HISTORIC MOVE FOR SUNBURY SALESIANS
Will Matthews
MELBOURNE: May 1st -- About 35 Salesians including
the provincial gathered at 'Rupertswood', Sunbury, near Melbourne, last weekend
to mark the occasion of the Salesian community moving out of the historic
mansion to the new residence. The mansion, the former residence of the wealthy
pioneering Clarke Family, had been handed over to the Salesians earlier this
century by Archbishop Mannix (for a small fee of course!). 'Rupertswood'
is known as the mother house of the Salesian presence in Australia. The
Salesian work on this large property is now a large secondary co-educational
school with a marked agricultural component to its curriculum.
The Salesians present for the 'farewell to the
mansion' celebration were those who are working there presently, many of those
who had worked there and, interestingly, the young Salesians in formation.
The evening commenced with Mass. Fr. Ian Murdoch, Provincial, was the main
celebrant and Fr. Alan MacDonald was on the organ. We sang Kyrie and Sanctus in
Latin. Past and present confreres who worked at Sunbury, including some lay
people, were acknowledged and prayed during prayers of the faithful. Old
memories!! Pre-dinner drinks served around the stairs in front of the dining
room. The mansion has been restored so beautifully. The Salesians are happy that
it is in good hands, being looked after well. It will cater mainly for wedding
receptions, etc from now on. Three main talks were given during dinner.
Frs. Terry Jennings, Jim Carroll and Frank Freeman. It was sort of three
different era(s). TJ, who was sitting all the way through Mass gave a talk
of 30 minutes on his feet during dinner! Jim and Frank Freeman were less than
half of his time. Even though the audience expected their contributions to be
about the place, they mainly spoke of how the place was for them and
what it offered to them. Mr. Jim Casey, who has been at 'Rupertswood'
for sixty years, was especially acknowledged during the dinner. I enjoyed it so
much from a young Salesian's point of view. It was a celebration moving from the
old mansion with its many stories to a new residence with new hopes; senior
Salesians passing their stories to young Salesians in formation. It was an
historic evening for the province. I thank and congratulate Sunbury community
for making this event, and especially having young Salesians with
them.
