NEWS DESK
Priest’s departure rocks parish Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au
Pictures: Yanni
Sunny days a welcome return to jumpers at The Pillars AT the first sign of last week’s hot weather daredevil cliff jumpers were back at The Pillars. The fence erected by Mornington Peninsula Shire last year to stop public access to Mt Martha’s famous natural attraction was dismantled months
ago, but cold water and cloudy skies provided their own disincentive. But now, even with tougher parking regulations and the ongoing alcohol ban, The Pillars is back in vogue. On Wednesday night there were seven jet skis parked near the base of the
cliff and plenty of jumpers scrambling in and out of the clear waters. On Thursday, even as shire workers installed treated pine barriers and new signs, groups of youngsters were making their way along the Esplanade to The Pillars. Keith Platt
PARISHIONERS of St Macartans in Mornington are said to be reeling after the resignation of Fr Minh Tran in mid-October. The shock departure caught many by surprise with a notice in the parish bulletin saying an email was being sent to the Archdiocese “requesting an explanation as to the reasons for Father’s resignation”. The bulletin also said the resignation had “caused many of us to feel a range of emotions”. A letter to parishioners from Vicar General Joe Caddy on 17 October stated that “while Fr Minh is supported by many people in the parish there have also been a number of complaints over a period of time”. “None of the complaints are of a sexual or criminal nature, however, they are of a kind that are serious enough to warrant further investigation. “The Archdiocese and the Society of Jesus have determined that Fr Minh’s style of leadership has generated unnecessary division and that his role as parish priest is no longer tenable and so have accepted his resignation.” The Australian newspaper last week reported that bullying and harassment
Father Minh Tran
claims are believed to be being investigated by the church. The paper said Fr Minh had been barred from going within 30 metres of a woman who performed work for the parish who had complained about his behaviour. The rule would apply except when he was serving her communion. The archdiocese said it would appoint a new parish priest as soon as possible. “In the interim, we will ensure the maintenance of masses in the parish.’’ Fr Minh could not be contacted for comment.
Curtains Awnings Blinds
You can have Chemotherapy in Mornington at The Bays Hospital
You’ll love what we do
ORDER Caring for the Peninsula
Our Medical Oncologists
• All the comforts of home combined
Dr Alam Alamgeer
03 5970 5333
Dr Katherine Geddes
03 5975 5100
Dr Joanne Lundy
03 5970 5333
Dr Cameron McLaren
03 9575 5100
Dr Simone Steel
03 9789 6570
with the latest technology • Cancer support services onsite • Scalp cooling at no additional cost
For more information speak to one of our specialist oncology nurses.
NOW
TO SECURE PRE CHRISTMAS INSTALLATION Book your free, no obligation in home measure & quote
call 03 5975 9366
Shop 8a, 1-13 Mornington - Tyabb Road (cnr Nepean Hwy) The Bays Hospital Vale Street, Mornington VIC 3931 Phone 03 5975 2009
MORNINGTON
www.shadesofaustralia.net.au Mornington News
29 October 2019
PAGE 3