The changes have been dramatic, and while it may be sad for the "old brigade" to see their school slowly but surely giving way to the new, we can all take pride in the wonderful transformation that has taken place. A boys' school of less than four hundred Year 7 to 10 students has been replaced by an co-educational school of well over six hundred Year 7 to Year 12 students. The grounds are not spacious, but what space there is has been utilised to make the campus both an attractive and comfortable environment for both students and staff. The cricket nets have gone, but the College can now boast of specialist rooms worthy of the 21st century. As was said many times by many people on the occasion of the College blessing, the architects and builders have done and are doing a marvellous job. 
 
 

Bishop Manning	Mr Michael Krawec	Br Joseph Crowley

The official party of  the ceremony included such people as Bishop Kevin Manning (Bishop of Parramatta), Dr Anne Benjamin (Executive Director of Schools, Parramatta), Brother Philip Mulhall (Superior General of the Patrician Brothers), Father Les Campion (Granville PP), Mr Michael Krawec (Principal of Delany College), Brother Paul O'Keeffe (Provincial of the Australian-PNG Province of Patrician Brothers), the Hon. Patricia Forsythe (NSW Shadow Minister for Education), and Councillor David Borger (Lord Mayor of Parramatta). We were indeed fortunate that virtually all of these were able to share a few thoughts on the significance of the occasion. Also in attendance were the many supporters of the College, past and present, the local clergy, many Patrician Brothers including Brother Joseph Crowley who was the last Brother Principal of the school, a large number of ex-staff and students, Mr Gordon Boulos (second student enrolled at the school in 1942), and of course the wonderful community of present staff and students.

The pre-blessing activities featured three main aspects of the College: the richness of its cultural traditions, the talents of its present staff and students, and the College's connection to the Patrician heritage. Too many names to mention in this wonderful ceremony, but mention must be made of the beautiful narration and dramatisation of the history of the College. 

After the blessing the guests were invited to share in a light meal which had been prepared by the students themselves. The deliciousness of the delicousies were very much match by the hospitality of the student hosts. College Captains Rosemary Chidiac and Tony Haouchab were impressive as they welcomed and spoke to the visitors.

Congratulations to all the visible people who made the occasion a most memorable one: the heart was touched and the spirit lifted. Congratulations and thanks also to all the people in the background: the booklet authors, designers, and compilers; the cooks and servers; the stage designers and stage hands; to all those who gave in any way.

Well done, Mr Krawec, and to the whole Delany College community. It was a day to be proud of what Patrician Brothers Granville has been and what Delany College is and will be. Bishop Daniel Delany must be very proud indeed.

(Click here for more on Delany College.)