AUL FAREWELL TO
OAKLEIGH'S 57 YEARS
MELBOURNE: 12th July
-- If you have ever visited the Australian Province, and the Provincial Centre
in particular, then you will know what 'Oakleigh' has meant, all these
years. Shortly, the Province Centre moves to the other side of town; the
existing complex, with its land, has been sold to finance the
move.
The Oakleigh
community hosted this year's Province Day on Saturday 12 July. Of the 118
confreres and 6 novices spread over Australia, Samoa and Fiji, 54 overcame the
distances and time zones to celebrate many memories, as the Province
prepares itself to close Oakleigh after 57 years of service and move to a new
complex to be built soon.
It is interesting to
note that more than 200 persons have resided in this House since it became a
Salesian foundation in 1947.
The day was also an
opportunity to acknowledge the faithful service of this year's jubilarians: 50
years profession of Jeremiah Breen, Norman Ford, Leo Heriot, Henry van der Laan;
25 years of profession of Robert Bossini, Tim Costelloe, Phillip Gleeson, Kelly
Kam; 25 years ordination of Greg Chambers, Dennis Handley and Brendan
Murphy.
The day was both
serious and light-hearted, sad and joyful. Bro. Will Mathews gave a fine
musical Powerpoint presentation about 10 minutes long with many photos of
Salesians and captions set to music. A photo exhibition in the Hall,
largely set up by Fr. Tony Moester, expanded on the theme.
One door is closing
- another is about to open!
