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On 26 April, 2014, following an invitation from our Provincial, Fr Leo, we set off to be part of the MAMI Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, France and Italy, which was being led by Fr Christian Fini. It proved to be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience.

– Holy Land – France – Italy

VOL.45, NO.3AUGUST 2014

From Bethlehem we visited Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist and also the site of the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. The second Joyful Mystery of the Rosary (the Visitation) came alive for us as we walked up to the church dedicated to“TheMagnificat”.ThenthethirdJoyfulMystery became a reality as we returned to Bethlehem and visited the Church of the Nativity, built over the stable where Jesus was born. Bending low, we entered thechurchthroughthe“DoorofHumility”and descended into the grotto of the Holy Manger. A Silver Star in the floor marks the spot where Jesus was born. It was a truly incredible experience!

Next day we left Bethlehem and travelled to see the port city of Caesarea. This was a particularly beautiful place and full of history. It was here that the centurion Cornelius was baptized by St. Peter. Also it was here that St. Paul was tried by the Roman Governor Festus and then sent off to Rome. We then continued on to Nazareth and on the way visited the Nazareth Village, a re-creation of the town and village life of Nazareth as in the days of Jesus. We enjoyed a traditional meal prepared for us and then were shown how things used to be done such as how oil was extracted from the olive crop and how garments were woven from wool. Later in Nazareth township we went into the Basilica of the Annunciation where a traditional cave wasthefocalpointofMary’sgreat“Fiat”inresponse to the message of the Angel. We had the privilege of celebrating Mass there.

MAMI Pilgrimage

After Nazareth we moved on to Tiberias, on the shores of Lake Galilee, where we stayed for three nights. This to me was one of the most memorable highlights of the pilgrimage when we set off in a traditional sailing vessel and celebrated Mass floating in the centre of Lake Galilee. To think that we were on the same Lake that Jesus had crossed many times and actually lived beside was really awesome. As an extra treat, after Mass we returned to the shore for a special St. Peter’s fish lunch.

Our group of 25 people arrived at Amman, in Jordan, on Sunday, 27 April and immediately travelled to the Dead Sea, where we stayed overnight. The Dead Sea is 400 metres below sea level and so is the lowest place on earth. Its water is very salty andforthosewhowentinfora“dip”itwasan“unsinkable”experience.Thenextdaywe travelled to Bethany beyond the Jordan, to the place where Jesus was baptized by John. We celebrated Mass at the very spot where Pope Francis was soon to visit. We then crossed the Jordan River border

into the Holy Land of Israel, known as thelandofthe“fifthGospel”,andmoved on to Bethlehem, where we stayed two nights.

At the tomb of St Eugene De Mazenod Frs Asodo (Indonesian Province), Brian and Christian

Jacobs Well

MAMI Pilgrimage – Holy Land – France – Italy

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Mazenod ReflectionOur Founder tells us how his personla ideal was transformed into our community reality

Director’s Update The MAMI Office is in full swing with a flood of August Appeal renewal Envelopes arriving. Sandra Dwyer, who many of you would know even if only speaking to her when you call, is negotiating not only the August appeal but also the recent St John Vianney’s appeal as well as a very special delivery from another special mail service (that is a stork); her first grandchild. Congratulations and blessings to Sandra and Len on this wonderful occasion.

Taking advantage of Fr Gerry Conlan OMI presence, who is back home on holidays from Kenya, there will be another MAMI appeal in Dernancourt, SA, which will add to Sandra’s workload. So please be a little more patient as there will be something like 3000 receipts that will be processed in August.

It has been wonderful to have Fr Gerry in the Province and hearing first hand some of the great projects that we as MAMI are supporting. Fr Gerry was the main speaker at our recent De Mazenod Family Fundraising Mass and Dinner.

As mentioned in last few newsletters, the Oblates are making a special three year journey of personal and communal conversion to our 200th Anniversary. As part of this a poster has been produced to keep this special intention in your prayers. I am sure you know the person in the foreground is St Eugene De Mazenod, the founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Do you know who the other Oblate in the background might be? Next time you see the poster in your Oblate community ask an Oblate who it is or otherwise you’ll have to wait for the next edition of MAMI.

In his letter, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis makes a number of powerful reflections on money and the global financial system. “Moneymustserve,notrule!ThePopeloves everyone, rich and poor alike, but he is obliged in the name of Christ to remind all that the rich must help, respect and promote the poor. I exhort you to generous solidarity

MAMi

The newly ordained Father de Mazenod described the personal idea with which he had returned to Aix: ”my whole ambition was to consecrate myself to the service of the poor and of the youth.” In total dedication to” these poor prisoners whom I helped spiritually and materially, and among these youth who looked on me as their father” he brought many to conversion and a deeper knowledge and relationship with Jesus. For three years he lived in a spirit of total self-giving (oblation) to the point of near death from typhus caught from the prisoners. His growing awareness of the spiritual needs of the most abandoned led him to understand that God was calling him to invite others to join him in living his ideal of oblation for the salvation of the most abandoned. Describing this as a “strong impulse that comes from outside of me” he allowed God to transform his personal ideal into a community reality.

The community was to be formed around a specific vision which requested a future membertoconsiderhisinvitation“atthefoot of your crucifix with the desire to listen only to God regarding what the good of his glory and the salvation of souls demand from a priest like yourself.” To another priesthisinvitationwas:“Thegoodweintend to do must remedy the greatest evils that face us… It is a matter of some priests banding together and continually preaching missions in all sectors of this vast diocese and surroundings… Oh, dear friend, if you would be one of us! We would begin in your part of the country where religion is practically extinct as in so many other places.” Five responded and joined Eugene in forming the first Oblate community.

The new community needed a place in which to live, and so Eugene was able to acquire“themajorpartoftheoldCarmeliteconvent situated at the top of the Cours with a charming church attached, somewhat the worse for wear, to tell the truth, but which we can restore to use.” He continued to describe the events and the enthusiasm ofthegroup:“Inthemeantimethemissionaries are on my back. They want to begin tomorrow. In vain I tell them we need time to fix the rooms and make the house habitable. They cannot wait that long!”

Fourmonthslater,on25January1816,the first Oblate community came into existence-“anestablishmentwhichwillsteadily furnish our countryside with fervent missionaries. These will ceaselessly engage in destroying the empire of the demon, at the same time as providing the example of a life worthy of the Church in the community which they will form.” Eugene described the firstdaysofcommunitylife:“Wehadlostnone of our gaiety; on the contrary, since this way of life was such a striking contrast to the one we had just given up, it often provided us with many a hearty laugh.”

Two hundred years later, we, the members of the extended Mazenodian family can make our own Eugene’s invitation as he lookedbackonourbeginnings:“weneedtotell ourselves that we have received a great grace! …We can never properly respond to it other than by an unwavering fidelity, and by a redoubled zeal and devotedness on behalf of the glory of God, the service of the Church and the salvation of souls, especially the most abandoned, as is called for by our vocation.”

Fr Frank Santucci OMI

On day 7 we went to Mt. Tabor and drove up the narrow winding road to the majestic summit. Here we could relive the tremendous event of Jesus’ Transfiguration when he was glorified by God the Father. What a marvellous experience it was to be able to celebrate Mass at this very spot. I amsurealittlemiracleoccurredhere:AfterMass I inadvertently left my glasses behind in the vestry and went off without them. Prayers were said to St. Anthony and sure enough some days later, through the efforts of our guide, the glasses were returned to me.

From Mt. Tabor we went on to Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle on behalf of a young married couple, saving them from embarrassment on their wedding day. Here Fr. Christian held a ceremony for the married couples to enable them to renew their wedding vows. It was a very moving moment for them. Next day saw us going to the site of the famous Sermon on the Mount and we could meditate on Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes as we celebrated Mass here on the Mount of Beatitudes. Next stop was Samaria, visiting the actual site of Jacob’s Well where Jesus ministered to the woman from Samaria. Finally we came to Jerusalem, where we stayed four nights. Words cannot describe the atmosphere we experienced as we relived those last days of Jesus. with memorable visits to The Cenacle (the room of the Last Supper), the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane and then to walk in Our Lord’s footsteps along the Via Dolorosa

and a return of economics and finance to an ethical approach which favours human beings.”

I would like to once again thank you for your support over the last financial year. Thanks to your generosity we have helped the spreading of the Good News and hope in Kenya, Philippines, India, China, Zimbabwe, Sri- Lanka, Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Ukraine.

Fr Christian Fini OMI

De Mazenod Family Fundraising Mass and DinnerOn 26th July 2014, the fifth De Mazenod Family Fundraising Mass and Dinner was held at St John Vianney’s and the Mulgrave Country Club. It has always been an enjoyable evening and opportunity to gather together as the De Mazenod family in Victoria.

Fr Gerry Conlan OMI, an Australian Oblate working Kenya, was the only speaker for the evening. Fr Gerry gave a detailed and clear presentation on the Oblates work in Kenya and the way in which our support is helping the mission. Once again it was a wonderful evening with167attendingtheeveningfor an opportunity to celebrate our common charism, spirituality and faith, and have plenty of fun. The night managed to raise just over$8,000whichwillbesharedbetween Rosies Vic and the youth works in Kenya. Next year’s De Mazenod Family Fundraising

Mass and Dinner will be held in South Australia on Saturday 11th April 2015, and willbackinVictoriain2016.

On the same weekend OYA hosted its Re-encounter Weekend/. The weekend was made up of community building activities, formation with two guest speakers and

planning for the future. 40 young people from around the country participated in the weekend.

Alex Fisher, from Queensland, reflected on his experience;

“Itisalwaysagreatfeelingknowing that I am going down to Melbourne to see

friends and most importantly share my love for God with other young people my age. At my school many students and friends do not believe in religion and so it is very hard for me to express my feelings about my beliefs. Coming down to Melbourne knowing that I get to meet up with everyone is such a highlight for me.

FundrAising

to the site of Calvary and all culminating in celebrating Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

On Day 11 we travelled from Jerusalem along the Jericho Road to Bethany, where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and had our Mass there. Then on to Jericho,the“CityofPalms”fromwherewe ascended by cable car to the Mount of Temptation. We had a taste of the inhospitable wilderness in which Jesus spent 40 desperate days followed by the temptations from Satan. For us, though, our only temptation was to enjoy a traditional Palestine meal kindly prepared for us at the summit.

On Day 12 it was time to leave the Holy Land so we went to Tel Aviv airport to catch a flight to France. There a coach took us to Aix-en-Provence where we stayed three nights. For us as part of the Oblate family, it was really exciting to explore the city St. Eugene knew so well and to do so under the guidance of an Oblate from our Aix community. We saw The Church of Madeleine (the new one), the Municipal Prison where Eugene worked, the Church of the Mission and Cours Mirabeau. The Oblate Community welcomed us to their house and we shared a B.B.Q lunch. Then to Marseille where St. Eugene had been

the Bishop and we saw first-hand where he had ministered to the poor and sick of the diocese. After celebrating Mass at the Cathedral of Marseille we travelled up to the Shrine of Notre-Dame de la Garde, which had once been under the care of the Oblates.

Leaving Aix-en-Provence by coach, we travelled to Lourdes where we stayed two nights. There we had a memorable Mass at Our Lady’s Grotto, a walking tour of Lourdes, joining in the spectacular Candlelight Rosary Procession. Leaving Lourdes we went to Toulouse airport for our flight to Rome and once there we went by coach to Assisi where we stayed two nights. We had a guided walking tour through some of the town’s highlights, including the Basilica of St. Francis, the

This weekend was the first time I had ever been on a Re-Encounter, so I was a little nervous. But once I got to the airport and saw some familiar faces, all that went away and I relaxed a lot. The weekend was an absolute blast. It was great seeing everyone from the National Oblate Youth Encounter again, catching up, and most importantly sharing our love for God. The session on the DISC, a simple personality tool to help you better understand yourself, was great. I loved finding out about everyone in the room; their strengths, and finding out some characteristics that I already knew about myself, but also finding out some new ones.

The next morning we went bowling which was so much fun; cementing friendships and just getting to hang out with people of similar beliefs and moral values, which is a big thing for me. This was definitely one of the highlights. Getting to act like a young person and cruise around the shopping centre with some amazing people was fantastic.”

Church of St. Damiano and the Basilica of St. Clare. It was like going back in time and being in the presence of the great saints.

Early the next morning we went by coach to Rome with tickets to be part of the general audience of the Holy Father. It was special as we were so close to the Pope as he drove through the crowd. Thanks to Fr. Christian we were able to see many memorable things in Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica (where we had a private Mass), the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major Basilica and the Basilica of St. John Lateran. The next day we had a tour of the General House and from the roof enjoyed the tremendousviewofthe“EternalCity”.

All good things must come to an end and on Day 22 we departed Rome airport for home. Looking back on the pilgrimage, it was for me, as I am sure it was for the other people in our group, a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. It was a personal spiritual journey involving many significant and moving experiences and encounters with the risen Lord.

Fr Brian Harris OMI

At the tomb of St Eugene De Mazenod

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Reflection from China Experience In June of this year, three young men from Australia visited the Oblate mission in Beijing, China for a two week immersion experience. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate have been present in Beijing since 2008 and work within a community on the outskirts of the city with young children, people with disabilities, babies with special needs and migrant workers. The three young Australians came to Beijing to immerse themselves in the life and work of the Oblate community and to experience the ministry that the Oblates have undertaken with the poor. Here are their stories:

chinA Missions

six or more years of their life to raise five or six kids with special needs. They basically form their own family and the joy with which these homes were filled was phenomenal. These parents are truly special and a great witness of the Catholic faith. Another thing that really stood out for me was one Sunday we went to a Cathedral for mass. This also happened to be the feast of Corpus Christi and there was a procession around the Church. There were hundreds of people in this procession and even more at mass. To see this in a country where the church is closely controlled and monitored with little to no religious freedom was an experience I will never forget.

From the two weeks I have spent in China I will take away many memories and experiences of our time here. However I can also leave inspired and empowered by the dedication, sacrifice, hard work and faith that so many people put into improving the quality of life and opportunities for these somewhat vulnerable children.

One of the most important aspects of an experience like this I believe is how we use what we have learnt and witnessed in a positive way when we get home. I plan to share my experiences so that others can be made aware of the issues in China and how lucky we are to live the lifestyle we do in Australia. I also wish to further support the Oblates in the future and continue to help those in need in our local area. Returning to the mission in China for a longer period of time may also be a possibility.

Sanjay MohanarajI have a strong interest in mission work and especially working with children. I am also currently completing a teaching degree at University and believe the immersion trip in China is a chance for me to personally develop and gain experience as a young teacher and grow deeper in Catholic faith.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to teach English and work with children who come from low socio-economic backgrounds or who are orphans. The fulfilment and self-satisfaction of the experience was brought by seeing the children being able to exercise their creativity, their excitement to learn and the happiness on their faces when they understood what they were learning and discovering.

The most outstanding moment was visiting the China Little Flower home where I was able to immerse myself with orphaned babies, many of which required special attention due to illnesses and disabilities. I was provided with the opportunity to play and interact with the babies, feed them and be there to provide extra attention, love and care. The whole experience was both rewarding and eye-opening. It was

Josh NashAfter completing a law degree at university I decided to take some time off to think about my purpose in life. I am currently working in youth ministry in the Archdiocese of Adelaide and undergoing discernment with the Oblates to see if priesthood is the right path for me. The immersion program to Beijing offered a great opportunity to see the international work of the Oblates in the Asia-Pacific region.

Over the two weeks I had the opportunity to immerse myself in many of the activities which the Oblates run here; however, my favourite part was working at the new community centre in the GuCheng village. This is a very poor area of the neighbourhood where migrant workers mainly live. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons we ran an afternoon community centre where the local children can come to do their homework, learn English and play some games. It is a beautiful place and the people are so friendly. The true meaning of community can be found here.

It was a truly amazing experience and allowed me to better understand what it is to be a missionary and be to a face of Christ to those in need. While I am home now my experience won’t finish in Beijing. I will go home with a renewed sense of justice and will encourage my friends to join me in a new mission I will endeavour to undertake in Adelaide to reach out to the poor there.

Troy SurkittMission work and immersion have always been an important part of my life and something I am passionate about. So when this opportunity was offered to me I thought it would be a great opportunity to see what the Oblates’ work in China involves and help out wherever I can. I was also interested in learning about the struggle that the Catholic Church and Christianity as a whole faces in surviving under a Communist government.

My favourite aspect of the trip was visiting the group homes. This is a set up where a married couple have accepted to dedicate

amazing to see the sheer hard work and commitment the various nurses, carers and volunteers exercised on a daily basis to provide a nurturing and comfortable environment for the babies.

I have indeed been invigorated and inspired from this life-changing experience in Beijing. Thus, I am very excited to see how I can take what I have learnt from China to my local youth group in Adelaide and see how I can better encourage them to get more involved in the MAMI China cause. Moreover, encouraging them and getting them involved in further fundraising efforts and volunteer work.

Celebrating 50 Years Since the Foundation of the ParishRecently, St. John Vianney’s Parish, Springvale North, celebrated the golden Jubilee of the foundation of the Parish. A parish dinner for 300 past and present parishioners was held at the Freccia Azzurra Club on Friday May 2nd. A foundation member of the Parish, Mr Ray Greenward gave a stirring address with many humorous anecdotes about the early years. Many old identities, including a number of Oblate priests, who have served the parish for over the 50 years, returned for the event and all present enjoyed the fine dinner and the convivial company.

At the dinner a Parish Book, ‘St John Vianney’s Parish 50 Years,’ was launched. It contained the memoirs of many past and present parishioners, who wrote about their experiences of being part of St. John Vianney’s Parish. This added up to a very comprehensive history of the Parish’s 50 years.

On the following Sunday, a Mass was offered in a packed church, to thank God for all the blessings bestowed on the Parish over 50 years. Eleven priests concelebrated the Mass, the main celebrant being Parish Priest Fr John McGinty OMI. They were preceded into the church, by school children, bearing flags of the 45 nationalities, attending the Parish School. Prayers of the Faithful were offered by representatives of various Parish groups and the gifts were brought up by some of the founding members of the Parish. Fr Ian Mackintosh OMI, a former Parish Priest, preached the Homily. He spoke of all that the Parish has achieved over the past 50 years and reminded the congregation that the Holy Spirit was behind it all. He spoke of the legacy given to the Parish by the founding members and particularly mentioned the work of the Brigidine Sisters, who worked so hard in establishing the school in the early days. He assured his listeners that the Risen Jesus would be with them as they faced the years ahead. A beautiful banner, celebrating 50 years, made by Nimmi Candappa, decorated the wall behind the altar. The parish choir, accompanied by some fine musicians from Mazenod College, sang a beautiful repertoire of hymns. A word of welcome and a vote of thanks, to all concerned with organizing the Jubilee, was offered by the resident Parish Priest, Fr John McGinty OMI. After Mass, a luncheon was held in the Parish Hall, attended and enjoyed by a large crowd of people.

All agreed it was a wonderful weekend of celebrations .Thanks be to God for all the blessings over the last 50 years.

Helen Fuller

AnniversArY

At the moment, we are experiencing a beautiful Chinese Spring, with new blossoms and flowers everywhere. And, last Wednesday we celebrated spring in the most spectacular way; with 30 of our students (aged between 4-6) from Gu Cheng kindergarten. The sun was shining brightly, and the children were overjoyed with the opportunity to see the park and play. Sarah, Erin, Maggie (our American friends) and Sean, had them running, jumping and yelling, for a chance to be “up” in the ball games. It was so lovely to see the energy and enthusiasm that being outdoors can bring to little ones. The chatter from all, was so enthusiastic, as they played in the sand, or ran about, or sat enjoying the tasty treats Sunny had provided.

In our English school there seems to be something new and different happening every day. Whether it be a visit from George our French volunteer, or visitors joining our class; or just celebrating the achievements of the students, there is an ever-present joy in our SCHOOL FAMILY that makes it so wonderful to be a teacher here. Since January, Sean (another Aussie) has joined our crew, and has delighted the kids with new experiences. While our English-learning program is based on Side by Side, we have adapted many activities to ensure the kids feel that going to school for another hour in a day will be fun, and that learning is a great experience from which you can get much pleasure.

Bev Watkinson

Spring in China “SPRING TIME!”

Frs Vincent Ryan and John McGinty

round the Province

Fr Mario Azrak OMI was recently asked by the General Administration to undertake studies in business and management in preparation for future service to the Congregation.

The follow on from this appointment is that I was asked to be the new Mission Treasurer. As I have been in this mission for over four years and now looks like I will be here for the foreseeable future, and in keeping with the policy of the Congregation I have had to transfer to OMI Lacombe Province in order to be appointed. Not sure how this additional appointment will work out, but Mario managed to be Parish Priest and Treasurer for some time in the past.

Things to Pray for• Vocationsweekend28–30August

• Oblate Triennium intention for 2014 –“ANewHeart:LifeinApostolic

Community”

•Oblates from around Australia will be gathering for their Annual Retreats in Victoria and Western Australia from 22nd September to 3rd October.

At the initiative of the Chairperson of St Kieran’s Parish Pastoral Council, Monica Huffer, the Council decided to enter the ‘Parish Selfie’ competition organized by Cathnews.

Monica gave the following description toaccompanytheentry:

Our Parish is located in Moe, Victoria and our Parish Priest is Fr Harry Dyer OMI. We are very fortunate at St Kieran’s to have an active Parish Council that meets monthly. Here we are pictured in the St Kieran’s Presbytery with Fr Harry having one of our exciting meetings! Sometimes it can get a little boring and Fr Harry has to try and keep us awake! As you can see we all like to have a bit of fun! Most of the time we stay awake for the whole meeting!

The parish was thrilled when the news came through that our entry had won the competition. The winning prize was an iPad which the Council decided to use as part of a fundraiser at Christmas.

Oblate ‘Parish Selfie’ is a Winner!

Published by the Oblate Office of Mission, M.A.M.I. Centre, P.O. Box 384, Camberwell, Vic 3124 Telephone (03) 9805 8888 Fax (03) 9813 2696 Email: mami@oblates.com.au Web: www.oblates.com.au Printed on 55% recycled paper

Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate

2014 Appointments• FrAndrewChenOMIhasbeen

appointed to the Oblate Provincial Finance Committee.

• Fr Christian Fini OMI appointed to Oblate Community at Mazenod College Victoria

August Appeal Responses to the August appeal have been steadily arriving. If you haven’t had a chance to renew your association with MAMI through a donation this year it is never too late.

Vows – Oblates gathered for the renewal of Vows of Brs Casmir and Anthony

Frs John-Sebastian and Leo with Brs Anthony and Casmir

Renewal of vowsOnSaturday28thJuneanumberofVictorian Oblates gathered at St Mary’s Seminary for Renewal of Vows ceremony of Brs Anthonysamy Thomas OMI and Arul Casmir Raj Arul OMI. Please keep Brs Anthony and Casmir in your prayer as they continue to discern God’s will for them.

Burpengary – David Raj Installation

Antioch Weekend SA – St David’s Tea Tree Gully

MAMI retreat Eagle Vale Parish NSW