shirts, caps and totes, with proceeds going back to Rosies to keep vans on the street.

Jake has been homeless twice in his young adult life and said volunteers from Rosies helped him turn his life around by being there for him, chatting to him and caring about him.

“I’m so honoured to have had the opportunity to design this merch because it’s a fantastic way for me to show my enormous appreciation for Rosies,” Jake said.  “Rosies volunteers saved my life.”

First Hong Kong-born Oblate ordained to the priesthood

Father Dominic Fung King-ho of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate [omi] was ordained a priest by Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, sj, on December 3 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Caine Road. He is the first Oblate priest to have been born and raised in Hong Kong since the congregation came to Hong Kong in 1966.

Bishop Chow, completing the first year of his episcopacy, expressed his happiness at the ordination of Father Fung, whom he first ordained a deacon year ago. Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, the former bishop of Hong Kong; Father Christian Fini, provincial superior of the Oblates of the Australian Province; Father Slawomir Kalisz, delegate superior and over 20 Oblates and other priests concelebrated the liturgy.

The liturgy began with Father Kalisz recommending Deacon Fung to the bishop for the order of priesthood. The bishop then explained the priestly duties to the elect. Fung professed before the congregation to be committed to his duties to follow Jesus Christ, shepherd the flock, proclaim the gospel, and be obedient to his bishop and superiors. Bishop Chow and the concelebrating clergy prayed for the elect through the imposition of hands after the choir led the congregation in singing the litany of the saints. 

The newly ordained together with Bishop Chow, Cardinal Zen, Father Kalisz and other oblate priests, his family and the concelebrants.

Father Kalisz; the vicar general, Father Paul Kam Po-wai; and the elect’s parents, Fung Chi-hei and Chan Yam-ngor; assisted him in vesting with the priestly stole and chasuble. As the newly ordained knelt before the bishop in priestly vestments, Bishop Chow anointed his palms with holy Chrism, consecrating them to serve the people by administering the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The parents brought the chalice and the ciborium to the bishop, who offered them to the newly ordained, reminding him to conform his life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.

The bishop and the clergy at the altar welcomed Father Fung into the priesthood of Jesus Christ with a fraternal kiss, which they all shared before he joined his parents for an emotional embrace.

An appointment letter for Father Fung, written on August 22 by the former superior general of the Oblates, Father Louis Logan, was then read out by Father Fini while Father Kalisz read its Chinese translation.

Father Fini thanked Bishop Chow for supporting the Oblates in the diocese and congratulated Father Kalisz for having a new priest after years of encouraging vocations and the formation of young people, following the spirit of their founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod. He also congratulated Father Fung on answering God’s call. “Love the people of God, and allow the poor as the compass to your journey as a priest. With those two things, you will never go wrong,” was his advice to the newly ordained, encouraging him to be dedicated to community life and the mission of evangelising the poor.

Father Kalisz said it was a special day as the first Oblate priest born and raised in Hong Kong was ordained that day. He thanked Father Fini for his presence. As the parish priest of St. Alfred’s Church, Tai Wai, he announced that Father Fung would be assigned to serve there and thanked him for his contributions. He encouraged Father Fung to be close to the poor, respect their values and wishes, and look for new ways to convey God’s words into their hearts. 

Father Fung was overcome with emotion as he expressed gratitude to God and the people who stood by him during his vocation journey. He found it hard to believe that God showered him this great blessing to be his priest. He acknowledged that he could not have responded to the vocation alone without assistance from many others. He especially thanked the Oblate brothers for their acceptance and fraternal love, family and friends for their support, spiritual directors for their good examples and the formators in the Philippines and Hong Kong. 

He had special words of gratitude for Cardinal Zen for showing him how to love the least by his example. He said he would never forget the cardinal’s care and concern when he got swollen feet after hiking with him and other young people during a formation camp. He was touched beyond words when the then-bishop of Hong Kong brought him hot water and medicine for his feet after dinner. He also thanked Father Kam for encouraging him to do small acts with love during the camp.

He thanked his parents, who taught him to be sensitive to the needs of others and be generous to others. “My anointed hands belong to God and every one of you. Let me serve you all, and this is my mission. Let’s accept this grace together and serve the Church in our own positions. I am not afraid of showing my weaknesses as in weaknesses we can see the power of God,” he said.

The father of the newly ordained said he was grateful for the priestly vocation of his son and his formation in the congregation. As Father Fung is his only child, he felt a bit reluctant when his son shared his decision to discern his vocation. But after some consideration, he thought he should let him choose the path he loves. 

He shared that they are dedicated to serving as parishioners of St. Lawrence Parish, Cheung Sha Wan. Until now, Father Fung’s mother often helps clean the parish up. He also said the Oblates regarded his family as one of them and often invited them to their activities.

Father Fung, who is 35-years-old, served as an altar server when he was young. He started to pursue his vocation in secondary school and attended several vocation camps. He later joined the Oblate youth group in 2006. He also participated in small vocation groups in the diocese to strengthen his prayer life and discern his vocation. 

He worked at the Oblate Primary School for six years after graduating from secondary school and was attracted by the spirit of the congregation. His formation as a novice and subsequent training in philosophy and theology took place in the Philippines after joining the Oblates in 2014. He made his first vow in 2016 and returned to Hong Kong in 2018 after completing his training. He made his perpetual vows in September last year and was ordained a deacon in December 2021. 

Apart from serving at St. Alfred’s, where he was assigned, he has also been helping at the Oblate Store in To Kwa Wan, which was set up last year to support the congregation’s ministry for the poor by distributing food packets to low-income families. 

Father Fung celebrated his first Mass at 10:30am at St. Alfred’s Church on December 4.

 A number of young people from Hong Kong have responded to their vocations in recent years and joined the Oblates. One will make his perpetual vow as an Oblate brother next year, while two more seminarians are receiving training in the Philippines. 

Father Kalisz said the Oblates will keep encouraging young people to respond to their vocations with good examples, cultivating a sense of belonging to the Church and serving the poor.

Original article published in Hong Kong’s Sunday Examiner on 8th December 2022

Take the worry out of buying Christmas presents.

Year 8 Gavin & Cagney RE at Mazenod College, Victoria, have given a great witness to the approaching season of Christmas. We know the festive season is about giving, however, when we reflect on our lives, we know that, in most cases, we have all that we need whilst some of our brothers and sisters strive for the necessities of life.

The year 8 students raised money through a social justice activity and asked that this money be donated to the Oblate Missions via the Christmas card appeal. The money raised by the students will be allocated to building a sustainable future, toolboxes for apprentices, chickens, and goats. This highlights Social Justice in practical action.

If you would like to get yourself a MAMI Christmas card and make a donation to the Oblate Missions, head to this link - omi.com.au/christmas-cards

John Joseph Archbold OMI, RIP

Fr John Archbold OMI was born the 9th October 1933 in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, Ireland.

After his schooling at Knockbeg College, he took his first vows on 24th October 1952 at Cahermoyle and was ordained a Priest on 21st September 1958 at Piltown. He joined the staff of Belcamp College, where he was an exceptional teacher and was its headmaster from 1976 to 1984.

John’s great love for reading was the foundation that made him a great educator. To quote one of his contemporaries Fr Paul Byrne OMI, ‘He even put life into Latin.’ He was later responsible for the Province’s mission magazine, Oblate Missionary Record, and was based at Inchicore. He served in the Anglo-Irish Province for 36 years before coming to Australia.

Fr John arrived here in 1994, the last of a number of Anglo-Irish Oblates who came to assist the Australian Province. Since 1994, Fr John has spent time in Lesmurdie WA and Sunshine VIC, but St Patrick’s Fremantle has benefited from his ministry for most of these years. He was the first Oblate chaplain at Notre Dame University, and has assisted Fr Tony Colbert with the chaplaincy of Fremantle hospital.

Fr John’s love for his Irish homeland never faded, always sharing in a joke and good craic! He was a great storyteller, and loved a bet on the horses. Known affectionately as “Archy”, he was described as a “loveable rogue” with a big heart, who did all things well and loved the people he served.

Fr John passed away peacefully at 4:40am on Thursday 17th November 2022.

May he rest now in peace.

Funeral Details

The live streaming event for Fr John Archbold’s funeral are listed below.

Please note that the time listed is Western Australian time. You will have to set your watches to suit which Country, State or Territory you may be watching the funeral.

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Fr John Archbold

is scheduled to begin on

Monday, November 28th 2022 at 1:45 PM AWST (Australia/Perth)

This is a public event, no PIN is required

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The scheduled start time may include 15 minutes of testing prior to the beginning of the event. Where it does, the Live Stream will commence shortly after testing is completed. If you are unable to view this event live, you can revisit this link at a later time to watch a recording of any live streams.