 On the 19th of July,
2004, Brother Joseph Crowley, Patrician Brother for forty-four years
and a founding staff member of Magdalene Catholic High School, died at
the young age of sixty-two. On the 19th of July, 2005, Magdalene
Catholic High School dedicated their main playing field to the memory
of Joseph calling it "The Brother Joseph Crowley Oval". The Brothers
were invited to this dedication ceremony.A large group of the Brothers were
able to attend and they were all welcomed warmly by Principal Mr Alan
McManus, the staff, and students. The Brothers, along with John and
Jane Coates, long-time friends of Joseph, were seated together in front
of the dedication plaque overlooking the oval to be dedicated to
Joseph's memory. Seven hundred and more students and staff seated on
the grass of the oval below.
The ceremony was simple but moving. After being welcomed by
Assistant Principal Mr Michael Hanratty, two of the female students
led us in prayer and then proclaimed the Gospel account of Jesus
walking with the disciples along the road to Emmaus helping them to
understand the events which had just taken place in Jerusalem - perhaps
a reflection on the ministry of Joseph at Magdalene as he worked to
help students and staff to appreciate God in their lives. Two male students then took it in turn to share a story of
Joseph in their lives at Magdalene. Br Paul O'Keeffe, who was
Provincial at the time of Joseph's death and was also living in
community with him, shared a few of his memories of Joseph. Next was the blessing and dedication of the oval. This was
performed by Father John Whitty from nearby Campbelltown and friend of
the school. To
conclude the ceremony, Principal Mr Alan McManus shared a few of his
memories of Joseph.
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