Sandpiper Catholic Newspaper - November 2015

Catholic Newspaper of the Sandhurst Diocese since 2004

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Issue 129 • November 2015

Ordination joy!

Congratulations to Fathers Junray Rayna and Novelito Lim who were ordained to the priesthood in the Philippines on October 23! Fathers Junray and Novelito were ordained for the Diocese of Cebu, Philippines, by Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu Bishop Dennis Villarojo DD at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. The two studied with Sandhurst seminarians at Corpus Christi College in an arangement whereby they will return to work in Sandhurst for a period of five years following their ordinations.

Monsignor Bryan Long passed peacefully last month age 86.

Mons Long was a priest of the Sandhurst Diocese for 62 years and will be remembered as a tireless priest with a love of country life and family.

– Full story, photos Page 15

L’Arche launches in Bendigo P3

Fr Tony celebrates 30 years of priesthood P5

Youth gather for Stronger at Feathertop P9

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A Word from the Bishop

Page 2 – www.sandpiper.org.au

Send us your stories!

SandPiper Catholic Newspaper is an open newspaper, receiving contributions for publication from across the Sandhurst Diocese. If you have a story to share from your school or parish, please submit a report to editor@sandpiper.org.au Stories should be no longer than 450 words and an accompanying photo with caption is recommended. Photos should be highresolution (just as they come off your camera) and not embedded within Word documents.

November 2015

Year of Mercy brings welcome joy to Church

(Please note: Items submitted for consideration are subject to space availability and editorial judgement and submitting an item does not guarantee publication).

SandPiper contacts: SandPiper Vision: SandPiper aims to develop a sense of community, linking faith and life through dialogue.

Advisory Board: Fr Michael Pullar (Chair), Margaret Brodie and Joe Van Dillen.

Editor: Damian Griffin.

Postal address: The SandPiper, C/- The Chancery, PO Box 201, Bendigo, 3552.

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Chancery contacts: Chancery and Diocesan Ministry: 174 McCrae Street (PO Box 201) Bendigo Vic 3552. Ph: (03) 5441 2544, Fax: (03) 5441 8278, Website: www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au Bishop’s Secretary: Margaret Watson, margaret. watson@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Adult Faith Education Co-ordinator: Lyn Breen, adultfaith@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Marriage Tribunal: tribunal@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Youth Ministry Workers: Darcy De Losa darcy.delosa@sandhurst.catholic.org.au and Mary-Anne De Luca Mary-Anne.DeLuca@sandhurst.catholic.org.au website: www.sym.org.au/ Business Manager: Cameron Fraser, cameron.fraser@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Personal Assistant to Business Manager: Sally Holmes, sally.holmes@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Diocesan Development Fund: Postal address: PO Box 201, Bendigo, VIC, 3552.

Telephone: (03) 5441 2544. Fax: (03) 5441 8278.

Email: ddf@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Diocesan archivist: Donna Bailey, archives@sandhurst.catholic.org.au

Disclaimer: SandPiper is a free newspaper published monthly (except January) by the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst. It is distributed through all diocesan Catholic schools and parishes. Views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of the Diocese.

SandPiper may refuse to accept advertisements for publication; however, inclusion of an advertisement in SandPiper does not reflect an endorsement from the Diocese. Readers should rely on their own investigations to determine the suitability of advertised products and services. No responsibility will be taken by SandPiper for the accuracy or otherwise of representations, statements and information contained in advertisements. No responsibility will be taken by SandPiper to ensure that advertisements do not infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties. SandPiper accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form that is not in accordance with the instructions received by SandPiper.

Bishop Les Tomlinson

A

nticipation is mounting as we draw nearer to December 8, the date chosen by the Pope to open the Jubilee Year of Mercy, as it is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and it is also the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. Both dates are related to the Year of Mercy.

The feast of the Immaculate Conception and Mercy, Pope Francis said, is “the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to a hope of being loved forever despite our sins”. That bridge was made concrete when God chose Mary to be the mother of his son.

A jubilee year is a special year called by the Church to receive blessing and pardon from God and remission of sins. The Catholic Church has called jubilee years every 25 or 50 years since the year 1300 and has also called special jubilee years from time to time, known as extraordinary jubilee years.

Many ask: why a Jubilee Year of Mercy today? Simply because the Church is called to offer more evident signs of God’s presence and closeness, in this time of great historical change. This is not the time to be distracted!

On the contrary, Pope Francis insists we need to be vigilant and to reawaken in ourselves the capacity to see what is essential.

This is a time also, for the Church to rediscover the meaning of the mission entrusted to her by the Lord on the day of Easter; to be a sign and an instrument of the Father’s mercy (Jn 20:21-23). For this reason, the Holy Year of Mercy must keep alive the desire to know how to welcome the numerous signs of the tenderness, which God offers to the whole world and, above all, to those who suffer, who are alone and abandoned, without hope of being pardoned or feeling the Father’s love.

Earlier this year Pope Francis formally presented his official proclamation of the 2015-2016 extraordinary jubilee or Holy Year of Mercy. The proclamation, called a “bull of indiction,” is titled Misericordiae Vultus (“The Face of Mercy”) and explains how in Jesus Christ, in his words and actions, the mercy of God has been revealed.

The term “papal bull” refers to an official papal document of special importance.

The papal bull of indiction refers to a document presented when something major is announced, such as a jubilee, and is a fundamental document detailing the intentions and outcomes hoped for by the Pope.

In the papal bull for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, it was noted that the diocesan opening of the Door for Mercy is a sign that the jubilee is not limited to Rome, but extends to local Churches around the world “as a visible sign of the Church’s universal communion”.

The Holy Doors in Rome’s major basilicas will be open throughout the Year of Mercy, beginning with St Peter’s on December 8, when the jubilee will officially begin.

Pope Francis has also asked that all dioceses around the world designate a “Door of Mercy” at their cathedral or another special church or shrine, and that every diocese implement the “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative on the Friday and Saturday before the fourth week of Lent. At Sacred Heart Cathedral, we are nominating the northern door of the nave, near the northern transept, as the Cathedral Holy Door. This door will be solemnly opened prior to the 11am Mass on Sunday, December 13.

The Pope wishes the year to be a time for Catholics to contemplate just how merciful God has been to them and to understand

“

The corporal works are: Feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned, giving drink to the thirsty and burying the dead. The spiritual works are: Converting sinners, instructing the ignorant, advising the doubtful, comforting the sorrowful, bearing wrongs patiently, forgiving injuries and praying for the living and dead.

Fr. Johannes Grohe of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, said of Pope Francis: “His desire is that people become closer to God. Reconciliation with God is open, is always open for all, and the Jubilee Year is a

A Catholics are urged to spend more time practising All what traditionally have been called the corporal and w sspiritual works of mercy.

– Bishop Les Tomlinson

better how they are called to be merciful to others in turn.

Pope Francis has defined mercy as “the beating heart of the Gospel.”

“How much I desire that the year to come will be steeped in mercy, so that we can go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God. May the balm of mercy reach everyone, both believers and those far away, as a sign that the kingdom of God is already present in our midst.”

The boundless nature of God’s mercy — his willingness always to forgive anything — has been a constant subject of Pope Francis’ preaching and is explained in detail in the document, which outlines some of the specific projects the Pope has in mind for the year.

The Old Testament stories of how God repeatedly offered mercy to his unfaithful people and the New Testament stories of Jesus’ compassion, healing and mercy demonstrate, the Pope said, that “the mercy of God is not an abstract idea, but a concrete reality through which he reveals his love”, just like mothers and fathers love their children.

Nothing in the Church’s preaching or witness, he said, can be lacking in mercy.

All Catholics are urged to spend more time practising what traditionally have been called the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

great invitation to conversion, to come closer to God.” There will be many opportunities in our Diocese of Sandhurst for all of us to enter fully into the spirit and practice of this Holy Year of Mercy. From this moment, we entrust this Holy Year to the Mother of Mercy, that she might turn her gaze upon us and watch over our journey.

Bishop’s calendar November, 2015 1

Confirmations at St Joseph’s, Quarry Hill

4

Blessing and opening of extensions to St Liborius’ School, Eaglehawk

5

Melbourne meeting

8

Numurkah Eucharist

Confirmation

and

1st

14-15 Echuca Confirmation and 1st Eucharist 17

Knights of the Southern Cross Mass at White Hills, for Deceased Members

19

Graduation Mass at St Joseph’s College, Echuca

22

Feast of Christ the King

23-26 Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Sydney 28

Euroa Confirmation and 1st Eucharist

29

Nagambie Eucharist.

Confirmation

and

“I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!”- Jesus John 16:33

1st

November 2015

News

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 3

L’Arche launches

Community house opens with fanfare

By Jenni Kennedy Catholic Education Sandhurst

Margaret Silf with Maria Weatherill of the Sandhurst Diocese Catholic Education Office.

Gifted speaker heard in Diocese THE most recent of this year’s Helder Camara Series presenters, Margaret Silf, retreat leader, speaker and author of books on Christian spirituality, visited Bendigo on Tuesday, October 20.

A gifted story teller, Margaret, inspired participants’ deepening understanding of what it means to live the Gospel in ordinary life or chaotic times, during a retreat day entitled Simple Faith and reflection evening, The Other Side of Chaos, held at the De Campo Hall in Bendigo.

Cardinal to speak CARDINAL Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga SDB will give an address entitled From Romero to Francis: The Joy and the Tensions of Becoming a Poor Church with the Poor, on Thursday, November 26, at 7.30pm in St Mel’s Hall, Hamilton Street, South Shepparton.

Cardinal Rodriguez, Co-ordinator of Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals, will be the final visitor of the 2015 Helder Camara Series. (See advertisement later in Sandpiper).

MORE than 100 community members attended the official launch and blessing of L’Arche Bendigo Community as the house situated at 8 Grandview Terrace in Kennington was declared officially open on Sunday, October 11.

For many, the name L’Arche will be unfamiliar but, for the people gathered at the official opening, it is a name that is held close to many hearts. L’Arche, pronounced ‘Larsh’ is an international organisation that has been around for the past 50 years.

In simple terms the name translates to mean The Ark, a place of refuge.

Founded in 1964 by Jean Vanier, L’Arche is an organisation dedicated to the creation of family style homes, programs, and support networks for people with an intellectual disability where community members are encouraged to build their living skills in areas such group living, work, recreation, spirituality and health.

L’Arche is built around the philosophy of community, faith, dignity and spirituality.

The official launch was compered by former Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Ms Phil Billington, who was instrumental in helping establish the L’Arche Community in Bendigo together with Mr Daniel Giles, Graphic Designer, 2008 City of Greater Bendigo Young Citizen of the year and young man living with Autism.

“Today we want to bless our community – our Bendigo L’Arche Community, the Melbourne L’Arche community and all our friends who gather with us regularly and who we work together with and have fun with in our happy new home here in Grandview Crescent,” said Daniel.

Guest speakers included Mr David Bristow, Chairperson of L’Arche Melbourne, Ms Chris Fishley,

Chairperson of L’Arche Bendigo Community, Ms Bernadette Ransom from the Maureen Considine Fund and Bendigo L’Arche Community Co-ordinator Ms Michele Brett.

Although the official launch of the L’Arche Bendigo Community has only just taken place, community activities have already commenced and the L’Arche Bendigo Community is looking forward to many happy years at their home in Kennington.

Community Co-ordinator Michele Brett is focused on developing friendship networks for people with intellectual disabilities and their families as well as recruiting volunteers, organising gatherings and gaining an understanding of the individual support needs of people with intellectual disability and their families.

For more information about L’Arche Bendigo Community contact Michele Brett on (03) 5444 3956 or visit the L’Arche Australia website at www.larche.org.au

Monsignor Frank Marriott pictured with Ms Catherine Barianos and Ms Joy Ready from the Catholic Education Office.

Chair of L’Arche Melbourne Mr David Bristow, Chair of L’Arche Bendigo Community Council Ms Chris Fishley and National Leader of L’Arche, Mr David Treanor.

Sandhurst offers free education to Syrian and Iraqi refugee children THE Catholic Education Office has announced plans to provide assistance to refugees from Syria and Iraq who wish to settle in the Sandhurst Diocese.

The Episcopal Vicar for Education, the Very Rev. Dr Brian Boyle said discussions between the Diocese of Sandhurst and the Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Mr Paul Desmond has led to a pledge to provide places for Syrian and Iraqi children in Sandhurst schools, including fi nancial assistance.

“We believe it is likely that some of these refugee families will settle in central and north-eastern Victoria and together with other Catholic agencies such as Caritas and CatholicCare, Catholic Education

is keen to do its part to enable these families to settle in Australia happily and be well accepted into the Australian community after the traumatic experiences of war and dislocation in Syria and Iraq,” said Fr Brian.

“Like many of us, refugee families have the same needs: a roof over their head, bread on the table, a job with steady income, and a place in the school where their children can be educated,” he said.

“While the provision of housing and accommodation are not the particular skill set of the Catholic Education Office and these needs are best left to other Government and Catholic Church agencies, Catholic Education can assist directly in meeting an urgent and necessary need of refugee families settling in

north-eastern Victoria: a place in the local school for their children where they will be safe, cared for and well educated.”

The offer to provide places for children of Syrian and Iraqi refugee families by the Catholic Education Office will extend to the extra costs associated with education including, uniforms, excursions, books, and IT items.

Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Mr Paul Desmond said the cost of these items will be covered for all Syrian and Iraqi refugee children enrolled in Sandhurst primary and secondary schools for an initial period of 2-3 years, as the family establishes itself in Australia.

“Further, we anticipate that one of the specific needs of Syrian and Iraqi refugee children who may enter

our schools is English language tuition. We imagine few such children would speak English. The Catholic Education Office will undertake the costs of the provision of professional English language tuition for Syrian and Iraqi refugee children who are enrolled in our schools,” said Mr Desmond.

It is clear the arrival of refugee families in Australia from the end of this year will present both challenges and opportunities for the Australian community. Catholic Education Sandhurst sees the offer of the provision of education in Catholic schools is consistent with the Gospel and the social teaching of the Catholic Church.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to provide assistance in a concrete way to persons in need,” Fr Brian said.

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– Ma hew 24:4-5

News

Page 4 – www.sandpiper.org.au

November 2015

Thais view Sandhurst schools Catholic Education on show for delegation

A delegation of Thai Catholic Education officials visits Sandhurst as part of a visit to view Catholic Education in Australia.

By Jenni Kennedy Catholic Education Sandhurst

ON Monday, October 26, 40 staff members from the Catholic Education Office in Bangkok, Thailand, visited Bendigo.

The delegates were in the country to experience how Catholic Education operates in Australia.

Bishop of Sandhurst, Bishop Leslie Tomlinson, welcomed the group to the Catholic Education Office in Bendigo and shared some of the history of the Sandhurst Diocese.

Racquel Kerr, Cultural Heritage Project Officer from the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation provided the Welcome to Country.

Climate talks at SIP

Ms Kerr made a presentation to the leader of the delegation and President of the Catholic Education Council in Thailand, Archbishop Chamniern on behalf of Catholic Education Sandhurst.

The group spent the morning hearing presentations from members of Catholic Education Sandhurst before boarding a bus to tour a selection of Bendigo Catholic schools.

St Francis of the Fields Primary School in Strathfieldsaye, the two campuses of Catholic College Bendigo and Sandhurst’s newest school, Marist Catholic College in Maiden Gully were all on the itinerary.

Later that evening the Catholic Education Office hosted an “Aussie barbecue” for the delegates with a

Pavlova dessert, ensuring that the group was given the full Australian experience!

Facilitator of the visit, Mr Michael Hopkinson, said that he was delighted with how the day had gone and hoped that our colleagues from Catholic Education Office in Thailand had enjoyed their time in our diocese.

Conference gathers secretaries

Barb Carey, John Pettigrew, Mons Peter Jeffrey, Denise Crawford, Kerry Stone, Von O’Brien.

Goulburn Valley Spirituality in the Pub had a lively and informative conversation in September on the topic, “Let’s Talk About Our Common Home – A conversation about Pope Francis’ recently released encyclical on the environment.”

There were three speakers beginning with Monsignor Peter Jeffrey who presented Francis’ message from a moral/ theological perspective. Kerry Stone, Diocesan Co-ordinator for Caritas Australia then highlighted the relationship between climate change and global poverty, the challenge of Francis, and ways of taking action.

The third speaker was local man, John Pettigrew, a retired fruit grower who was inaugural Chair of the Environmental Farmers Network and is the organisation’s spokesperson for Water and Climate Change.

John commented on the importance of the encyclical from the perspective of someone who’s been so committed to this cause over many years.

It was a wonderful opportunity to gain insights into Francis’ message for the world as well as understand the local situation.

Hopefully those who attended were inspired to action!

Parish secretaries with Diocesan Business Manager Cameron Fraser and Bishop Les Tomlinson.

THE Chancery hosted the annual Parish Secretaries’ Conference on October 6-7.

The conference opened with prayer and welcome by Bishop Les Tomlinson, before delegates were presented a range of short seminars

on topics including functions of the Chancery staff in business, youth ministry, adult faith education and communications.

Specialist topics included an overview of the Parish Online program, an administration program aimed at assisting parishes, and other

topics such as overseas marriage papers, preparing Confirmation and Eucharist booklets and more, and also a tour of the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

The conference was also an excellent social event and a great opportunity for secretaries to meet and share knowledge.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gi of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23

News

November 2015

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 5

Fr Tony Hill marks milestone Euroa parish joins in thanks for 30 years of priesthood

By Patricia Benedict Euroa

THE parish of St John’s Church, Euroa, joined on Sunday, October 11, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Ordination of Parish Priest, Fr Tony Hill.

Family and friends of Fr Tony travelled from far and wide to be with him on his special day. As did Fr Gerard Johnson, Parish Priest of Keilor Downs, who was part of the group who trained for the Priesthood at the same time as Fr Tony, and who joined in celebrating the Mass.

Rev. Norman Hart of St Paul’s Anglican Church read the Gospel and his participation was appreciated as he had his own responsibilities at St Paul’s that Sunday.

Following the Mass, 120 guests enjoyed a “bring and share” meal of which the meat was cooked to delicious perfection by Xavier Thomson.

Conversation flowed easily and many

fond memories were shared, along with lots of laughter.

Two ladies who had been housekeepers for Fr Tony were also present – Margaret Bourchier has very fond memories of the young priest who she described as “like my own son” whilst at Bright, and Dorothy Ball developed “a real fondness” for the priest during his time at Beechworth. Both ladies maintain regular contact with Fr Tony.

Shane Moloney of the Parish Finance Committee and Therese Hamill of the Parish Pastoral Council both congratulated Fr Tony on behalf of all present and a presentation was made.

In his role as Parish Priest of Euroa, Fr Tony also tends the communities at Avenel, Nagambie, Violet Town and Longwood, all of whom were represented at the luncheon along with visitors from Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat, Melbourne suburbs and Mangalore.

Fr Gerard Johnson of Keilor Downs Parish and Fr Tony Hill leaving Church at the end of Mass celebrating Fr Tony’s 30th Anniversary of Ordination.

Photos by Ellen Doyle

Fr Tony Hill’s family at lunch after Mass.

Programme One 4.00pm 4.15pm

St John's parishioners during Mass.

5.00pm 5.30pm 6.00pm

Welcome – Dr Frances Baker rsm – Deputy Master Next Sunday’s Gospel: some theological and spiritual reflections Rev. Dr Max Vodola – Lecturer in Church History Tour of CTC What can I study at CTC? Study options and courses Dr Rosemary Canavan – Academic Dean Light Refreshments provided

Programme Two 6.00pm 6.30pm 6.45pm 7.15pm 7.45pm

Light Refreshments provided Welcome – Rev. Assoc. Prof. Shane Mackinlay – Master Next Sunday’s Gospel: some theological and spiritual reflections Rev. Dr Max Vodola – Lecturer in Church History Tour of CTC What can I study at CTC? Study options and courses Dr Rosemary Canavan – Academic Dean RSVP by Friday 30 October 2015 Bookings and Information: Jenny Delahunt Phone (03) 9412 3314 or email jenny.delahunt@ctc.edu.au Catholic Theological College, 278 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne 3002 www.ctc.edu.au Cricos: 01037A

Fr Tony Hill with well-wishers leaving Church.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. – Revela on 3:20

News

Page 6 – www.sandpiper.org.au

November 2015

Rosary, song lift Kerang spirits

By Maria Lewis Kerang

A

bright star shone as the Bethlehem Communities Australia Choir visited Kerang last month to take part in a public recitation of the Rosary.

The event was organised following the Legion of Mary meeting in Kerang. Des Doyle received a request through Australia Needs Fatima (a campaign to bring the Fatima Message to every corner of Australia) to conduct a Public Square Rosary, which was held at Atkinson Park, Kerang at 2pm on October 10.

The Rosary is a great way to witness the Catholic faith. It becomes an act of reparation for sins against the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and it is a great way to evangelise to both Catholics and non-Catholics and, best of all, provides multiple graces.

Fr Eugene dela Corte, Legion of Mary spiritual

director, invited the Bethlehem Communities Australia (BCA) Choir, to participate in the Public Square Rosary.

The BCA is a group dedicated to helping the community of Cebu in the Philippines to escape poverty through education. BCA chairman Ron Natale described his experiences of working in the Philippines. Ron had visited Cebu years earlier and was horrified to see young children playing in rubbish dump sites.

He soon started fundraising for a Day Care Centre which soon grew into a primary school and since Ron was a builder by trade, started building houses for the poor.

Now he successfully sponsors university students from Cebu to study and work in Australia and eventually gain citizenship in Australia.

Sherwin Sulla, James Lepon, Jairus Bagio, Sandy Belle Caballero, Pretcel Tampus and Jorephe Johnson were the bright young Filipino stars who sang their way

The Bethlehem Communities Australia Choir sang in Kerang last month. through St Mary’s School, Cohuna, St Patrick’s Parish, Kerang and St Patrick’s Parish, Pyramid Hill only for a gold coin donation!

Brett Johnson (Jo’s husband), Jean Johnson (Brett’s mother) and Mica Tabares (Jo’s sister), Ron and Maria Natale and Bob and Carmela Natole drove these talented singers all the way from Sydney.

Among other items that the choir sang were Ave Maria, Ora Pro Nobis, Gentle Woman and To Mary.

The children delighted in the antics of the choir who got them up and active, ending with their tongues hanging out! Kerang was given a stunning performance with Panis Angelicus being one of the favourites, complete with a

real live show of thunder and lightening in the background.

A CD was available at the end of the night called Tribute to the Lord BCA Singers.

Locally made craft from the Day Care Centre in Cebu, was also sold.

The parishioners in Kerang, Cohuna and Pyramid were not going to be outdone, providing delicious savouries and cakes.

Fr Eugene had a few late nights but woke up in time to cook for his billets. He gave us a resounding rendition of You Raised me Up with the choir in Pyramid Hill who participated in the Mass with their incredible voices.

Thank you to Fr Eugene and to the Parish Council, the choir and all the people who participated in the Public Square Rosary and attended the performances. Thank you for your kind and generous donations.

Diocese wins grant THE Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst has been awarded a $1400 federal Community Heritage Grant to fund collection rehousing and storage.

The grant was announced at the National Library of Australia in Canberra on 27 October, 2015.

This year, grants worth $438,710 have been distributed to 75 community groups and organisations from around Australia to assist in the identification and preservation of community owned but nationally significant heritage collections.

Mr Cameron Fraser said the grant was important in supporting the effort to preserve the diocesan archives at the grassroots level.

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News

November 2015

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 7

Marian Festival draws crowd O

n Sunday October 14, two days before the 98th anniversary of the momentous and miraculous last apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, the annual Marian Festival was celebrated at the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Festival began with the procession of the Diocesan Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima in the entrance procession for the 11am Mass with the main celebrant Bishop Leslie Tomlinson concelebrating with Archbishop Tim Costelloe SDB from Perth and also three other priests including Cathedral Administrator Fr Tony Shallue and Fathers Stephen Bolling and Ashley Caldow.

In the afternoon, about 250 pilgrims were present for the Rosary Procession around the exterior of the Cathedral before re-entering the Cathedral for the crowning of Our Lady’s statue and the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary conducted by Bishop Tomlinson.

The guest speaker was Fr Stephen Bolling who reflected on how, in recent years, he became more drawn to Our Lady and he saw her hand clearly involved in guiding him to the priesthood where, immediately following his ordination, he dedicated his ministry to Our Blessed Mother.

After exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Bishop Tomlinson conducted Benediction to

Bishop Leslie Tomlinson with Fathers Stephen Bolling and Ashley Caldow during the Marian Festival (above) and members of the Knights of the Southern Cross with the procession (right). conclude the festival. During the afternoon there were opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Knights of the Southern Cross offered great assistance during the day with crowd management and organisation generally. Organist and Director of Music John Hogan and the Cathedral Choir Soloist Sarah Gould provided the excellent music for the afternoon program.

The two bus loads of Melbourne visitors as well as dozens of other travellers and locals enjoyed the afternoon tea and the cutting of a cake celebrating the 41st anniversary of Marian festivals arranged by the local branch of the World Apostolate of Fatima who were grateful for the assistance from members and others in catering for the day.

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Providing counselling and family support services for couples, families and individuals throughout the diocese

Feathertop Chalet Harrietville

Appointments/enquiries phone:

Website: www.feathertopchalet.com.au

Bendigo ...................03 5438 1300 Echuca.....................03 5438 1300 Shepparton ..............03 5820 0444

Phone: 03 5759 2688 - Fax: 03 5759 2690 Email: reservations.feathertop@westnet.com.au Address: 22 Bon Accord Track, Harrietville 3741

Interested in finding out more?

x Surgical, medical x Maternity x Cardiac services x Rehabilitation x Rehab gym x Remedial massage x Hydrotherapy pool x Quiet ambience x Luxury private rooms

Please call James Breene Volunteer co-ordinator Ph 5434 3207

x Total care Ph 5434-3434 or Ph 1800 640 240

www.sjog.org.au/bendigo Hospitality Compassion Respect Justice Excellence

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by tes ng you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

Page 8 – www.sandpiper.org.au

News

November 2015 Miggy Podosky talks with guest speaker Odin at Stronger Live.

Alan and Erika Collier (right).

Alan and Erika Collier (right).

Sophie and Georgia Barass perform at Stronger Live.

Photos by David Winter and Daniel Giles

Shep comes alive S

tronger L!VE was hosted for the first time in Shepparton on October 15th at Noble Monks.

The evening was attended by young people from around Sandhurst and Melbourne who gathered for an evening of live music and a sharing by Odin a young man from Shepparton who has lived through mental illness and who shared with those gathered his experiences and encouragement to those who might now be suffering from mental illness. For more information on Stronger Youth Activities follow StrongerYouth or contact Darcy or Mary-Anne www.sym.org.au

News

November 2015

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 9

Retreat ‘revives’ Stronger youth W e are Stronger Youth’ has been the catchcry of the year at the Stronger D Groups and Rallies around Sandhurst.

And it was no different at this year’s Stronger Retreat in Harrietville where over 100 young people gathered for a fun weekend spent exploring their faith, discipleship and learning about the ways they can make faith their own.

The theme for the weekend was “Revive: Behold I will make all things new’. The speakers and workshop presenters were able to break this open in many different ways.

This year’s retreat was the first time workshops had been offered at a Stronger Retreat with seven different workshops offered, allowing young people to choose according to their interests and passions.

There were workshops on Prayer, Pop Culture, How we see God, The Church, Mental Health, Social Justice, and Creative Arts in the Church.

While there were many opportunities for young people to learn about their faith and pray, there were also plenty of opportunities to make new friends and grow in community with an afternoon of games using colour powder.

The Stronger Team wants to thank the many people who have supported us through prayer, encouragement and financial support over the past year.

Elisa Tohi and Alysha Booth enjoy the Stronger Retreat in Harrietville.

Fathers Stephen Bolling and Rob Galea.

More than 100 young people joined at Harrietville for a Stronger Retreat in October.

Photos by David Winter and Daniel Giles

Sandhurst Youth-Led Masses

November 2015 EUROA Saturday, November 7 6pm, St John’s

BENALLA Saturday, November 14 6.30pm, St Joseph’s

SHEPPARTON Saturday, November 14 6pm, St Brendan’s

YARRAWONGA Saturday, November 7 Saturday, November 14 6.30pm, Sacred Heart

BENDIGO Sunday, November 22 6pm, Sacred Heart

GOLDEN SQUARE Saturday, November 21 6pm, St Mary’s

WODONGA Saturday, November 28 6pm, Sacred Heart

EAGLEHAWK Sunday, November 22 10.30am, St Liborius’

Fr Rob Galea, Savahhah Bergamin, Alysha Booth and Hailey Hogan.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.– Psalm 119:105

News

Page 10 – www.sandpiper.org.au

November 2015

Celebrating 1400 years of St Columban Ray Wilson of the Central Victorian Irish Association and member of St Monica’s Community, Kangaroo Flat, reminds us of Irish Saint, St Columban, who died 1400 years ago this month on November 23.

I

grew up in a Catholic family, went to Catholic schools and I had good knowledge of Catholic saints, scholars, social justice teachings and of the many and varied orders of priests, brothers and sisters.

In my teenage years we even had a young curate by the name of Bob Maguire, who, along with my parents, gave me a vision of Catholicism which I retain to this day.

On a shelf in our family kitchen sat a little box which we referred to as the ‘Jacky Mite’ to which we all contributed loose change and knew that Mum regularly sent it off to ‘the Columbans’ – a missionary order founded in 1918.

But I never got to know about ‘Columban’ or ‘Columbanus’ (by which he is known in Europe) until I was in my late middle age, and I know that most people of Catholic origins and Christians generally know nothing of this wonderful man.

He was born in 543AD, Ireland and died in Bobbio, Italy on November 23, 615, – 1400 years ago, and is revered to this day in Europe where there are numerous shrines, towns and mountains named after him.

The expression “totius Europae” – ‘all of Europe’ is attributed to him and Robert Schuman, a founding father of the European union said this of him in 1950 “this illustrious Irishman who left his own country for voluntary exile, willed and achieved a spiritual union between the principal European countries of his time and is the patron saint of all

those who now seek to build a united Europe.”

In the period from the middle of the 5th to the 9th centuries there was a flowering of Celtic monasticism.

During the 6th century successive waves of Huns, Goths and Vandals had sacked the great schools of Europe, following the collapse of the Roman Empire and so began the so-called Dark Age. Thomas Cahill, in his 1995 book How the Irish saved civilization, reveals how Ireland became the land of saints and scholars, enabling the classical and religious texts (and heritage) to be saved via the great monasteries of Clonmacnoise, Clonfert, Kildare, Glendalough and Bangor etc, preserved and then transported Christianity back to continental Europe.

Literally hundreds of Irish monks and priests left for Scotland and Europe.

Enter Columban – handsome, intelligent, scholarly, charismatic, a born leader and so, at 49 years, with a band of supporting monks he left Ireland for France, spreading the Gospels of Jesus Christ.

He and his band are attributed with establishing more than 60 centres of learning (universities) in France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and finally, in Bobbio, Italy, his final resting place.

Maree and I visited Bobbio in May, 2014. It is situated on the Trebbia River in a lovely valley, where an old “bent” Roman bridge and surrounding hills dominate the scene.

The local history of the people of the Trebbia says they were/are a hardy lot who had even resisted the Romans, but were won over by an Irishman

St Columban’s sarcophagus in the basilica in Bobbio that bears his name. and so, Bobbio became a noteable place in the Middle Ages but was eventually sacked by Napoleon, who carried away its treasures.

These same people resisted Mussolini in WW2 and it is astonishing to discover that devotion to “Columbanus” is still alive today.

Columban never forgot his Irish identity. In fact, he is the first Irish person to articulate a sense of what it means to be Irish – via a letter he wrote to Pope Boniface in 613AD when he referred to “We Irish”.

Columban, and Columbans to this day, also had a great reverence for nature “seek no further concerning God; for those who wish to know the great depth (of God) must first learn about creation” and they fully support Laudate Si – Our Common home, the encyclical of Pope Francis in this time of mankind-induced climate change.

Vale of Trebbia and Columbanus statue.

Columbans

(many

Australian) still serve in the following countries: Brazil, Britain, Chile, China, Fiji, Ireland,

Korea,

Myanmar,

Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan and the USA. On a local note, Fr Rom Hayes –the much loved priest of St Kilian’s served with the Columbans in South America

for a dozen or so years and I’m sure this helped shape his priesthood. He is a ‘dinky di’ Irish-Australian

and

proud

of it.

Sullivan outlines challenges of Catholic church

F

rancis Sullivan, CEO of the Catholic Church’s Truth Justice and Healing Council, has given a wide ranging speech to more than 100 guests as part of the Australian Catholic University’s Blackfriars Lecture Series in Canberra.

The October 20 speech highlighted what has been learnt about the way in which Catholic Church institutions have responded to allegations of child sexual abuse over the past two and a half years of Royal Commission public hearings.

It also identifies and addresses some of the cultural issues within the Church which may have been factors contributing to the abuse crisis.

“A very difficult yet vitally important challenge for the Church is the extent to which it is prepared to go when asking why this scandal happened and why it has been handled so poorly,” Mr Sullivan said.

“Many questions will need to be answered before we can expect to have a truly profound understanding about how the Church’s culture impacted on the abuse crisis.”

Mr Sullivan said that within a month the Royal Commission will begin case studies focused on the Catholic Church in Melbourne and in Ballarat.

“While the focus of the Commission has been sharply on our Church, we cannot succumb to the inevitable fatigue these hearings bring to the public consciousness.

“The facts are we are at the very centre of the Royal

Commission because, collectively, the Catholic Church is responsible for more abuse than any other institution in Australia, public or private.

“We are the focus because our history of child sexual abuse is shameful, corrosive and complicit,” Mr Sullivan said.

Read full speech at w w w.tjhcouncil.org.au / media/108219/151020-ACUBlackfriers-speech-FrancisSullivanCEO-TJHC.pdf

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all crea on, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. –Romans 8:38-39

November 2015

Larks sing the blues for Caritas

By Julie Price Nagambie

On Sunday, October 4, the sounds of Gospel Blues resounded from MacKillop Hall in Nagambie.

Many locals and visitors came along to hear the Nagambie Lakeside Larks present their latest set of songs, while supporting a worthy cause. $555 was raised for the work of Caritas with the people of Syria, which was a great effort.

The afternoon began with a community prayer

for the people of Syria, and was followed by a set of Gospel Blues, some traditional, some more recent, but all emotionally stirring.

A wonderful array of soup and sandwiches was provided and enjoyed over a chat and a laugh.

Then there was more singing, followed by a cuppa and sweet treats.

I would like to thank all those who supported the afternoon –especially the Nagambie Lakeside Larks, who willingly give up their time to sing at these events; those who

News

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 11

provided food, cleaned up and packed up.

Afternoons like this could not be a success without you! Thank you to the many people who came along to be entertained, we do hope you enjoyed the music and fellowship. Your kind donations are also appreciated.

The Larks will now begin in earnest to practise for Songs of Hope – scheduled for Pictured are members of the Nagambie Lakeside Larks, some of whom double as members of the choir at St. Malachy's Church.

November 22.

St Malachy’s repair fund gets a boost

By Julie Price Nagambie

St Malachy’s Church in Nagambie is cracking up!

There were plenty of keen participants of the fund-raiser for at Malachys at the Royal Mail Hotel.

Major repairs are needed, so the fund-raising has begun in earnest.

Thanks to the generosity of Paul and Emilia at the Royal Mail Hotel, St Malachy's Parish were able to raise some money to go towards the much needed repair funds.

“The Local Jamm” is such a fun way to host a fund-raiser! Music, music music, friendship, sizzling sausages, drinks and cuppas. What more could anyone want on a wintery afternoon? The sun was shining outside, the fire roaring inside. Thank you to all the parishioners who helped out on the day, with food or raffle selling.

Thank you to the Lakeside Larks who happily performed some of their Gospel Blues songs. Also the NUF group (Nagambie Ukelele Fraternity) who gave up their time to come along.

Marnie Fothergill as always sounded like an angel, and we had a

surprise visit from the Sampson Clan who entertained as well.

Legendary George Pianta sang some golden oldies and Alan Plant alongside Des Phelan accompanied us all with the snare drum and double bass.

A beautiful original painting by renowned Echuca artist MaryAnn Jenkins is being raffled at present, and will be drawn on Fathers’ Day.

>> Catholic Social Teaching

Business and Catholic Social Teaching Executive Director at Catholic Social Services Victoria Denis Fitzgerald highlights how business must promote profit and the dignity and worth of people

P

ope Francis has used strong language in describing some of the excesses of capitalism.

For example, in a speech in Bolivia in July this year, the Pope spoke about the underlying causes of environmental and other problems faced by poor and indigenous peoples: behind all this pain, death and destruction there is the stench of what Basil of Caesarea called “the dung of the devil”. An unfettered pursuit of money rules. The service of the common good is left behind.

On the basis of such expressions, some commentators have labelled the Pope as anti-business, but a broader perspective shows that such a label is not accurate.

In fact, Pope Francis has regularly supported the long-standing teaching of the Church on business, namely, that businesses have a central role in society, because they provide employment, goods for use, and other benefits.

However, they must be conducted so as to advance the good of the whole society and the people who are part of their

business, as well as the financial success of the enterprise.

Similarly, profit is also good – without it there wouldn’t be the innovation and the businesses providing employment or goods for use, etc. But profit alone is not sufficient, and the dignity and worth of the people involved must be promoted as well.

Pope Francis regularly builds this teaching into his speeches, and his analysis of economics and the environment.

For example, in his 2015 Encyclical Laudato Si’ – On the Care of our Common Home,: Business is a noble vocation, directed to producing wealth and improving the world. It can be a fruitful source of prosperity for the area in which it operates, especially if it sees the creation of

jobs as an essential part of its service to the common good.

As always, caveats apply. This paragraph was preceded by warnings about how business can stray from its higher calling: for example, multinationals sometimes act less responsibly overseas than at home; and ‘the limited interests of business and dubious economic reasoning’ can fail to prioritise access to steady employment.

But that doesn’t detract from the positive role that business and profit can play.

So, if Pope Francis one day comes up with a catchy phrase that catapults his teaching about business into the public spotlight, it won’t be the teaching that is new, but the attention that others have paid to it.

“Lord Jesus, when you died on the cross you took all that weighs me down. At this very moment I come before you. You know what is troubling me. I want to put all of this at the foot of your cross. In return I pray that you touch my heart which is hur ng and make me experience your touch and healing.” Bishop Joe Grech.

Special Feature

November 2015

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 12-13

Bishop Les Tomlinson blesses the statue of St Mary of the Cross MacKIllop with Monica Gilroy assisting while Fathers Michael Grace and Fr Frank Jones look on.

Senior students Jordyn Commadeur, Georgia Carkeek and Monica Gilroy enjoy the family day activities.

S

125 years of St Joseph’s

t Joseph’s, Numurkah, celebrated its 125th anniversary in fine style last month.

song as well as presenting an historical presentation of the 125 years.

Saturday began at 11am with Mass celebrated by Bishop Les Tomlinson, Parish Priest Fr Michael Grace as well as Fr Frank Jones and Fr Chris Reay.

The backdrop was the spectacular wall mural created by Artist Terry Jarvis through the week in leading up to this.

The school also welcomed local Parliamentary members the Hon. Dr Sharman Stone and the Hon. Wendy Lovell, as well as over 20 Josephite Sisters in what was glorious sunshine.

A congregation of around 500 gave thanks for the 125 years of service to the Numurkah community.

All then walked as one to the nearby Mary MacKillop Garden to enjoy the recently completed Labyrinth, Memorial Garden, MacKillop Walk and especially to view and bless the unique sculpture of Saint Mary herself.

A walk then led the crowd to the site of the 1990 Time Capsule, buried deep in the school gardens.

Students from the day, Ben Ruscoe, Leah Laidlaw and Glen Atkinson extracted the capsule and found a perfectly preserved collection of memorabilia, letters and assorted items from the day.

Lunch followed but that wasn’t the end of it. The Student Art Show was opened and the Historical Display was laid out for all to peruse.

Evening time came and so did the Gala Dinner Dance.

The revellers enjoyed fine food and drink and live music late into the night.

And finally, Sunday morning brought the Parish back together to give thanks and once again enjoy all on offer through the school.

It couldn’t be said that St Joseph’s Numurkah didn’t celebrate its 125th Anniversary in fine style, quite a hard act to follow in 2040!

Duggan, Bavesha Krishnankutty and Alice Trimble enjoy Mini Golf as part of our Family Day Activities.

Over the three days of October 16-18, the school, parish and town community joined in recognising this significant milestone.

On the Friday, the school enjoyed a tremendous day of Family Fun with jumping castles, visiting performers, face painting, the St Mary’s Nathalia School Band, mini golf, disco and biscuit decorating with a Pizza and Ice-Cream lunch thrown in.

The afternoon saw a more formal gathering as the school welcomed Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst Mr Paul Desmond and Leader of the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s Victoria and Tasmania, Sr Kerrie Cussack along with other Josephite Sisters.

The Senior School Students led the 300-strong crowd in prayer and

Bishop Les Tomlinson, Hon. Dr Sharman Stone and the Hon. Wendy Lovell with Fr Michael Grace.

Principal Paul Arnel directs 1990 School Captain Glen Atkinson to the site of the 25 year Time Capsule.

Mona Kelly enjoys a Cuppa. Mona is our oldest living St Joseph’s graduate.

The 125th Anniversary Mass celebrated by Bishop Les Tomlinson along with Fr Frank Jones, Fr Chris Reay and Fr Michael Grace in front of the school’s new mural.

Terry Jarvis, Sr Mary Davis, Sr Anne Porter (ex-St Joseph’s Principal ), Paul Desmond, Sr Kerrie Cusack, Paul Arnel and Sr Janet Nolan with students Pasandi Sooriarachchi, James Kam, Olivia Plum and Bailey Roberts.

Jumping Castles and Hoola Hoops were prime attractions at our Family Friday.

News

Page 14 – www.sandpiper.org.au

November 2015

St Monica’s gets creative AS part of the beautification and development of Saint Monica’s, Kangaroo Flat, all students have travelled to Bendigo Pottery where they have made and The boys in the picture are Ryan Simpson and Joe Pitman. designed their own individual clay cross.

Music on show at SH Corryong

By Joyce Dinan Sacred Heart, Corryong

SACRED Heart students staged a spectacular performance of the musical Music at the Memorial Hall.

The history of music was told through song and dance from the first rhythmic beats in prehistoric times, through to contemporary hip hop.

The argument amongst the instruments, the scientific explanation of sound and the stunning performance of scales and arpeggios by younger students combined

in a stage extravaganza to be remembered. Class groups performed a range of musical styles with the whole-school rendition of the theme song Music, resonating throughout the hall as the curtains closed.

Thank you to all of the families who supported the Production in so many ways, and special acknowledgement to Greg Nankervis for the sound, and Carley Cleven for her co-ordination. The Production exploded with joy, and was a celebration of community at its best.

The crosses were painted by each student here at Saint Monica’s then returned to be fired and glazed.

Once completed, the crosses will be mounted on the outside wall of the school on High Street to form one large cross.

This will symbolise our faith and community spirit at Saint Monica’s.

Sr Maureen Healy, a Mercy nun who now lives in Wilcannia, NSW, heard about the Cross Project and called into school just in time to paint her very own cross.

Students also really enjoyed the experience. Here’s what some had to say: “On Tuesday I went to the Bendigo Pottery and I made things out of clay. I went on

Michael Pangrazio, Sr Maureen Healy and Clancy Richardson. a tour and I saw an old truck and I went into a kiln to watch a video. It was fun..” – Leila Prep A. “Last Tuesday we went to the Bendigo Pottery. We went there because we had to make patterns on crosses for the blank wall facing KFC. It was really fun because we also got to do clay play.” – Claire 1/2 C.

“On Monday the 31st of August all the 3/4 Unit went to the Bendigo Pottery for an excursion. We got to see how to make patterns and designs on many different clay ornaments. We got to go into a museum in the Pottery where they taught us historical things about pottery. In the end we all got to make crosses and paint them.” – Taylah and Charlotte 3/4 K.

“The Senior Unit went to the pottery to make clay crosses. We used a template to cut out our crosses and while we let them dry we did clay play. We are making the crosses so they can be fired, painted, glazed and then put outside Mr O’Brien’s classroom. The little crosses will form one big cross that anyone on High St will see” – Sophie 5/6 H.

Bridie Armstrong, Elise Zorzutti, Sarah Folan, Jacinta Van Hoorn, Sophie O’Sullivan Year 12 group with their prayer partners

Dress up day fun at Myrtleford F

riday, October 16, was a special day for Marian College Myrtleford when Year 12 students held their traditional Dress-Up Day with the theme of ‘What I want to be when I grow up’. Their dreams of being superheroes, cartoon characters and movie legends may not come true in reality, but they did at least for one day. The rest of the school joined in the fun of the day too. On the same day the students hosted their Prayer Partners for a special morning tea to acknowledge and thank them for their support this year. Members of St Mary’s Parish were partnered with a Year 12 student for the year. They have shared time, thought and Mr Adrian Fin, Andrew McCormick, David prayer throughout the year.

Rinaldo, Mrs Lena Fin

“Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing to sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemp on. Get rid of all bi erness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ.” – Ephesians 4:29

News

November 2015

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 15

Farewell, Mons Long

‘We thank God for his life and ministry, for faith, joy, and for those days of Grace’

(Adapted from words on a holy card celebrating Mons Bryan’s ordination to the Priesthood in 1953).

M Bendigo.

ons Bryan Long died very early on Monday, October 12, at Bentley Aged Care,

In 2013 Mons Bryan Long celebrated his Diamond Jubilee of Priesthood.

Following his ordination to the Priesthood on July 26, 1953 he served as Assistant Priest in the Parishes of Numurka, Elmore and Benalla before being appointed Parish Priest successively in the parishes of Tallangatta, Cobram and White Hills. In January, 1980 he was appointed Administrator of St Kilian’s and in April, 1980 he was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Sandhurst.

In November of the same year he was appointed a Prelate of Honour by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. He served as a Diocesan Consultor, a Trustee of the Roman Catholic Trusts’ Corporation and Chaplain to the Catholic Women’s League.

His Vigil Mass was held at St Kilian’s Church at 7pm Tuesday, October 20.

Bishop of Sandhurst Leslie Tomlinson celebrated his Requiem Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, at 11am on Wednesday,

Monsignor Bryan Long 24/11/1928 – 12/10/2015 October 21, which was followed by his burial in the Bendigo Cemetery.

Mons Long’s nephew and rector of St Charles’ Seminary, Guildford, WA, Monsignor Kevin Long, read the homily at his Requiem Mass.

He described his uncle as a “dearly loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle, relative and friend, but above all for each of us, a holy and faithful priest of the Diocese of Sandhurst”.

Mons Kevin Long spoke of the impact his uncle had on his family to the families he ministered to.

“We, his family and brethren, witnessed Bryan’s uncomplicated and deep faith, gently but firmly, pointing us towards the Resurrection. His presence made real for us those words we have just heard from St John’s Gospel: All that the

Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me, I shall not turn away.

He also drew attention to his uncle’s faithfulness to the Church throughout the modernising changes to the Catholic faith during the Second Vatican Council.

“Throughout all the trauma and signs of real life since Vatican II, Bryan Long remained faithful to his sharing in Christ’s priesthood,” he said.

“He was, and shall remain for me, as I am sure he will for you, a man of profound prayer, priestly devotion and absolute integrity. His breviaries are ragged and worn. His Rosary beads tarnished and often repaired. His diary full of obligations.”

The full homily can be read online at www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au

Bryan Maurice Long

•

•

• •

•

• • • • •

•

Born November 24, 1928 Youngest of seven boys and one girl.

Born to James and Mary Long who lived at Knowsley.

Primary School education to Merit standard at Knowsley State School.

Secondary Education, boarded at St Patrick’s College Ballarat 194245, Matriculated.

Entered Corpus Christi College Werribee in March 1946 to study for the priesthood.

Ordained priest by Bishop Bernard Stewart in St Mary’s Church, Heathcote, on Sunday, July 26, 1953.

First Mass in the same Church on Monday July 27, 1953.

Appointments • • • • • •

•

•

Numurkah - December 1953 August 1956 St Kilian’s Bendigo - September 1956 - August 1963 Chaplain to Bendigo Base Hospital Chaplain to Bendigo Benevolent Home Chaplain to several YCW leaders groups As Diocesan Chaplain to YCW attended national YCW Conferences in Hobart, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth Was absent from Australia from March 1963 to August 1963 as he went overseas to return as a Migrant Chaplain on the Migrant ship Castel Felice. Voyage to Australia took from June 24 to July 29, 1963.

On returning to Bendigo was transferred to St Therese’s Parish (Bendigo) Kennington.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

St Therese’s Kennington August 1963 to August 1965 Transferred to St Joseph’s Parish Benalla in August 1965 St Joseph’s Parish Benalla 1965 - 1971 Assistant Priest 1965 until January 1970 Became Administrator of Parish until retired Parish Priest Monsignor T Awburn died in 1971 Tallangatta January 1971 January 1976 Appointed Parish Priest of Tallangatta Parish in January 1971 Dartmouth Dam (50 miles from Tallangatta) was being built at this time.

St Joseph’s Cobram January 1976 - January 1979 Parish Priest of Cobram Holy Rosary Parish White Hills January 1979 – January 1980 Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Parish White Hills for one year St Kilian’s Parish Bendigo January 1980 - February 2003 January 1980 appointed as Administrator of St Kilian’s Parish Bendigo.

Remained Administrator until retirement in February this year (2003) Appointed Vicar General of Diocese in 1980. Remained as Vicar General until mid 1990s.

Appointed Monsignor in 1980.

Was Diocesan Consultor for several years.

Was member of Diocesan Council of Priest for several years.

During 23 years at St Kilian’s •

Administered Parish in that time New buildings were provided for St Peter’s Primary School and improvements were made to St Kilian’s Primary School.

• •

•

•

•

Catholic Ladies Club became Diocesan headquarters for the Catholic Education Office.

Some improvements were made to St Kilian’s, Presbytery.

When Marist Brothers College and St Mary’s College amalgamated in 1983 to become Catholic College Bendigo, Monsignor Long was Chairman of Governors Council of Catholic College Bendigo for 20 years until retiring in 2003.

When Marist Brother Campus became available for development, the following developments took place. A new monastery was built for the Marist Brothers community. The old Marist Brothers Monastery was refurbished and developed to become the Diocesan Chancery. A new building was provided to provide suitable counselling rooms for CatholicCare. Rooms were made available for Marist Brothers Band and for Knights of the Southern Cross. Rooms were developed to become St. Kilian’s Parish Centre.

These are used by St. Kilian’s Community Care and many other organisations.

Some further administration buildings on the Old Marist Brothers College site have been made available free of charge to an organisation which helps the unemployed and under privileged.

A major undertaking was the complete restoration of the historic St Kilian’s Church. Built as a temporary Church in 1888 this Church is classified by the National Trust.

The restoration of St. Kilian’s Church was probably the best achievement during Monsignor Long’s time as Administrator of St. Kilians Parish Bendigo.

Mons Long, front left, with his six brothers and one sister.

An honour guard of Diocesan priests sing Salve Regina.

Mons Long’s nephew, Mons Kevin Long, blesses the coffin during the Requiem Mass.

Fr Andrew Fewings (above) places the Gospel, and Fr Vin Walsh (below) places the Chalice as symbols of life.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlas ng God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow red or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. – Isaiah 40:28

Adult Faith

Page 16 – www.sandpiper.org.au

November 2015

The parish – An oasis of Mercy

P

ope Francis’ vision for a worldwide Holy Year of Mercy, beginning on December 8, brings inspiration, challenge and encouragement for parishes.

He formally outlined his vision in a document called a ‘bull of indication’, Misericordiae Vultus, presented in April this year. In it, we find important themes continuing on from Pope Francis’ The Joy of the Gospel, Evangelii Gaudium, published in 2013.

Pope Francis reminds us we are called to be disciples and missionaries: “Being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any place: on the street, in a city square, during work, on a journey.” (EG 127). For each one of us, he writes, “I am a mission on this earth; that is the reason why I am here in this world… sealed, even branded, by this mission of bringing light, blessing, enlivening, raising up, healing and freeing.”

(EG 273) We must have a special care for the poor, the disadvantaged, those on the margins of our communities for whatever reason: “there is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor. May we never abandon them.”

(EG 48) Every person is worthy of our attention and our giving. They are “God’s handiwork, his creation…the object of

God’s infinite tenderness, and he himself is present in their lives.” (EG 274) Every parish, therefore, is called to be the local Church of welcome and mercy, a place where people can come “with all their problems”: “Everyone can share in some way in the life of the Church; everyone can be part of the community.”

(EG 47) God’s mercy is “a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace” and when we look at Jesus we see it clearly.

(MV 1,2) Everything about Jesus Christ speaks of mercy and compassion.

He reaches out to sinners, the poor, the marginalised, the sick and the suffering.

Stories of the lost sheep, lost coin, and Father with two sons tell us a lot about mercy (Luke 15:1-32, MV 8,9).

God wants us to be merciful people. Pope Francis invites us to refocus on the ‘Works of Mercy’ based on Jesus’ ministry. (MV15) In this Year of Mercy, we will feature reflections on these ‘Works of Mercy’ (listed on this page).

In fact, the Church’s credibility depends on how her members show merciful and compassionate love. (MV10) She must be “a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.” (EG 114) This means accompanying people on life’s journey, with mercy and patience, recognising God’s love at work in every person, and celebrating small steps forward, especially if they

are taken in the midst of great difficulties. (EG 44) In this Holy Year of Mercy, Pope Francis wants us to open our hearts anew to those living on the outermost fringes of society.

(MV 15) “Let us open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help!

May we reach out to them and support them so they can feel the warmth of our presence, our friendship, and our fraternity!

May their cry become our own.” (MV 15) Pope Francis is famous for many things, not least for these powerful words: “I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security…” (EG 48) “…my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: “Give them something to eat” (Mk 6:37). (EG 48) To find out more about the international Year of Mercy go to: www.iubilaeummisericordiae.va/ Lyn Breen, Adult Faith Education Sandhurst

‘To Do’ List: • Listen To The Word Of God – Rediscover the value of silence and meditation on God’s Word in Scripture. This is a way to be in touch with God’s mercy so that we can make it our lifestyle. (MV 12)

Corporal Works of Mercy

Spiritual Works of Mercy (MV 15)

• • • • • • •

• • • • • •

to feed the hungry give drink to the thirsty clothe the naked welcome the stranger heal the sick visit the imprisoned bury the dead

• Have Compassion – Do not judge, do not condemn, forgive (MV 14)

to counsel the doubtful instruct the ignorant admonish sinners comfort the afflicted forgive offences bear patiently those who do us ill • pray for the living and the dead

Year of Mercy Calendar December 2015 Merciful like the Father (Year of Mercy motto) Tuesday, December 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome.

“Holy Door…a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instils hope.”

Oscar Andrés Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga SDB (Honduras) Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez SDB of Honduras — friend and promoter of the cause of Blessed Oscar Romero, former President of Caritas International, former President of the Latin American and Central American Bishop’s Conference and coordinator of Pope Francis’ G9 group of cardinals for the reform of the Church — will speak publicly about Blessed Oscar Romero in the Sandhurst Diocese:

From Romero to Francis: The Joy and the Tensions of Becoming a Poor Church with the Poor.

Thursday 26 November 7.30 – 9.00 pm St Mel’s Hall, Hamilton St, Shepparton South.

Cost: Donation – gold coin. Bookings: (03) 5441 2544 or email adultfaith@sandhurst.catholic.org.au

Sunday, December 13 3rd Sunday of Advent Opening of Holy Door of the Basilica of St John Lateran and Cathedrals of the world.

Opening of a Door of Mercy at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo “on the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council.

The Church feels a great need to keep this event alive.”

“Jubilee will be celebrated both in Rome and…

Particular Churches…visible sign of the Church’s universal communion.”

Registrations open REGISTRATIONS for World Youth Day are now open. The Diocese of Sandhurst as part of the Victorian Project is offering four pilgrimage options to Krakow.

While registrations will remain open until next March spots are limited, and there are only a limited number of places left in the John Paul II Trail.

John Paul II has always held a special place in the hearts of the young people of the Church today. He is the Pope who has been instrumental in bringing

the Church and an experience of its richness to the world through the World Youth Day gatherings.

He also has an incredible legacy not only as a teacher, but also as someone who fought for justice and truth throughout his whole life.

The John Paul II Trail pilgrimage will visit key places connected with John Paul in Poland as well as visiting Rome and Assisi in a pilgrimage to truly experience the heart and legacy of John Paul the Great.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity. 18 And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. – James 3:17-18

News

November 2015

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 17

Pope concludes synod on family

By Ann Schneible CNA/EWTN

POPE Francis officially brought the Synod on the Family to a close on October 25, at Mass in St Peter’s, warning against a “spirituality of illusion,” and reminding pastors of their duty to accompany the faithful and be bearers of God’s mercy especially in times of suffering and conflict.

“Jesus’ disciples are called to this, even today, especially today: to bring people into contact with the compassionate Mercy that saves,” he said.

“Moments of suffering and conflict are for God occasions of mercy. Today is a time of mercy!”

This year’s Synod on the Family, which ran from October 4-25, is the second and larger of two such gatherings to take place in the course of a year.

Like its 2014 precursor, the focus of the 2015 Synod of Bishops will be the family, this time with the theme The vocation and mission of the family in the Church and the modern world.

Pope Francis centred his reflection on the day’s Mass readings which, he said, demonstrate God’s compassion

and fatherhood as “definitively revealed in Jesus.”

The day’s first reading from Jeremiah depicts the prophet Jeremiah declaring that “the Lord has saved” the people of Israel who have been “deported by their enemies” because “he is their Father.”

“His fatherhood opens up for them a path forward, a way of consolation after so many tears and great sadness,” the Pope said.

So long as the people persevere in their fidelity and in seeking God, despite being in a foreign land, “God will change their captivity into freedom, their solitude into communion.”

Pope Francis turned to the day’s Psalm, reflecting on the difficulties and joys by pastors in their work.

“A believer is someone who has experienced God’s salvific action in his life,” he said. “We pastors have experienced what it means to sow with difficulty, at times in tears, and to rejoice for the grace of a harvest which is beyond our strength and capacity.”

The Pope then turned to the second reading taken from the Letter of the Hebrews, which demonstrates Jesus’ compassion, leading him to take on all human weaknesses and temptations save sin.

“For this reason he is the mediator of the new and

definitive covenant which brings us salvation.”

Pope Francis turned to the Gospel reading from Mark which depicts the healing of the blind man, Bartimaeus, a passage which he said links back to the first reading from Jeremiah.

“As the people of Israel were freed thanks to God’s fatherhood, so too Bartimaeus is freed thanks to Jesus’ compassion,” the Pope said.

As the story recounts, Jesus had left Jericho on his way to Jerusalem when he responded to the Bartimaeus who was begging. The Pope observed that rather than offering the blind man alms, he sought to encounter him, asking: “What do you want me to do for you?”

Although “it might seem a senseless question: what could a blind man wish for if not his sight?” Pope Francis said, it indicates Jesus’ desire “to hear our needs.”

“He wants to talk with each of us about our lives, our real situations, so that nothing is kept from him.”

The Pope observed Jesus’ confidence in Bartimaeus and admiration for his faith.

“He believes in us, more than we believe in ourselves.”

Pope Francis observed how the disciples, having been sent

by Jesus to call Bartimaeus, say to him “Take heart!” and then “Rise” – expressions only

used by Jesus in the rest of the Gospel.

“Indeed, only an encounter with Jesus gives a person the strength to face the most difficult situations,” the Pope said.

The Pope said it is the disciples’ duty to lead people to Jesus in a way that is encouraging and liberating.

Pope Francis went on to warn against two specific temptations to which Jesus’ followers are susceptible. He refers to the fi rst of these as a “spirituality of illusion,” whereby we walk alongside Jesus, but to avoid being bothered with the problems of others.

“We can walk through the deserts of humanity without seeing what is really there; instead, we see what we want to see. We are capable of developing views of the world, but we do not accept what the Lord places before our eyes.”

“A faith that does not know how to root itself in the life of people remains arid and, rather than oases, creates other deserts.”

Under this first temptation, we do not think like Jesus, despite being with him the Pope said. “Our hearts are not open. We lose wonder, gratitude and enthusiasm, and risk becoming habitually unmoved by grace.”

“We are able to speak about him and work for him, but we

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live far from his heart, which is reaching out to those who are wounded.”

The second temptation is what Pope Francis refers to as a “scheduled faith,” whereby we walk with God’s people but follow our own agenda for the journey, expecting others to “respect our rhythm,” and being bothered by every problem.

The Pope observed that this temptation makes us like the “many” people in the Gospel who “lose patience and rebuke Bartimaeus, with the mindset: “whoever bothers us or is not of our stature is excluded.”

“Jesus, on the other hand, wants to include, above all those kept on the fringes who are crying out to him,” he said.

The Pope concluded by thanking the Synod Fathers for their participation in the three-week gathering, which officially concluded Sunday.

“Thank you for the path we have shared with our eyes fixed on Jesus and our brothers and sisters, in the search for the paths which the Gospel indicates for our times so that we can proclaim the mystery of family love,” he said.

He called for us to follow the path the Lord wants us to follow, asking “him to turn to us with his healing and saving gaze, which knows how to radiate light, as it recalls the

splendour which illuminates it.”

“Never allowing ourselves to be tarnished by pessimism or sin, let us seek and look upon the glory of God, which shines forth in men and women who are fully alive.”

After the conclusion of Mass, Pope Francis delivered his weekly Angelus address from the Papal palace overlooking a St. Peter’s Square which was overflowing with pilgrims.

Here, he continued his reflection on the Synod, which means “to walk together.” The Pope said that God himself is “the first to desire to walk together with us, to make a ‘synod’ with us.”

He added that his “dream” was to establish a people which did not exclude the poor, the disadvantaged, or the elderly, but rather is a “family of families,” where “those who struggle are not marginalized, are not left behind.”

Jesus offers an example of such families, the Pope added: “He was made poor with the poor, little with the little, the last among the last.”

Pope Francis added that Jesus did not become this way to exclude the rich, the great, and those who are fi rst, but rather the reverse: “This is the only way of saving even them.”

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World News

Page 18 – www.sandpiper.org.au

November 2015

Returning to their forefathers’ faith KOSOVO

By Magda Kaczmarek and Esther Gaitan-Fuertes

On occasion of the Conference Help for the little flock: looking to the future together, organised by the Catholic Church in Kosovo from September 28-30 in Pristina, Magda Kaczmarek, head of Aid to the Church in Need’s project department for Eastern Europe, has visited this partially recognised state.

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008.

Mrs Kaczmarek met some members of its very small Christian minority.

She was especially impressed by the testimonies of the socalled Crypto-Catholics in Kosovo.

“For some years now, the phenomenon of the Crypto-Catholics – people whose roots are not in Islam but in Christianity although they are officially considered Muslim – has become increasingly noticeable in Kosovo,” Mrs Kaczmarek remarked.

In the 16th century the Turks forced this region’s population to convert to Islam.

Bishop Dodë Gjergji baptising an adult women at the Easter service in the Mother Teresa cathedral in Pristina. © Aid to the Church in Need The majority took the new population is Muslim. Cryptoreligion for fear of being dis- Catholics have realised that their criminated but in their hearts forefathers were Christian and they remained Christian. now they wish to go back to their Many lived in the region of Rugova, where the former Christian roots.

“The number is growing, for president of Kosovo, Ibrahim Rugova, came from. It is well example, Kosovo’s capital, Prisknown he was baptised shortly tina, is a students’ city and Mass before his death. He gave a plot is celebrated for these students of land in Pristina’s city centre every Tuesday. The Church as a gift to Bishop Gjergji to expects these young people to build the new Co-Cathedral of spread their faith in their close Saint Mother Theresa.

Around 50,000 Catholics live circles and later on to their famiin Kosovo. The majority of the lies”, explained Mrs Kaczmarek.

Cameroon

Sandpiper

A priest in the Andes annointing the sick

The Archbishop of Erbil, Bashar Warda with some workers displaced from Qarakosh at the building site in Erbil where the new school will be built. © Aid to the Church in Need

Housing help for Iraqi refugees IRAQ

By Oliver Maksan

MORE than a year after having fled and been driven out by the terrorist militia “Islamic State”, Christians in Iraq no longer harbour the hope that they will be able to return to their homes anytime soon.

This is what the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Erbil, Bashar Matti Warda, said during a recent visit to the head office of the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

“The people are not fooling themselves by believing that the occupied regions can quickly be liberated. In the meantime, we as the Church are trying to make it possible for them to stay in Iraq. When the people see the efforts the Church is making on their behalf, they think twice about leaving.”

In the summer of last year, more than 125,000 Christians fled to the autonomous Kurdish regions of Iraq after IS advanced into Mosul and the Nineveh Plains. The majority continue to live there as refugees.

In the meantime, Archbishop Warda has observed a considerable exodus of Christians from Iraq.

“Last year we had 13,500 registered Christian refugee families in our archdiocese. Now there are only about 10,000 left. This means that more than 3000 families have left Iraq.”

News of the stream of refugees from the Middle East to Europe has long since made the rounds among Iraqi Christians.

“We feel the effects of this development in Europe acutely. Of course the people find out about this and believe that the gateway to Europe is now wide open.”

However, the bishop said that up until now he has yet to notice an acceleration in the emigration from Iraq due to the events in Europe.

“However, of course it does not make our work convincing the people to stay any easier.”

According to Archbishop Warda, the main concern of the Church is to offer humanitarian as well as

pastoral aid. “Thanks to our partners, the humanitarian situation has in the meantime been stabilised. No one has to live in tents anymore, as they did last year. The majority are now living in caravans or in flats we have rented.

Furthermore, with the help of Aid to the Church in Need, we were able to get eight schools up and running so that today, there are practically no children who are not receiving lessons.

Naturally, things looked a lot different last year. Finally, our supply network for food is now running smoothly. Each family receives a packet from us each month.” However, the archbishop believes that more Christians will leave the country should the support from outside of the country wane.

The archbishop emphasised that next to humanitarian aid, pastoral care plays a decisive role. “Just recently we held a Festival of Faith.

1200 people took part. I was deeply moved by the stories the people told.

Many young people spoke of the darkness they had been forced to pass through. After all, when they fled, they not only lost their homes, but also their hopes, joy, trust and dreams. However, when they saw that the Church was with them, that priests and nuns stood by them, they took courage once more. Their faith returned. They may no longer have a house, but at least they have a living faith.”

However, despite this Archbishop Warda is certain that the number of Christians in Iraq will further decline. “The situation is dire. We as the Church are doing what we can.

However, I believe that, in the long term, it will be decisive that those that stay have a mission. We Christians of Iraq belong to this land. It is our job to build bridges, to live Christian values.

It is my dream to also pray the Lord’s Prayer together with nonChristians. After all, this would be easy to do. What is decisive, however, is living it. The message of the Lord’s Prayer is that God’s love is for all people.”

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all crea on, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. –Romans 8:38-39

World News

November 2015

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 19

Refit brings boat back into action BRAZIL

By Rodrigo Arantes

“You have to get used to the distances”, he says. This was one of the first lessons that Father Pedro Paulo Schewior had to learn when he first came to Tefe, a town in the Amazon region of Brazil (Amazonas State), situated over 500km from Manaus.

And by this he means not only the distance from his family and all the other things he left behind him, 20 years ago in his native Poland, but above all the vast distances he still has to cover in his missionary work in this region – distances that sometimes mean spending days on end in his boat when travelling from one centre to another.

Out of the 27 years he has been a priest, Father Pedro has devoted the great majority to his mission in Brazil – 11 of them in the state of Goiás and nine more here among the riverside communities of Tefé.

The immense difficulties he encounters neither discourage him nor diminish the certainty of his missionary vocation. It is a vocation he attributes entirely to the influence of his mother, who taught him to pray for the missionaries while he was still a young boy.

Without realising it she was awakening, little by little, in his heart the desire not merely to pray but to

Father Pedro at his boat with Raimundo Menezes, a leader of the Ribeirinhos at the community Santo Antonio de Ipapucu (above) and .on his boat (inset). © Aid to the Church in Need become a missionary himself for the world. His desire to carry the Word of God to other peoples could no longer be contained within the frontiers of his own country – and so it was necessary to “put out into the deep”(Lk 5:4).

And indeed, it has been precisely across the waters that Father Pedro has travelled, with such great

dedication, in pursuing his mission among the people of Amazonia.

Thanks to the financial help of the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) he has been able to repair and refit his boat, the Zé Bezerra, which is for him a most vital tool of his missionary work.

Thanks to the improvements he has been able to make to this boat, he can

now shorten his journey times and so be able to spend more time with his people. In fact, as a result of his great devotion and his frequent visits, he has succeeded in bringing about a situation in which in some communities the Catholic population has reached an impressive 100%.

One of these, the community of San Antonio de Ipapucu, has become a model of community life, following the example of the apostles, when “no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common...”

(Acts 4:32).

All the people help one another mutually in their work on the plantations, above all when one of them falls sick. In addition to this, they have planted a community orchard and formed collectives for every type of work – needless to say, without

Fr Jacques escapes ISIS after six months’ captivity SYRIA

By John Pontifex

FATHER Jacques Mourad has told how he escaped Daesh (ISIS) in Syria with the help of a friend whose family had been helped by the priest’s programme of aid to the poor and disadvantaged.

Speaking out after nearly six months in the hands of the Islamist terror group, Fr Mourad said that with the help of the friend he had escaped Daesh-held Qaratayn on the back of a motorbike disguised as an Islamist fighter.

The friend – who had links with Daesh – had told Fr Mourad he was impressed by the priest’s humanitarian relief work in Qaratayn – food, shelter and medicine – funded by charities including Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Fr Mourad said: “What ACN has done to help us has played a great role in setting me free”.

Fr Mourad, whose outreach to Muslims led him to be known as ‘Sheikh Jacques’, said that when Qaratayn’s water supplies were cut off he helped build a reservoir with the help of ACN. He said he was convinced that this help had caused the militants to show leniency towards 150 Christians held hostage by Daesh in Qaratayn.

Speaking by telephone from Syria, Fr Mourad said: “The help of people such as you at ACN has helped protect the Christians in the hands of Daesh.”

Fr Mourad described how pressure from Muslims in Qaratayn had prompted his return to the city under house arrest following

Father Jacques Mourad escaped after five months in Islamic State captivity.

84 days in a Daesh prison at the terror group’s headquarters in Raqqa, northern Syria.

He said: “One day, one of the ISIS leaders came to me and said: ‘Everybody in Qaratayn had been talking about you, asking for you.’

So he told me to come with him.

“I was led away – still blindfolded and with hands bound – and I was taken into what seemed like a huge tunnel. Some time later, they removed my blindfold and I could see all my parish in front of me in the shelter that ACN had built. It was amazing.”

Recalling his time in prison, Fr Mourad said that every day in the prison Islamists would threaten to kill him.

He added: “I was waiting for the moment when they would come and slit my throat.”

Fr Mourad said he was convinced his efforts to remain calm and at peace helped save his life.

“I was very conscious of the prayers of so many people – the prayers of St Ignatius of Loyola and Charles de Foucauld – ‘Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will.’”

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

minimising the importance of the faith.

Since Father Pedro himself can only be present on average around 10 times each year, the lay catechists take charge of organising the Liturgy of the Word on those Sundays when no Holy Mass is possible in the parish.

Raimundo Menezes, the “pastoral animator” for the region, emphasises the importance of these liturgical celebrations for the strengthening of the community: “In order to remain alive and active, a Catholic community has to celebrate the liturgy”, he says.

Yet in spite of of this beautiful and exotic setting and so many other inspiring sights, “the life of these people is not exactly idyllic”, Father Pedro reminds us, and lists the many difficulties and obstacles he has to confront in his work on behalf of these people. The one great consolation for them is the arrival of the priest, who not only brings them the Sacraments, but also the loving care and attention that can only come from a messenger of God. Father Pedro wants to say a heartfelt “thank you” to all the benefactors of ACN, above all “for their faith and missionary spirit and for their interest in the missions which, as with Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus, gives them the grace to make sacrifices in their own lives in order to be able to share with those in need.”

Social Justice

Page 20 – www.sandpiper.org.au

November 2015

Pope Francis calls to action

You’re invited

By Kerry Stone

A letter from the Global Catholic Climate movement Dear Friends, Momentum is building. People all across the world are gathering in unprecedented numbers. Following Pope Francis’ brave call to action, Catholics are joining, lifting up their voices, telling our world leaders that climate change is real, and we care.

On the last weekend of November, just hours before our world leaders meet in Paris for the United Nations Climate Summit, over a million people will take to the streets in over 2000 cities around the world for an historic Global Climate March. Hundreds of thousands of them will be Catholics.

Will you be one of them?

This historic event will take place to urge political leaders to commit to bold action to solve the climate change crisis.

The epicentre will be a mega march in Paris, which will be complemented by marches in all major cities across the globe.

Pope Francis is urging us to mobilise to protect our common home, Mother Earth, so let’s make sure that Catholics from cities in every single country join us on the last weekend of November. https://catholicclimatemovement.global/

Diocesan Social Justice Co-ordinator

"Cowardice in defending Mother Earth is a grave sin", said Pope Francis in July in Bolivia.

You can listen to the most powerful speech by Pope Francis on protecting Mother Earth, given to the World Meeting of Popular Movements organised in collaboration with Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at http:// catholicclimatemovement.global/ global-climate-march Your opportunity to take action is in Bendigo on Friday, November 27.

Join a broad range of faith- based and community groups in Bendigo to walk alongside people in cities across the world.

The Bendigo event begins in the Library Gardens at 5.30pm and finishes in Rosalind Park (fountain corner) where you are invited to picnic and enjoy the music!

Caritas Australia and Catholic Earthcare, both agencies of the Bishops’ Conference of Australia, are national partners in the People’s Climate March movement.

We are marching because we want our leaders to listen to our

Sandhurst students take action with Caritas Hearts4Climate Campaign. communities and help us build a brighter and fairer future for all.

We are calling on all world leaders to commit to ambitious climate change action and solve the urgent ecological crisis, with the goal of

keeping global temperature rise below the dangerous 1.5°C threshold and to help the world’s poorest to cope with climate change.

“On climate change, there is a clear, definitive and ineluctable

ethical imperative to act,” says Pope Francis in Laudato Si whose release was deliberately timed to encourage such action in the lead-up to the Paris talks.

Archbishop Hart calls culture based on care as ‘Christianity 101’

By Kerry Stone Diocesan Social Justice Co-ordinator

BENDIGO LIBRARY GARDENS The march will conclude at Rosalind Park (fountain corner) where we invite you to picnic For more information see Climate Action Bendigo on Facebook or phone 0408 579 904

We acknowledge the original owners & custodians of the land on which we gather, the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people who for generations have and always will care for this land.

“Calling for a more personal human culture based on care for others and walking lightly on the earth is not a green-left agenda — it is Christianity 101”, says Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, in a recent article.

He continues, “The extraordinary thing about many of the critical reactions to Pope Francis’ environment encyclical is they assert there is an economic and cultural reality we must accept — not one we can improve on. In contrast, the Pope says market economics is not the only reality — we can do better...

“Pope Francis calls out the shallowness of an economy based on consumerism and waste. He does not see the value in economic growth based on buying things we don’t need, then throwing them away.

“He champions the values of thrift, sharing, generosity and other examples of love for our fellow human beings.

The headline message of the encyclical is that climate change is real, significantly

man-made and we need to take action. The Pope wants coal, oil and gas phased out as a power source over time, in favour of renewables.

Many will be tempted to dismiss the document on the basis of those climate-change statements alone. Others will embrace his message on climate change and dismiss other difficult issues raised.

“The paper deserves a fair hearing. It is not Marxist, it is not green-left, it is not libertarian — it is Catholic. It is a thoughtful reflection on how we, as human beings, interact with each other and the broader environment. It recommends ways to improve how we live our lives. It will not be easy for anyone to live by this document but it will be worthwhile.

“The planet we live on is a gift from God. It has been given to us freely and we have an obligation to hand it on in good condition to those who follow. The natural world is not only important for its own sake but also because where nature suffers, the poor and marginalised suffer, too. He warns, our common home is falling into serious disrepair....

“Individualism, consumerism and technology without

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8

appropriate boundaries are some of the forces destructive of a healthy human ecology.

A self-centred individualism can dismiss the interests of others and take advantage of people. We can see that in market transactions where sometimes profit is given more importance than a fair outcome...

“Francis offers a range of practical suggestions for our relationships with others and with nature. He suggests “little daily actions” adding up to powerful change: putting on extra clothes rather than turning on heating, reducing the use of air-conditioning, taking every opportunity to offer signs of care and friendship...

“Pope Francis’ encyclical is not for the faint-hearted.

He is not a fan of using impersonal mechanisms such as markets to get the job done. He wants all of us to engage, from governments to civil society, business and individuals, to protect creation. We should tread lightly on our world, share our good fortune with others and leave the world in a better place.

“You can’t get more Christian than that.”

News

November 2015

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 21

Mercy year to reinvigorate reconciliation

By MargaretMary Flynn Cathedral Parish

O

n December 8, 2015, the Church will enter a Jubilee Year, a Holy Year of Mercy. Pope Francis has called the whole Church to “announce the mercy of God, the beating heart of the Gospel”.

In his proclamation, Misericordae Vultus, he says: “In this Holy Year we look forward to the experience of opening our hearts to those living on the outermost fringes of society: Fringes which modern society itself creates.

How many uncertain and painful situations there are in the world today! How many are the wounds borne by the flesh of those who have no voice because their cry is muffled and drowned out by the indifference of the rich.”

The Pope urges us to rediscover the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, which Jesus taught us in his preaching and living.

The corporal Works of Mercy are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the

sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy are to counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offences, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead.

The motto of the Jubilee Year is “Merciful like the Father.”

Pope Francis reminds us that as Christians we cannot escape the Lord’s words to us, to look after his littlest and least, for they serve as the measure of mercy and compassion, and the criteria by which we will be judged.

I was lucky enough once to stand in the Square of Saint Peter’s in Rome, and hear Pope Francis speak of his own experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which sits at the heart of his teaching of mercy.

As he often does, he abandoned the prepared address and spoke from his heart.

He said that every two weeks, he takes himself off to reconciliation. “I say to the priest, I did this, I did that … and he says, ‘you are forgiven!’ I am forgiven!

God forgives me! I am so happy!”

He explained that while of course we know that God’s mercy is always there for the

repentant one, nevertheless we need to hear it spoken; concretely, lovingly and in a human voice. Then we know we have been listened to and healed, not only spiritually, but in our hearts and bodies.

The mercy and compassion of Jesus never fails or falters – he is the face of God-with-us.

So he is never distant, never cold or caught up in an arid process of analysis. Rather, the Gospels gleam with stories of God’s mercy; unforgettable moments of parable and miracle, when the tangible presence of God restores sight, hearing, wholeness, life itself, to the destitute and broken.

Perhaps you, like so many, discover in yourself a real reluctance to seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Whatever the cause, take courage, and seek out your own St John Vianney, for it is tragic that we deny ourselves this moment of intimate and joyful prayer.

What a gift this Jubilee Year will be for us, when we rediscover in the depths of our hearts Jesus’ tender call to those who are burdened to come home.

And what a gift to this shadowed world we will be, when like poor, faithless, faithful Peter, Jesus himself rescues us from ourselves, so that we may ‘feed his sheep’.

>> Crossword ACROSS 1 and 5 Across: an alloy used in cutlery (8,6) 5 see 1 Across 8 Native bird breeding, grazing and marketing properties (3,5) 9 Alloy of copper and tin (6) 12 Baltic country (9) 13 Muse of love poetry (5) 14 Alloy of copper and zinc (5) 16 Responsibility often held in law (9) 17 Self generating (mechanics) (9) 19 Large black cats (5) 21 Uptight (5) 22 Celibate (9) 25 Metal used in plumbing and alloys (6) 26 Popular cordial flavour (5-3) 27 Alloy used in coins (6) 28 Alloy used in heavy duty cookware (4-4) DOWN 1 Alloy of iron and carbon use in construction (5) 2 Rejoice (5) 3 Collectives of sporting teams or old distance measurement (7) 4 A named price less than real worth (7,5) 6 Pertaining to the Jewish state or people (7) 7 Wanton destruction (9) 10 Names of a person derived from name of another person or thing (7) 11 20th century Italo-Australian social political intellectual (1,1,10)

>> A Taste of Sandhurst

Margaret Mary Flynn brings us recipes that celebrate the food of our Sandhurst region!

There are some fabulous Italian cooks in this region, and if you are lucky enough to have a Nonna in your life, you will already have a recipe like this! Or even better, someone to cook it for you because she loves you.

I have adored Italian food from the first forkful of ravioli I ate at Pelligrini’s, when I was eleven.

So here’s to those in our diocese who grow olives, tomatoes, wine, durum wheat, and pork, and to those who process and preserve them, and especially those who make salume!

Salami Pasta Bake Tomato Sauce 1 Cacciatore sausage (approx.200g.) cut into 1cm lardons 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 can of chopped Roma tomatoes 1 tblesp. tomato paste 1 chopped onion 1 clove garlic, crushed ½ cup red wine 2 tblesp. chopped parsley Heat the olive oil in a saucepan, and gently fry the onion until soft.

Add the garlic and the sausage, and cook for two minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and fry gently for a minute or so, then add the wine, and let it bubble up. Stir in the tomatoes and parsley, and simmer until sauce has thickened.

Cheese Sauce 2 tbsp. butter 2tbsp. plain four 1 ½ cups hot milk ½ cup grated grana padano or parmigiano cheese, plus extra for topping 1 egg Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, and when it is foaming, add the flour and whisk until smooth. Allow to bubble for a minute, then whisk in the hot milk, and continue whisking until the sauce has thickened. Add the grated cheese, and stir until melted. Remove the pan from the heat, and whisk in the egg.

Season to taste.

14 Diagnostic procedure of a person’s head. (5,4) 15 Pertaining to human person (9) 18 Thermoplastic used for hot drinks cups etc (7)

19 Endure doggedly (7) 20 Wonder (3) 23 To bring upon penalty or suffering on oneself (5) 24 Immerse, dive or take a share of something (3,2)

Crossword solution Page 22

Method In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook one packet of penne rigati pasta until it is al dente.

Drain, reserving one cup of pasta water. Stir tomato sauce through the cooked pasta, adding a little of the pasta water to loosen the mix.

Grease a medium lasagne dish. Layer in the pasta mixture, then pour over the cheese sauce to cover. Sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake in 180C oven for 30-40 minutes until golden.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and pe on, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6,7

News

Page 22 – www.sandpiper.org.au

November 2015

Vale Fr Frank Shortis

>> Disability inclusion

Walking in others’ shoes This month, Daniel Giles asks whether having a disability necessarily helps us to walk in the shoes of others with disability.

F

ather Frank Shortis O.Carm died on July 24, 2015. He was a muchloved and respected member of the Carmelite Community Order of the Carmelites Australia and East Timor.

I

live with Autism, so I can certainly understand what it’s like to be me. I know what it is to have a label and also work harder to break through my limitations in life. I also know what it’s like to be treated differently because of having a disability diagnosis.

My own experience of disability, as well as getting to know others with disability can provide insights into what it’s like to experience disability. However, can I truly claim to understand what it’s like to be another person with a disability or be able to truly walk in their shoes?

For example, I don’t have a physical disability. I can recognise when a church or a secular building offers disability access through the use of ramps, wheelchair accessible toilets and even ramps up to the sanctuary of the church. However, I cannot claim to be an effective judge of how accessible something actually is as I’ve never actually had to navigate through that space while using a wheelchair.

In fact, I can easily presume that a church building is accessible when there may be a steep ramp or a so-called accessible toilet that in practice isn’t really suitable for all people who use wheelchairs or mobility aids.

It’s a strong reminder that people who use a wheelchair or mobility aid should be the ones assessing how accessible something is, as they are the real experts on disability access to the built environment.

Can I claim to fully understand what it’s like to be another person with Autism? My experience tells me that every single person with Autism is a unique individual. I may have some understanding of what it’s like to be them but as each person is an individual,

I can only claim to truly experience Autism from my own perspective. In fact, strategies that may work for one person may not work for another, so each person with Autism or any disability for that matter will need to be treated as individuals. In the same way, two people with vision impairments may attend the same church service together and require totally different supports.

When I think about it, I really still have so much to learn about living with disability and even Autism, even though I am on the Autism Spectrum myself. It goes without saying that when you meet one person with disability, or even a specific type of disability, you have met just one person. When assessing

disability access for church communities, it is important to consult with people from a wide range of people with disability to ensure that accessibility encompasses a range of needs for people with disability.

More importantly, we must realise we cannot claim to walk in the shoes of people with disability unless we have a disability ourselves (which we’d only really be able to understand our own experience of disability).

I’d love to hear your stories. If you have a story related to church and disability that you’d like to share in Sandpiper, please contact me (Daniel Giles) on luke14.bendigo.region@gmail.com (don’t forget the dots!) or 0439 562 286

Margaret brings host of titles

M

argaret Silf is a gentle and wise woman who travels the world speaking about spirituality and collecting wonderful stories that help us to examine our lives using a wisdom, spirit-filled and discerning lens. We were blessed to have her in the Sandhurst Diocese during October.

When asked where one finds God most often the reply is one of going to a secluded place of natural beauty. Margaret Silf in her latest book, Sacred in the City: Seeing the Spiritual in the Everyday, finds spirituality; at the city gates, at home, at work, on the move, in the marketplace, in winners and losers, in giving and taking, when we gather together, in the green and the brown, from dawn to dusk and in all things new.

This beautifully presented hard cover book is a work of art and a work of philosophy combined.

Designed to tease your own thoughts with questions eg “How would you react if Jesus said….I’m coming home with you today?”

Margaret has the uncanny ability to ask the right questions.

Questions that take your breath away, sometimes unsettle you with your own responses, and certainly keep resonating as you return to ponder and examine more.

The photographic imagery in the book, by Ronya Galka, is matched superbly with wisdom quotes that Margaret has collected from a variety of

sources, each quote specially chosen to aid reflection.

Each chapter has a scriptural base adapted by Margaret.

Her insights help us to relate in a personal way to the scriptural text and the sharing of her own personal reflecow tions further depths tio this. th This book opens our o eyes to our local community identic fying the beautiful fy souls who grace our so lives liv and the healing wholeness of reachw ing in out to others.

The perfect gift if you yo are looking for something special.

The perfect gift to yourself - if you are in need of some soulful nurture.

The perfect “ThankYou” gift - for the people who inspire and support you.

At the Library Learning Centre we also have the following books by Margaret Silf: • The Way of Wisdom, • At Sea with God, • One Hundred Wisdom Stories from around the World • One Hundred More Wisdom Stories • Sacred Spaces: Stations on a Celtic Way • Landmarks: An Ignatian Journey • Lighted Windows: An Advent Calendar for the World in Waiting • The Miller’s Tale and Other Parables • The Other Side of Chaos: Breaking Through when Life is Breaking Down • Taste and See: Adventuring into Prayer.

Membership to the Library is free and open to all in the Sandhurst Diocese.

Father F r a n k (inset) was born in Kyabr a m in 1926, the eldest child of Thomas and Catherine S h or t i s (dec), much l o v e d brother and brother-in-law of James (dec), Irene (dec), Margaret Myers (Shepparton), Eddie and Joy Shortis, Kathy Kukuljan, and Anne and Brian O’Meara all of Kyabram.

Franks early years of schooling took place at Byrneside, Lancaster State School, Kyabram High School, then completed his secondary schooling at Assumption College Kilmore, after having spent almost two years at Tatura Post Office.

In March 1946, Frank joined the Carmelites and was ordained a priest in January 1953 at St. Augustine’s Church in his home Parish of Kyabram.

From 1954-1960 he lived at the Carmelite Church in Port Melbourne.

In January 1960 Frank was named first founding Principal at Whitefriars’ College Donvale.

In 1972, at the invitation of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, he became the founding Principal of Geoghegan College, (now Penola Catholic College) Broadmeadows. He was the founding President of the newly formed Principals Association of the Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools. After six demanding years at Geoghegan, Frank was elected Prior Provincial of the Australian Carmelites.

In 1988 Frank was appointed Parish Priest at Our Lady Mount Carmel Parish in Hilton, WA. He was re-elected Provincial for further three years. His next appointment was Coorparoo where he remained until March 1914.

The final years of Frank’s life were spent at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middle Park. May he rest in peace.

A remarkable educator and pastor, wise counsellor and faithful friend, whose wisdom and gentleness will be greatly missed.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

This and many other titles are available for free loan at the Library Learning Centre, 118 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo. Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.

Phone (03) 5442 6108 or Fax: (03) 5442 9463. Email: library@ceosand.catholic.edu.au or search online at: web.ceosand.catholic.edu.au

The Lord is my light and my salva on—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1

n dp i t s a News

November 2015

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 23

JESUS WILL RETURN

A

t the end of November , we begin our preparation to celebrate the birthday of our

saviour, Jesus Christ. During Advent we think about the past, our lives today, and what will be in the future.

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

J

esus said to his disciples: “When you see the signs in the sun and moon and stars, you will

know that the time has come for the Son of God to return. Do not be afraid when all these things happen, but be filled with joy to see the power and glory of God. Stay awake and be ready, because only my heavenly father knows when this day will come.”

Discussion

“T

here will be signs in the sun and moon and stars...” No one knows what this means or

what exactly will happen, but just as everyone on earth can see the sky, so everyone will know that the end of time has come.

Everyone is very busy getting ready to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. What else must we be ready for? Jesus is living in our world today, and we know that he will return in glory at the end of time.

We must be ready to welcome him into our hearts and lives today and every day.

How should we do this? Jesus came to share his love, forgiveness, peace and happiness with the world. If we share these gifts of his love with the people we meet everyday by small acts of kindness or goodness, then we will be ready to fully enjoy the celebrations which take place at Christmas and at the end of time.

Prayer

D

ear Jesus, today we pray for vision-impaired people everywhere and for those who help

care for them. Thank you for the gift of sight, which allows us to see the beauty of your world.

e e s j o y i u s a h

s r s a s m s s n y o

e s e l p i c s i d a

n p n t a s g e e a r

pm e n e v ma u y n r n u n i u s e r r p

u y i r c l n p s s t

i f g k n e r p t h o

m i r o e e k a w a c

g l o r y n r h o r e

s m f n u s l o v e p

sun moon stars signs disciples return joy glory awake ready peace happiness forgiveness love share

God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Page 24 – www.sandpiper.org.au

November 2015

Jungle Book shows roar talent

Olivia Dean played the main character of Mowgli, the man-cub raised by wolves in the Indian jungle.

St Augustine’s Primary, Wodonga, perform in the The Jungle Book.

By Jenni Kennedy Catholic Education Sandhurst

Ashleigh Hay as Bagheera the black panther in St Augustine's production of The Jungle Book.

MOWGLI, Bagheera, Baloo and all the favourite characters from Rudyard Kipling’s, The Jungle Book were brought to life by the students of St Augustine’s Primary, Wodonga in a performance held at the Albury Entertainment Centre this term.

The production, which included every student in the school, did not disappoint as the talented students sang and danced their way through Rudyard Kipling’s much loved classic tale.

Colourful costumes, superb lighting and a clever set design helped the students tell the story of the adventures of an abandoned “man cub” Mowgli who is raised by wolves in the Indian jungle. A wonderful repertoire of

songs accompanies this popular play which features well known songs like the Bare Necessities.

The production was beautifully directed by music teacher Tracy Whitehead who encouraged a fantastic performance from students of all year levels. Tracy was well supported by a talented team of staff members and parents who helped with choreography and costuming.

The Jungle Book tale which was written more than 100 years ago continues to delight audiences of all ages.

The great music, non-stop action and lovable characters will ensure that The Jungle Book will remain a favourite for years to come.

Congratulations to the students of St Augustine’s Primary school, Wodonga for an outstanding school production!

Chloe first in State Championships

l d 2016 ld YYouth DDay PPolan World W Join the Victorian pilgrimage at wydvictoria.org.au

BENDIGO – Chloe Swatton, 14, took a prestigious first place in State titles for Under 15 girls when she competed at the State Gymnastic Championships earlier this year.

The Year 8 student at Marist College, Bendigo, has been training at Palmers Gym for about eight years and was one of nine gymnasts from Bendigo to make up the 10-person State team.

The Victorian Championships for Men’s, Women’s and Trampoline Gymnastics are held annually at Melbourne’s State Netball Hockey Centre.

The Championships features Victoria’s top athletes competing across two arenas in a three-day extravaganza of awe-inspiring gymnastics.

In the lead up to the State Championships, Chloe competed in the national competition, the Australian Gymnastics Championships, over two weeks at the Hisense Arena in Melbourne, where Chole placed 13th overall in Australia.

“I made it to the Victorian Team for Under 15 girls and got to compete at the National Championships, which was all the states, where I placed 13 in Australia for Under 15 girls overall,” she said.

Chole usually trains two to three nights a week for about three hours and has extra training sessions before competitions.