State of Kenya and Kenyan People after continued Heavy rains

We have recently received an update from Fr Fidel Munkiele OMI about the Missions in Kenya. They have been experiencing a great deal of rain and flooding in the country. He provided the following article for you to read.

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Thank you for your interest in the welfare of our Kenyan people. Some of the following points might help you understand what is happening here. The Government have promised much, and some assistance is happening in various parts of the country. However, this issue is too big for just the Government. Many NGO’s and local churches are also responding to the extent they have resources. In some places, like the slums, public training centres are opening their doors to give shelter to those who have lost their homes. But the number of people in need is large.

Some local populations are going to be evacuated to safer locations due to the danger of dam failures, and the Government is promising to establish temporary accommodation centres with all the basic needs.

Some general points about events that have happened:

1. Mai Maiu: 70+ people killed while sleeping due to a flash flood caused by a ruptured water dam in the mountain behind them at 3am in the morning. The rest of the population lost ther

2. Nairobi slums: many people have lost their homes along the small river-ways which have become raging rivers: in Mathare slums, alone, 60,000 people had their homes washed away.

3. On a positive note, the young people in general, living in Mathare, were praised by the County Government for their courage in rescuing hundreds of people: it meant the deaths were very few, from drowning. But, if the Government response is slow, disease may kill many more. eg. cholera.

4. Several large water dams around Kenya are at breaking point: but it is also dangerous to release water, to reduce the danger, because of existing floods below the dams.

5. The soils are saturated with water everywhere in Kenya, which means the additional heavy rains forecast for the next few weeks will become more difficult to handle.

6. Corruption, neglect, lazy contractors and poor supervision has exposed drains blocked by rubbish, drains too small, overcrowded development, broken sewerage systems, building in drainage routes, etc. Even deforestation in parts of the country have contributed to the disasters happening.

The Oblates are effected in particular ways as follows:

7. Meru Parish (includes a local slum area): primary school toilet block collapsed due to heavy rains weakening the ground behind it; general increase in difficulty for people move around and find daily work.

8. Kionyo Parish (up in the mountains): elderly people are suffering from cold due to difficulty to get dry firewood, and it’s very dangerous to walk to the village for supplies due to slippery, muddy roads.

9. Kisaju Postulancy (formation of missionaries): due to saturated ground and difficult soil type (black cotton), we are experiencing some flooding in the basement chapel and bedrooms as water seeps through the outer and inner walls. The house is like an island surround by water, and only a few months back it was like a desert!

10. Kisaju Parish (Maasai land): the main centre is OK, but each of the seven prayer centres are suffering in various ways.

a. Some areas are land-locked (eg. Olturuto and Jamii Bora): access roads across rivers are being blocked by water and sometimes fallen trees. This means some people can’t get to work in the local areas or city. But worse, some people are starving because they can’t reach food or medical care. One family called Fr Phelix and somehow he managed to get food through to them. A lot of people live in isolated areas and may not have phones, cars or motorbikes.

b. Last Sunday, Fr Phelix left the motorbike on one side of the river and walked through water to cross

the “bridge”, where he climbed over a fallen tree in the middle, and continued on foot for 2.5km of muddy road to reach the church: which was packed! They had missed out on Mass the week before because the river water level was too high. Even the main highway was closed several times in two or three locations, prevents people getting to the city and even missing flights.

c. The local Maasai people, recovering from a long drought, now have difficulty of getting their few remaining cows to adjust from sparse dry grass to lush green grass: some are getting sick and others have died.

11. Larmudiac Parish: people have lost crops, and spent all their hard-earned money buying the seed and fertiliser. And many were sold fake, subsidised fertiliser from the Government agents (ie. corruption). More accidents on the road. One truck tried to ferry people across a flooded bridge and it got washed away with much loss of life.

12. Knock-On effects in general: the major events are bad enough; however, all parishes and schools will now suffer reduced contributions to manage the parish/ school expenses, pastoral programmes, children’s food programmes, etc.

Of course, any assistance you can give us to share with the people in need will be appreciated. In the meantime, our parish Oblates working to alleviate suffering where they can and our Oblate youth are continuing to give out our regular food help in Mathare Slums in Nairobi.

In Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Fidel Munkiele OMI
Mission Superior

Visitors from Australia

A small group of teachers from Mazenod College WA and Iona College visited the Bangladesh Delegation from April 6-10, 2024.

The visitors were Damian Wallis, Kate Anne and Suzanne Michelle, along with Fr Joe Antony OMI, an Indian Oblate working in Australia who was one of the pioneers in starting the West Bengal Mission.

The purpose of the visit was to experience the Oblates’ missions and to plan student immersion programs for 2025 in Bangladesh. Australian student immersion programs are in place for Sri Lanka, India and China, and Fr Christian Fini OMI started exploring the inclusion of the Bangladesh Delegation during his 2023 visit.

The visitors went to the Delegation House in Dhaka, St. Eugene’s School, Baridhara, St. Eugene’s Mission School at Khadim, Lokhipur school, Borlekha parish, the Oblate Juniorate and caught up with Fr Dominic Rozario OMI who served in Melbourne, 2017 to 2020.

Mazenod College Victoria Mission Action Day 2024

Each year Mazenod College raises money for the Oblate Missions via a day called Mission Action Day. Fr Harry Dyer OMI has kindly shared a few words about how the fun fill fundraising day went.

Mission Action Day was a huge success for the Oblates Missions due the generosity of our families, staff, senior students, students, and sponsors. A special mention to Jennifer Vissenjoux and her team for their enthusiasm and ensuring all of us were aware of the real reason we celebrate MAD. The day commenced with an Easter liturgy in the Provence Centre followed by our students hitting the streets of Mulgrave for the walkathon. The Parents and Friends were generous with their time by being at the finish line and offering a well-earned Zooper Dooper to the students after their 5Km walk or run.

After this the students launched into the variety of fun festivities for the remainder of the day before being called to assemble in the Provence Centre for the drawing of raffles and the announcing of the winners from the various activities. A final blessing for a Holy and safe Easter was accompanied by the joyful enthusiasm of starting the holiday break.

On behalf of the Oblates, I want to thank all of you for your generosity towards our missionary endeavours around the world, particularly in our Asian Oceania Region which has resulted in $55,000.00 being raised. You can be assured that every dollar goes towards much need assistance and makes a huge difference to the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

MAD CONCERT

On Wednesday evening March 20 our music department entertained a large crowd by generously displaying their musical talents to funds and awareness of the Oblate Missions. The concert night raised over $800.00 so a big thanks you to all who attended for your generosity. On behalf of the Oblates, and the people they serve in their various missions, I extend my gratitude and thanks to all who organised, participated, sponsored, and attended this most enjoyable annual event.

In addition to MAD, we also enjoyed March Madness Month where several different fun events were organized by our senior students. One of these enjoyable events was a version of the TV show ‘Family Feud’ which saw a team of staff versus a team of students. I am happy to report that the staff clinched a close contest with the final answer.

OMI Ongoing Formation Week

The Oblates Ongoing Formation event was held at the St. Therese Spirituality Centre in Ormiston, Brisbane, from March 4th to March 8th, and was a rich experience for all participants. The gathering commenced with an evening of heartfelt storytelling, where two esteemed seniors of the Oblates in Queensland, Fr. John Sherman OMI and Fr. Lewy Keelty OMI, shared their life journeys and ministerial experiences as Oblates in Australia. This session not only provided a platform for intimate sharing but also fostered a sense of fraternity among the 24 attendees.

The following day was dedicated to visiting various Oblate ministries, including Iona College, Rosies, Cannon Hill Parish, and St. Eugene's College at Burpengary. For some participants, this excursion marked their inaugural visit to these places, offering them firsthand insights into the diverse work undertaken by Oblate ministries across Queensland.

Continuing the momentum, the subsequent day featured an enlightening session led by Bp. Tim Norton SVD, focusing on intercultural community and mission. With his extensive background as a Divine Word Missionary and current role as Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane, he helped us to appreciate the cultural difference each person brings to the Australian Province and to have a greater awareness of the challenges it brings also to individual communities.

The culmination of the event saw Fr. Chris Ryan MGL delivering a thought-provoking presentation on preaching in the secular context of Australia, drawing from his co-authored book, "Preaching On Purpose." Building upon previous discussions on secularism, Fr. Chris challenged attendees to preach with intentionality, recognising the presence of seekers within congregations and striving to nurture them into missionary disciples of Christ.

The gathering concluded with a session of candid and fraternal dialogue facilitated by the Provincial, Fr. Christian Fini OMI, addressing various matters concerning the Province. This reflective exchange provided a fitting conclusion to an enriching event aimed at nurturing ongoing formation among all Oblates.

In essence, the Oblates Ongoing Formation event served as a platform for spiritual enrichment, professional development, and communal bonding, reaffirming the commitment of participants to their ministry and the mission of the Oblates within the Australian context.

The Diaconate Ordination of Br LUAN HA OMI

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrate the Diaconate Ordination of Br Luan Ha OMI.
The celebrations were held at St John Vianney’s Parish, Friday 16th February 2024, 7:00PM.

If you were not able join us in person on the day then please view the live stream using the link below.

Watch Via You Tube

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National Oblate Youth Encounter 2024

National Oblate Youth Encounter 2024 was a smashing success with 75 participants from 8 different Oblate communities around Australia gathering together for a 4-day experience at Mazenod College, Mulgrave. The theme this year was ‘You are the light of the world’. After 24 years it is great to see how Oblate Youth Australia continues to grow and lead young people to encounter Jesus Christ and learn who they are in the eyes of God.

A big thank you to all our Oblate fathers and brothers who were present amongst our youth and to the National Coordinators and Hosting Community for their tireless efforts in making this such a successful encounter. May we all continue to let our lights shine for all to see!

Join Us on the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage

We are thrilled to extend an invitation to all members of the De Mazenod family to embark on a journey of discovery, reflection, and connection. Originally designed for the dedicated staff of Oblate colleges attending an international education conference, the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage is now open to everyone eager to explore the profound heritage and spiritual legacy of our beloved founder, Saint Eugene de Mazenod.

What to Expect:

A Spiritual Awakening: Immerse yourself in the rich history and spirituality of Saint Eugene de Mazenod. Experience the transformative power of his charism, which has touched countless lives around the world.

Historical Exploration: Walk in the footsteps of Saint Eugene, visiting significant sites and shrines where he found inspiration and solace.

Community Building: Connect with fellow members of the De Mazenod family, building friendships and a sense of unity that transcends borders and generations.

Details:

Dates: 19th – 30th June 2024
Location: PARIS - AIX EN PROVENCE – ROME
Indicative Cost (Land Only!): $6590 - twin share

Open to All: This pilgrimage is no longer exclusive to Oblate college staff. All are welcome to join and experience the De Mazenod legacy.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to strengthen your connection to the De Mazenod family and deepen your spiritual journey. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!

For more info visit: www.omi.com.au
or contact Tony Coghlan:
Email: tcoghlan@omi.com.au
Phone: 0488788137

The De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage is your chance to be part of something truly extraordinary. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you.

Download Itinerary

To download the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage Itinerary do by clicking HERE or clicking on the image below.

Fr Christian Fini OMI shares a Christmas message. (Includes song from St Mary's Scholasticate)

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

Be sure to stay to the very end to view a special Christmas song sang by the Community at St Mary's Scholasticate - OMI Australia

Perpetual Vows of Br Kombo Benjamin OMI

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrate of the perpetual vows of Br Kombo Benjamin, OMI. The celebrations will be held at St John Vianney’s Parish, Sunday 26th November 2023, 5:30PM.

If you are not able join us in person on the day then you can view the live stream using the link details listed below.

Watch online

If you were not able to make it on the day then feel free to watch the entire celebration online via YouTube: Click Here to watch

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De Mazenod Family National Gathering

The De Mazenod Family National Gathering was held at Mazenod College Victoria from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th November. The theme this year was “Pilgrims Celebrating Community’.  Fifty people attended, representing all our ministries in Australia, staying at the Novotel, Glen Waverley, where we opened our Gathering over drinks and canapes, then proceeding each morning to Mazenod College by bus to hold our sessions.

Opening our first full day together was a video call with the Superior General, Fr Chicho. We are very grateful to Fr Chicho for giving up some of his time (and sleep) in Aix-En-Provence to be with us live. The group listened intently as Fr Chicho shared his experience on being elected as Superior General and what it means to be a missionary.

Over the next three days participants shared and discussed their connection and experience of the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod in their various ministries. The highlight of our time together was the launch of the
“De Mazenod Family Australia Lay Associations Guidelines”. Participants were the given the opportunity to break open the document and reflect and discuss each of the components within the guidelines.

Each day began with prayer, and we were fortunate to celebrate Mass in the Mazenod College Chapel with the Oblates each afternoon. Over the three and a half days participants from each state developed and deepened friendships while immersing themselves in the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod, truly being pilgrims celebrating community.  

A big thanks is due to Edward Bartels and Sonia Mohanaraj for the music over the weekend and thank you to the SJV Oblate Youth Group who joined us on the last day. A special thank you goes to the De Mazenod Family Committee and all those who shared their experience of the De Mazenod family throughout the Gathering. We heard amazing stories of the charism of St Eugene being lived out in ministries and gained inspiration from others in extending the De Mazenod Family as we go forward.

Join Us on the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage

We are thrilled to extend an invitation to all members of the De Mazenod family to embark on a journey of discovery, reflection, and connection. Originally designed for the dedicated staff of Oblate colleges attending an international education conference, the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage is now open to everyone eager to explore the profound heritage and spiritual legacy of our beloved founder, Saint Eugene de Mazenod.

What to Expect:

A Spiritual Awakening: Immerse yourself in the rich history and spirituality of Saint Eugene de Mazenod. Experience the transformative power of his charism, which has touched countless lives around the world.

Historical Exploration: Walk in the footsteps of Saint Eugene, visiting significant sites and shrines where he found inspiration and solace.

Community Building: Connect with fellow members of the De Mazenod family, building friendships and a sense of unity that transcends borders and generations.

Details:

Dates: 19th – 30th June 2024
Location: PARIS - AIX EN PROVENCE – ROME
Indicative Cost (Land Only!): $6590 - twin share

Open to All: This pilgrimage is no longer exclusive to Oblate college staff. All are welcome to join and experience the De Mazenod legacy.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to strengthen your connection to the De Mazenod family and deepen your spiritual journey. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!

For more info visit: www.omi.com.au
or contact Tony Coghlan:
Email: tcoghlan@omi.com.au
Phone: 0488788137

The De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage is your chance to be part of something truly extraordinary. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you.

Download Itinerary

To download the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage Itinerary do by clicking HERE or clicking on the image below.

MAMI NEWS: A message from Rev Deacon Jesington Logu OMI

Recently we have been lucky enough to receive a message from Rev Deacon Jesington Logu OMI. It was only as recently as June this year Jesington had is ordination to the Diaconate. It was held at St John Vianney’s Catholic Church in Mulgrave. Deacon Jesington has since returned to Sri Lanka to take up diaconal ministry in his province of Jaffna. He sent through the following message.

“I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the support you guys have given me over the past three and a half years. It's been an incredible journey filled with so many amazing experiences that I'll cherish forever.

Your guidance and encouragement have played such an integral role in shaping me into the person I am today. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you for being there for me every step of the way.

I can't even begin to put into words how much this time with you all has meant to me. The memories we've created together are truly one of a kind, and I feel so incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity.

As I move forward, I'll always carry the lessons and values you've instilled in me. Your unwavering support and belief in me have given me the confidence to chase my dreams, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You guys are the absolute best!”

Warmest regards,

Jesington Logu OMI

De Mazenod Family Education Network 2023 Oblate Staff Conference

Last week staff from St Eugene College Qld, Mazenod College Vic, Mazenod College WA and Iona College Qld attended the annual conference in North Lakes Brisbane. St Eugene College hosted the event which included a visit/tour of their campus and Professional Learning focussing on Transformative Learning.  Grade 3 students Ellie and Gracie provided an extraordinary insight into the programme designed to empower young people to understand and appreciate what they are learning. The four C’s, Creativity, Critical Reflection, Communication and Collaboration are the ingredients to create a more socially justice world according to the structures of Transformative Learning, introduced to delegates by Mr Adam Fritz and Mr Mitch Ulacco.

Rectors and principals from the four colleges directed conversations by sharing ideas and resources that complemented the De Mazenod Family Charism Signposts. Fr John Sherman OMI, Fr Joe Antony OMI, Fr Harry Dyer OMI and Fr Christian Fini OMI attended the conference. Fr Harry enlightened the group about the History of the Oblates, focussing on the life of St Eugene and our Oblate Founders. The Provincial of the Oblates, Fr Fini, spoke of the challenges in our contemporary context, drawing comparisons to the challenges facing St Eugene at the time of the French Revolution. He also endorsed the need to build resources to better understand our shared charism. The De Mazenod Family Education Network was established in 2022 as part of the broader network, the De Mazenod Family. Anyone connected to our colleges, primary schools, parishes and mission work are invited to learn more about these associations by accessing the following websites: www.omi.com.au and www.demazenodfamily.com.au

Staff conferences provide an opportunity to learn more about the De Mazenod Charism and share valuable information, but there is also a collegial and social aspect to these gatherings. Our hosts, St Eugene College, were the perfect hosts. Thank you to Ms Louise Olley, Mr Adam Fritz and Ms Carolyn Wakefield for their hospitality and planning.

Thank you to all the delegates who participated so enthusiastically and shared their experiences so generously throughout the conference.

Oblate Youth Australia and their Pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2023

Oblate Youth Australia have travelled to Lisbon to be part of the World Youth Day 2024 Celebrations.

Whilst they have been travelling through the Holy Land to Lisbon and on Aix-en-Provence thy have managed to put together a quick little recap of the World Youth Day 2023 pilgrimage so far. Hear from Fr Christian Fini, Provincial and other members of Oblate Youth Australia about their experiences so far.

World Youth Day Oblate Event

This morning, the small pilgrimage contingent from Oblate Youth Australia arrived at Parque de Jogos for the international Oblate youth event. After beginning their pilgrimage 10 days prior in the Holy Land, they arrived a little tired, but very excited to be united with the entire young De Mazenod Family.

Our last international gathering of young people was at World Youth Day in Poland, 2016 and even though almost 7 years have passed since then, it was fantastic to see old friends reunited. It was also wonderful to witness those that have never been to an international oblate youth encounter meet and get to know other young members of the De Mazenod Family. It was especially special for our province as we were able to connect with the China Mission Pilgrimage group from Hong Kong who are also part the Australian Province. Both groups will be lucky enough to spend some time in Aix-En-Provence together after World Youth Day to reflect on their pilgrimage.

Unfortunately we only had 2 hours together, but we made the most of every minute we had with each other. We danced, waltzed, sang, chatted, and took many, many photos. No doubt a quick scroll of any Oblate social media page will be filled with videos and pictures from the event.

But the highlight of the event was the address from the Superior General Fr Chicho. It was a powerful moment of prayer and reflection as we listened to Fr Chicho reflect on the theme from the General Chapter: Pilgrims of Hope in Communion. Fr Chicho challenged us to walk with God just as Mary did, to be sowers of hope by placing ourselves at the service of the poor and to continue to be in communion with the Church and with God.

We ended this powerful moment of prayer and reflection by being blessed by our founder St Eugene’s cross and being told to go be Superior Generals in our own communities.

We would like to thank the European Vocations and Youth Ministry for all the work and time spent preparing and hosting this event under challenging circumstances. We hope that the next World Youth Day will allow us some more time together.

OYA travels to World Youth Day 2023

Pilgrims from the Oblate Community on their way to World Youth Day share their thoughts and experiences of their trip so far.

Fr Austin Cooper OMI Rest in Peace

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate give thanks to God for the extraordinary life and ministry of Fr Austin Cooper OMI.

It is with great sadness that the Australian Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate announces the death of Fr Austin Patrick Cooper OMI, 2nd July 2023.

Austin Cooper was born on January 14, 1931 at Sorrento, Victoria, an area his family had lived in for a very long time – his grandmother’s family were there in the 1830s, and his grandfather purchased the Sorrento Hotel in the 1890s.

He attended Assumption College, Kilmore, studied law for a year at Melbourne University, and joined the Oblates in March 1950. He was sent to Kidalton Abbey, Piltown, Ireland to study and was ordained there on 16th September 1956, completing his studies in June 1957.

He arrived back in Australia later in 1957, and worked at Eagle Junction while attending the University of Queensland (BA Hons in history), followed by Iona College in its second year.

He was nominated as the first rector for the future St Mary’s Oblate Seminary, and sent to study in the scholasticate of the Eastern American Province, Oblate College, Washington DC in 1961 and 62 to prepare for the ministry of rector and to gain experience of scholasticate life. While there he completed an MA in History at Catholic University of America, he later completed his PhD, on the Oxford Movement, at Monash University (1972).  

As the Mulgrave premises was not ready, in 1963 he took up residence at St Joseph’s Lovely Banks (Geelong), along with Fr Pat Slattery and 4 first year scholastics, before moving to Mulgrave in August. As the founding Rector of St Mary’s Seminary, Mulgrave from 1963 to 73, one of his achievements was establishing a close relationship with the nearby Monash University and combining the traditional training in philosophy with a university degree. 

Fr Cooper served as the Australia Provincial from 1976 to 1983.

After completing his term as Provincial he continued his significant and influential academic career: Foundation Master, Catholic Theological College, Melbourne, 1972-76; Vice-President of Melbourne College of Divinity, 1974-76; President of Melbourne College of Divinity, 1976-78. He has been a lecturer at CTC since 1972, including two further stints as Master, from 1992-94 and then again 1998-2002. He was a Professor in the Department of Church History at CTC until 2022 and led overseas study tours as part of his courses in Christian Spirituality. His areas of expertise include his friends, Julian of Norwich and Cardinal Newman.

His writings include the history of the Australian Oblates up to 1994, A Little By Ourselves; books on Julian of Norwich, The Cloud of Unknowing and John Henry Newman, A Developing Spirituality (2012).

In 2004 Fr Austin received the Order of Australia for services to Theological Education.

Fr Austin has been an outstanding priest and dedicated Oblate of Mary Immaculate. He is highly capable as well as being a man of prayer and deep spirituality. He is inspirational to many students with a great kindness and a lovely sense of humour. 

He is influential in the human and spiritual formation of many Oblates, Lay people, Religious and Priests in Australia.   In his 72 years as an Oblate, he was a pillar of the Australian Province and will be greatly missed. 

We firmly believe that we will see him again in the eternal life promised to all. He journeyed with Jesus, Mary, St Eugene de Mazenod and many church figures both in this earthy life and now into eternal life.

We thank God for the gift of Fr Austin Cooper OMI in our lives, in the Australian Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and in the Australian Church.

God bless,

Fr Christian Fini OMI
Provincial

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Funeral Arrangements

• Vigil Mass at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Sorrento, on Tuesday 11th July at 7:00 pm

• Funeral at St John Vianney’s Mulgrave, on Wednesday 12th July at 1:00 pm followed by refreshments in Parish Hall.

• Burial at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Casuarina Lawn, at 3:30 pm. 

• Priests are invited to concelebrate; please bring white vestments. (To assist with seating, please email rsvp@oblates.com.au)

• Bishops are invited to preside in choir.
  

Link to a three-part interview with Fr Austin Cooper OMI for his 60th Anniversary

Ordination to the Diaconate of Br Jesington Logu OMI

Rev Deacon Jesington Logu OMI and The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate thank all those who contributed to Jesington’s diaconal ordination on Sunday 2 July at St John Vianney’s Catholic Church in Mulgrave. Deacon Jesington will be returning to Sri Lanka to take up diaconal ministry in his province of Jaffna as he prepares for his ordination to the priesthood. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

If you were unable to join us in person, then you can watch the ordination here: https://youtu.be/hA8SPFneK-k

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