|
May, 2005
- Volume 12 Issue 2 12 Years of Publication |
 Table of Contents
 Our Thanks The Committee has been thrilled by the response to its appeal for support to meet the costs of THE GREEN SASH. The accompanying expressions of appreciation and encouragement have warmed their hearts. Readers are assured of receiving the usual four issues of THE GREEN SASH again this year. Both Kevins express their sincere thanks for your spontaneous generosity. Passings THOMAS PATRICK McMANUS
23.7.1931-20.3.2005 Tom McManus, third son of John & Teresa McManus, brother of Jack, Frank and Patrick [all deceased] passed away peacefully at Blacktown Hospital in his 74th year on March 20, 2005. Alumnus of Forest Lodge, Tom was always the first on the ‘phone to advise the writer of the passing of an old school mate or parishioner. He never missed a funeral. Tom was always there, quietly in the background. He had the most amazing recall of the past. Tom was outspoken but he had a heart of gold. He was a fine hooker with Balmain Rugby League for a number of years. We join with Mark, Mandy and family in mourning Tom’s passing. Requiescat in Pace. Activities
The Committee has reviewed our program. We are all growing older and the marked decline in numbers at our Annual Mass over the past two years has clearly indicated that many have found it difficult to attend the Mass on a Sunday morning. Cross city travel on public transport involving connections on weekends requires, in many cases, lengthy walks and considerable time. So it is with some sadness that the Committee has decided to forego the Sunday morning Mass. The suggested alternative is to combine the Mass with our Luncheon on Sunday, October 9, 2005. Father John Knight has graciously agreed to celebrate the Mass in the Auditorium of The Catholic Club prior to the commencement of the Luncheon to be held on Sunday, October 9th. It is the intention that Mass will commence at Noon followed by a short break with Luncheon to commence at 1.15pm. The Management of The Catholic Club has concurred with this arrangement. It is the practice of The Catholic Club to celebrate Mass prior to the commencement of its Annual General Meeting so no logistical problems are anticipated. A Reminiscence
 We quote from The
Patrician Brothers in Australia – The First Hundred
Years; ‘ For the new mission, the Provincial, Rev. Brother Rodan and
his council made the admirable choice of Brother Charles Barry, then
Headmaster of Patrician Brothers College, Fairfield, to be assisted by
Brother Gabriel McCluskie. After the initial adjustment Brother
Charles’ immense administrative ability began to leave its imprint on
the Mission school. He became the Headmaster at Aitape in 1970 and
remained so until 1977. In 1978 Brother Charles accompanied by Brother
Michael Vella went to Nuku, an inland town some three days journey on
foot from the coastal town of Aitape, to begin a new school there. In 1989 Brother Charles assisted by Brother David Sullivan opened yet another school at Lumi. He returned to Fairfield in 1995. We thank Brother Charles Barry for this story of Aitape, Papua New Guinea revealing the aftermath of the Pacific campaign of World War II fought in Papua New Guinea from 1942-1945. (Photo: Charles as he was in the early 70s as Principal of St Ignatius High School, Aitape.) Aitape –
Remnants of World War II
In the latter part of the Pacific conflict, Aitape, in the western part of Papua New Guinea was a major theatre of the war, with many Australian servicemen losing their lives or having memories, which most would prefer to forget, of their time there In mid January 1968, Gabriel McCluskie and I first saw evidence of the war from a small Dornier ‘plane piloted by Archbishop Leo Arkfeldt, SVD, as we circled Tadji airstrip about 8km east of Aitape. The airstrip itself was built to accommodate wartime aircraft including large bombers. It is one and a half kilometers in length, covered completely with interlocking steel mesh called Marsden matting and was constructed in three days. It is still now in use even for Hercules and Caribou aircraft. In the thick undergrowth alongside the airstrip an array of over 30 aircraft was clearly visible as the tropical sun reflected from remarkably preserved wings and fuselages. They were either damaged beyond repair or had been stripped for spare parts to keep other aircraft operational. They included bombers such as Liberators and Beauforts and fighters known as Lightnings, Kittyhawks and Aerocobras; names all well known to the population of the times. Between Wewak and Aitape alone 442 Australians and over 25 000 Japanese lost their lives. Since the Japanese forces had been cut off from all logistical support during the last two years of the conflict, they incredibly lived off the land and attempted to walk back to Japan passing inland from Aitape heading towards Indonesia. The most decorated Division in the Australian Army, the famous Sixth, was sent to Aitape and Jayapura to cut them off and the battle of Niemeyer ensued with a huge loss of life which was, according to military analysts, all quite unnecessary. Not alone were there lots of aircraft scattered around [most of which were removed in the mid 1970s to war museums in U.S.A. and elsewhere] but also small tanks, field artillery, rifles, field kitchens and Willys Jeeps. Scattered everywhere were literally thousands of bombs ranging from mortars to 500 pounders. Lots of villagers were maimed by many of these in the years following the war and on many occasions I saw hand grenades being used to stun fish on the coral reefs. A friend of mine from the 1960s, Bobby Thomson (RIP), Secretary/Manager of the Fairfield RSL Club, questioned my sanity when I told him I had volunteered to go to Aitape, of which I previously had never heard. Amid unprintable expletives he recalled how he had commanded an amphibious platoon at Aitape in 1945. On hearing that the Japanese had surrendered, he and his small group drove their tank-like craft [about ten metres in length] into the jungle and parked them side by side in a coconut plantation where they abandoned them leaving the @#*% ignition keys in place. Some months after my arrival in Aitape I decided to check out Bobby’s story. With the help of the local villagers I soon located the six now very rusty amphibious craft, parked one beside the other in parallel order amid the thick under-growth. However the ignition keys were missing! Continuing the History of the Brothers
 In our last issue we
wrote of the Brothers from Ireland. There is much
more to tell, so we continue the story, particularly of those Brothers
who taught in the parishes of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Waterloo, St
Vincent de Paul (generally referred to as ‘St. Vincent’s’), Redfern and
St. James, Forest Lodge. This record should be read in conjunction with
that published in our last issue, Volume
12, Issue 1, February,
2005. (Photo: Kevin
Scott)In 1939, aged seven years and four months, the writer entered St. James’ School for Boys conducted by the Patrician Brothers in the Parish of Forest Lodge. The school was then located on the corner of Bridge Road and Rosebank Street, Glebe. The building still exists, but is no longer parish property. Third Class through to 1st Year occupied the upper floor, with 2nd and 3rd Year in the back of the hall on the ground floor. Brother Fidelis Downes conducted 3rd Class. In May 1940 the new boys’ school opened in Woolley Street across the lane from St. James’ Church. The writer was then in 4th Class conducted by Brother Ignatius Barrett. It was in that year that the writer first fell under the direction of Brother Rodan Bergin. Brother Rodan was an outstanding choirmaster, with a fine tenor voice. The words of the song were written on a blackboard and Brother Rodan sang the melody and the choir joined in. The secret of Brother Rodan’s success was in his selection of melodic ballads and folk songs that, in the main, had been recorded by popular tenors, such as, John McCormack and Richard Crooks. The audience loved them – and so did the writer. By 12 years of age and in 2nd Year the writer had begun to develop a great love of the human voice, spoken and in song. He listened closely to the voices of the Irish Brothers and was puzzled by the variety in pitch. Other than Brother Baptist McGrath the voices were essentially Irish, yet each had individual qualities that identified the speaker. In particular, he recalls Brother Baptist McGrath. To his ear, Brother Baptist’s voice was refined - no, that is not the word; ‘precise’ is more fitting. Put simply, Brother Baptist did not draw out the vowels. His voice had very little Irish intonation. Knowing nothing of Brother Baptist’s background he often wondered if Brother Baptist was English. How wrong can one be? After all, he had arrived in NSW in 1888 at the age of 16 years; his voice would not have been fully developed at that age and his ear unwittingly may have been receptive to the shorter vowel sounds spoken here. But there could be no doubting the Irish of the voices of Brother Cyril Boland and Brother Norbert Phelan – yet each was pitched at the opposite end of the spectrum. The contrast was remarkable. Brother Cyril’s voice had a deep baritone quality and he was unable to pronounce the ‘h’ in a word beginning with ‘th’. In comparison, Brother Norbert would have been in the range of a lyric tenor. Another voice of interest was that of Brother Nicholas Duffy. His was ‘clipped’ in its delivery. Brother Rodan Bergin’s voice was, to the writer’s ear, the most pleasant. On occasions, to emphasize his words, he widened his eyes by drawing back the flesh on his forehead and temples. This was the time to pay particular attention! And so, the writer, over the past 11 years, has had a great interest in the townlands, towns and counties from which the Irish Brothers came. Would that explain the variation in the pitch of the voices? Consequently the Brothers are grouped below under the particular County from which they came. If the townland and town are known, they also are included. The comments shown in the listing below generally relate only to those Brothers who had taught at Waterloo, Redfern or Forest Lodge. County Carlow Brother Boniface Carroll, Ballinastraw, Tullow Brother Louis Hunt, Hacketstown Brother Benignus Kealy, Mill Street, Tullow Brother Pat O’Neill, Kildaven Brother Ignatius Price, Tullow Brother Ignatius proceeded to Goulburn upon his arrival in 1884 and then to Bathurst as Superior there that year. He was the first Superior of St. Vincent’s, Redfern from its opening in February 1886. In 1890 he was at Ryde and then Orange. In 1891 Brother Ignatius was appointed Head Superior in Australia which necessitated his presence at Ryde. In October of that year, Redfern Community with Brother Stanislaus Bergin as Superior relocated to Ryde as a separate Community, returning to Redfern some date immediately prior to August 1892 with Brother Ignatius again as Superior. In 1893 Brother Ignatius was appointed the first Provincial of the Australia Province. Again it was necessary that he reside at Ryde. However, circa March 1894 he resigned as Provincial but remained at Ryde. Brother Ignatius was appointed Superior at Armidale in 1895 until 1897. He returned to India in 1898. The then Archbishop of Sydney, Francis Cardinal Moran, regarded the Brothers’ school at Redfern as the leading school in the Archdiocese and Brother Ignatius as its finest teacher. County Cork Brother Celsus Daly, Mallow Brother Majella Tobin, Kilworth Brother Majella taught at Forest Lodge from May 1946-1949, Redfern for a period in 1951 when Brother Majella then commenced a long association with Holy Cross College, Ryde until 1976 when he returned to Ireland. During this time he was in charge of the College Cadet Corps. Brother Majella displayed unique fundraising talents during his time at Ryde. County Derry Brother Basil Cassidy, Derrycastle Maghera Brother Basil had a long association with the Redfern Community. He was appointed to Bathurst 1902, Redfern 1903-1905, Redfern at Forest Lodge 1906-1910, Redfern at Waterloo 1911, Redfern 1912-1914, Bathurst 1915-June 1917, Ryde remainder 1917, Redfern at Waterloo 1918-1919, Redfern 1920- June 1924 then holiday Ireland, Redfern July 1925, Forest Lodge 1926-1927, Redfern 1928-1931, Redfern at Waterloo 1932-1935, Redfern 1936-1938, holiday Ireland 1939, Redfern 1940-to his passing. Mid year appointments followed the Irish practice and were eventually discontinued in this province. Brother Rodan Bergin records, “Many of his pupils have attained high positions in civic and commercial spheres and are among the most active church workers in their parishes”. County Dublin Brother Thomas Hunt, Dublin Brother Thomas was appointed to Ryde in 1892, Armidale 1893-part 1897, Orange remainder 1897-part 1901, then to Bathurst to part 1911, Redfern at Waterloo the remainder of 1911, then to Ryde in 1912 until his passing in 1920. Brother Boniface Carroll writes “In Holy Cross College Annuals are to be found some sweet little poems from his pen. Brother Thomas’ life of simple and sincere piety was crowned by a calm and saintly death.” The writer sought information from the Congregational Archivist in regard to Brother Thomas. Brother Linus Walker replied; “Brother Thomas was not from Tullow. He was Dublin-born; one of the few Patricians to be so unlucky.’ County Galway Brother Marcellus Broderick, Craughwell Brother Malachy Corbett, Newcastle Brother Malachy was appointed to Redfern in May 1946 until November of that year, Ryde to 1951, Forest Lodge 1952 until April 1955, Ryde April 1955-1956, Blacktown 1957-1961, Fairfield 1962, Wahroonga/Narellan 1963, Fairfield 1964--1971, Blacktown 1972-1980, Liverpool 1981, Granville 1982-1987. In 1987 he joined the Ryde Community with a holiday in Ireland 1991-1992 returning to Ryde where he remained until his passing. Brother Malachy was one of 15 children of Thomas & Delia Corbett. Brother Malachy described himself as being ‘somewhere in the middle’. The following was written by a Blacktown student in Year Ten on the departure of Brother Malachy from the school in 1980: ‘Over the years at Patrician Brothers, many teachers have come and gone, many leaving sad pupils behind, while others making the pupils dreams come true by going to other schools. One teacher who has always thought of students first, and has always helped them in every way possible, is Brother Malachy. Without his help in Mathematics and Religious Knowledge many students would be lost in the limbo of Mathematics. We thank you Brother Malachy for teaching us everything you know…’. Brother Nicholas Duffy, Town unknown Brother Nicholas was appointed to Redfern in 1938-May 1940, Ryde remainder 1940-1944. On the death of Brother Baptist McGrath he was transferred to Forest Lodge from February 1945-March 1946. Brother Alphonsus Feeney, Athenry. Brother Alphonsus was appointed to Wahroonga in 1938 where he studied for his Leaving Certificate, Redfern 1939 In 1940 he went to Forest Lodge, where he taught 4th Class until May “when he developed internal problems that led to operations on his stomach which later developed into cancer’. In 1941 he was at Redfern until May 1942, Ryde 1943, Redfern 1944. ‘He requested to be allowed to teach, even though he was very ill. He transferred to Holy Cross College, Ryde in 1945 where he did excellent work despite his illness.’ Brother Oliver Healy, Ballyglunin Brother Oliver was appointed to Forest Lodge mid 1925. In 1926 he went to Ryde ending the year at Redfern. In 1927 he spent three months at Orange returning to Redfern in March. He then taught at Waterloo 1928-July 1931 when he transferred to Forest Lodge. 1938 saw him again at Redfern until May 1940 when he was transferred to Ryde where he remained until returning to Ireland in May 1946 as a delegate to the General Chapter. Brother Oliver was retained in Ireland. Brother Iranaeus Peter Higgins, Athenry Brother Iranaeus was appointed to Granville in 1960-1966 In 1967 he was appointed Principal at Forest Lodge which closed that year, Blacktown 1968-1972. He reverted to his Christian name in 1969. Brother Peter was at Liverpool 1973-1981, Granville 1982-1985, Blacktown 1986 where he taught until retirement. He continues as a member of the Blacktown Community. Brother Macartan Keegan, Galway City Brother Macartan was appointed to Ryde in 1929-1930, Forest Lodge 1931-1937. He returned to India in 1937. Brother Colman Keenahan, 2 Shanlath Rd, Galway City Brother Colman was appointed to Redfern 1907-1908, Bathurst for latter part of 1908-1909, Redfern 1910–Aug. 1911, Bathurst Aug 1911-March 1912 when he was transferred to the India Province. Brother Jerome McAuley, Galway City Brother Jerome first served at Goulburn 1893-March 1894 when he was appointed Superior of the Redfern Community until end of 1896. In that year he replaced Brother Austin McGrath at Forest Lodge while Brother Austin was in hospital with a diseased jawbone. Brother Jerome remained at Redfern until 1899, Ryde 1900-1901, returning to Redfern in 1903 until shortly before his death at Ryde in 1914. Brother Boniface Carroll writes, ‘Brother Jerome entered on his Novitiate in Galway on July 2, 1853 and was professed on August 15, 1856. His first work was assisting Brother Paul O’Connor, one of the founders of Galway House. This was not long after the famine. There were 1,230 pupils in the school and most of them were in such straits that they had to be fed and clothed as well as educated. To do this the Brothers had to go around and solicit alms. Later Brother Jerome was transferred to Tullow where he was in charge of the Primary school, then called the Poor School. In Tullow he was associated with Brother Arsenius [Fitzpatrick] who had joined a month after the Foundation of the Congregation, so that Brother Jerome was a connecting link between the beginning of the Congregation and the present time’. Brother Boniface writings of Brother Jerome cover two foolscap pages. Brother Eugene Kelly, Town Unknown Brother Felix Kennedy, Town Unknown Brother Felix was appointed to Forest Lodge 1953, Granville 1954- Sep. 1955, then Blacktown, Fairfield 1956-May 1959, then Ryde to 1962, Granville 1963-1966. Brother Pius O’Leary, Peterswell Brother Pius was appointed to Forest Lodge in May 1946-part 1951, Ryde remainder 1951-1952, Granville 1953, Ryde 1954-1955, Forest Lodge 1956-1957, holiday in Ireland 1958-1959, Forest Lodge 1960-May 1962 when he was a delegate the General Chapter. Brother Pius was retained in Ireland. County Kerry Brother De Sales Gilbert, Lixnaw County Kildare Brother Patrick O’Connell, Kilcullen Brother Patrick was at Forest Lodge 1962-1963? Ryde 1964-1965, Liverpool 1966-1970 County Kilkenny Brother Stanislaus Bergin, Galmoy, Johnstown Brother Stanislaus was appointed to Bathurst in 1885 where he was Superior from 1886 until 1891 when he transferred to Redfern as Superior. In 1892-1893 he was at Bathurst. Ryde 1894-1895, Redfern 1896-1897, Ryde 1898-1899. He was appointed Provincial in 1900 and during the next eleven years Brother Stanislaus moved from Redfern, Ryde teaching at Redfern, Ryde, Redfern, Orange, Ryde and Bathurst. Brother Stanislaus was an outstanding administrator. He was faced with a surfeit of Brothers following the withdrawals from the Goulburn diocese and parish of Dubbo. This led to a number of Irish Brothers being transferred to the India Province. He is remembered as the Provincial who gave the Redfern Community a monastery in Redfern. St. Patrick’s Monastery opened in 1905; twenty years after the Brothers first came to Redfern. At last the Community could move from rented premises. Brother Stanislaus returned to Ireland at the end of his provincial-ship in 1911. Brother Laserian Darcy, Crosspatrick, Johnstown Brother Laserian is recorded at Redfern 1910-1911. Although there is no record of later appointments, Brother Laserian did not return to Ireland until 1913. It is assumed he remained at Redfern until his departure. The Congregational archivist, Brother Linus Walker advised the writer the name ‘Laserian’ is from Gaelic ‘Lasair’, a bright light. Laserian is the patron saint of Leighlin where the Congregation was founded. Brother Patrick Fogarty, Galmoy, Johnstown Brother Austin O’Connell Rathpoleen, Johnstown Brother Austin was appointed to Redfern in March 1908. Waterloo from June 1908. 1911 saw him at Ryde, returning to Redfern before the end of that year until mid 1915, Ryde July 1915-June 1917, Redfern at Waterloo June 1917-June 1918, Redfern until 1922, Orange 1923-1928, Ryde 1929-April 1939, Wahroonga 1940-1944, Ryde 1945, Granville to May 1946. Brother Austin was appointed Provincial in 1931, reappointed in 1937. He left in May 1946 to attend the General Chapter and was retained in Ireland. Brother Paul O’Connor records, ‘Brother Austin inspired feelings of respect, gratitude and affection among the Brothers. As a schoolman he had extraordinary discipline; his grave, quite appearance, his earnestness and sincerity creating an atmosphere approaching awe and inspiring effort to learn. As a superior he was personally exemplary in religious observance, a man of great faith and obvious goodness, kindly and understanding, and a perfect gentleman. Rather shy with strangers, he was not a successful public speaker or a good mixer; but it seems absolutely appropriate that this good and strong man should be our Provincial in these difficult years of depression and war, and at the end of his term of office it was felt he was irreplaceable.’ Brother Anthony Phelan Grangefertagh, Johnstown Brother Anthony was at Redfern 1916-1917, Ryde, teaching at Waterloo, 1918 He remained teaching at Ryde until 1925, Orange/Ryde 1927, Ryde 1928, Ryde/Wahroonga 1929–1930, Ryde 1931- 1938, then holiday in Ireland, Ryde 1939, Redfern 1940-1943, Ryde 1944-1953, Redfern 1954-1959. There is no record of his appointment in 1960-1961. In 1962 he was Principal at Forest Lodge. Brother Anthony suffered a stroke while attending Benediction at St. James’ Church, Forest Lodge and passed away at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst two months later. Brother Norbert Phelan, Coolaltha, Johnstown Brother Norbert was appointed to Bathurst in 1920-July 1921, Dubbo part 1921-1922. In 1923 he was at Bathurst transferring to Forest Lodge when the Blessed Oliver Plunkett monastery opened in the May of that year. Ryde 1924-1925, Orange 1926-1927, Forest Lodge 1928. Redfern 1929-1930, Ryde 1931-May 1937. He was a delegate to the 1937 General Chapter. He was appointed to Forest Lodge 1938-June 1943 as Superior, Ryde 1944, Forest Lodge March 1945-June 1947, Ryde to July 1948. Appointed Provincial in September 1946 Brother Norbert was the first Provincial to remain in NSW following the completion of his term of office in 1956. In July 1948 he went to Wahroonga, Ryde 1949-1953, Wahroonga teaching at Waterloo for half the day in 1954, returning to Ryde until 1959, Granville 1960-May 1963, Narellan remainder 1963-1971, Granville 1972, Narellan 1973, Granville 1974, Narellan 1975-1981, 1982 at Scalabrini Village, Austral, NSW, until his passing that year. Writing of Brother Norbert’s provincial-ship, Brother Paul O’Connor records; ‘This was a period of rapid recovery from a slump. It established a new pattern of schools for the Patrician Brothers, and all three new schools had great potential. Brother Norbert proved to be a good superior and a shrewd administrator.’ Brother Serenus Quann, Roscon, Windgap Brother Serenus was appointed to Redfern in 1920-1923, Dubbo 1924, Redfern 1925-1928, Redfern at Waterloo 1929-1930, Wahroonga 1931-1938, holiday in Ireland 1939, Ryde 1940, Redfern at Waterloo 1941-1950, Forest Lodge 1951-1952, Wahroonga 1953-1956, Fairfield 1957-1959, Redfern 1960-1962, Forest Lodge 1963-1964, Fairfield 1965 to his passing . ‘During his early days at Wahroonga (1931-1938) each and every day started with a three mile walk to morning Mass at Pymble Parish Church. The huge crowd at his obsequies and funeral was a moving tribute to a gentle, kindly soul who was ever at pains to avoid notice and the limelight.’ County Laois Brother Patricius Bergin, Ballycolla Brother Patricius was appointed to Redfern in 1906, Bathurst 1907 to June, Redfern until 1908, Ryde 1909 until June, spending the remainder of 1909 at Redfern, Bathurst 1910 until May 1911. Brother Aloysius Delaney, Killenure Brother Aloysius was appointed to Redfern in May 1946, Redfern at Waterloo 1947-1949, Forest Lodge 1950-1955, Ryde 1956-1957, Wahroonga 1958, Fairfield 1959-1962, Ryde 1963-1964, Ryde/ Wahroonga 1965, Blacktown 1967, Wahroonga 1968-1969. Brother Enda Egan, Rosenallis Brother Gerald Egan, Rosenallis Brother Gerald was appointed to Granville in October 1949, Redfern at Waterloo 1950-1956, Granville 1957, Liverpool to May 1958, Granville remainder 1958, Liverpool 1959-1968, Granville 1969-1976, Ryde 1977-1980, Liverpool 1981-1999. Brother Gerald was Principal at Waterloo in 1952, Deputy Principal at Granville 1973-1975 and Superior at Liverpool from 1990. He retired from teaching in 1988. He celebrated his 60th year of profession on August 15, 2000, just 16 days before his passing. Brother Vianney Foyle, Knock, Abbeyleix Brother Malachy Joseph Guidera, Kildellig Brother Malachy was appointed to Forest Lodge in 1952, Redfern at Waterloo 1953-1960 and holiday in Ireland that year, Fairfield 1961-1968, Blacktown 1969- ,Granville, -1981 Ryde 1982-1985, Wahroonga 1987-1988, Narellan 1989-1992. Brother Malachy reverted to his Christian name in 1989. He is presently a member of the Bradbury Community. Brother Stanislaus John Hetherington, Mountrath Brother Aengus Kavanagh, Abbeyleix Brother Callistus Keating, Abbeyleix Brother Callistus Keating was appointed to Granville 1956-1957, Liverpool 1958-1959, Redfern at Waterloo 1960-1962, Redfern 1963, Liverpool from May 1964-1965, Fairfield 1966, Granville 1967-1969. Brother Flannan McCann, Town Unknown Brother Lactean McGree, Town Unknown Brother Lactean was appointed to Redfern 1955, Granville teaching at Liverpool 1956, Blacktown 1957-1962, Liverpool 1963-1964, Ryde 1965-1968, Blacktown 1969-1972. Brother Thomas Rice, Mountrath County Leitrim Brother John Gallagher, Drumshanbo County Meath Brother Thomas Brennan, Trim Brother Thomas arrived as a Novice in 1912 and was appointed to Ryde, Redfern 1913, Bathurst 1914, Redfern at Forest Lodge 1915-1916, Redfern/Bathurst 1917, Bathurst/Ryde 1918, Bathurst/Orange 1919, Orange 1920-April 1927, Redfern remainder of year, Forest Lodge 1928-1934 with holiday to Ireland in 1930, Redfern at Waterloo 1935-1936, Forest Lodge 1937, Redfern at Waterloo 1938-1940, Redfern 1941, Redfern at Waterloo 1942-1947, Redfern 1948-1949, Redfern at Waterloo 1950, Redfern 1951-1952, Wahroonga 1953-1956, Redfern 1957-Oct 1964, Forest Lodge remainder 1964, Narellan 1965-1971, Ryde 1972, Narellan 1973, Ryde 1974, Narellan 1975 to his passing. ‘No better words could be written of Brother Thomas than those spoken by his friend and Spiritual Director, Most Rev. Bishop I. Doggett OFM at the Funeral Mass – “His life was a simple, holy and effective one dedicated mostly to primary teaching. He may not have shone in halls of learning and ‘Brother of St. Patrick’ was his only title. In a worldly sense he was a ‘nobody’, but as a man of God, as a religious of deep faith, or as we might like to call it today ‘a community man’, he shone out brightly. This was because he was a man devoted to the common life, devoid of eccentricities and singularities: never out to ‘do his own thing’. He shone because he did not shine. He was ordinary. Even in the last moments of his life, he would not deflect from his community life unless it was first approved by his superior or confessor. Brother Thomas held right to the last and rightly so, that it is from obedience that a true religious gains his freedom. He had true freedom of soul – peace of soul, and this came from obedience and its corollary humility. From this peace of soul sprung the ready smile, the twinkle in the eye and the soft word. His life was a long one, 65 dedicated years for God. He worked for Him with deep faith and now he is with Him face to face. If I were to write his epitaph, it would be – ‘Here lies Brother Thomas, the gentle and kindly servant of the Lord.’ “ County Monaghan Brother Evangelist Hanratty, Carrickmacross Brother Evangelist was appointed to Bathurst in June 1921, Redfern 1923-1924, Orange and then to Redfern teaching at Waterloo from April 1925, Orange to April 1926, remainder Forest Lodge, 1928 Redfern at Waterloo until May 1929 then to Ryde, Redfern 1931-1936 Redfern at Waterloo 1937-1938. Brother Macartan Ryan Carrickmacross County Offaly Brother Cyril Henchy, Town Unknown County Roscommon Brother Basil Downey, Tanvey Brother Basil was appointed to Forest Lodge in October 1949-May 1951, Redfern at Waterloo to the end of 1951. Granville, teaching at Blacktown 1952 until May 1953 then to Ryde to end of year, Forest Lodge 1954-May 1959, then holiday in Ireland that year. Redfern 1960 to Sept. of that year, Forest Lodge Sept. 1960-1961, Sefton 1962-1964, Forest Lodge 1965, Liverpool 1966-1988. Brother Basil remained at Liverpool carrying out parish duties until retirement. He is currently a member of the Blacktown Commumity County Tipperary Brother Charles Barry, Horse & Jockey Brother Rodan Bergin, Moatfield Lorrha, Gurteen Brother Rodan was appointed to Redfern, teaching at Waterloo in 1932, Forest Lodge 1938- May 1946 when he left for the General Chapter in Ireland, returning to Forest Lodge in June 1947-1950. From 1944-1950 Brother Rodan was Superior and Principal at Forest Lodge. He attended the 1950 General Chapter where he was appointed Assistant General at Tullow. In 1956 he returned to Australian as Provincial until 1968 during which time he was at Wahroonga. He returned to Ireland in 1968 where he was appointed Assistant General until 1974. From 1968 he was a member of the Mount St. Joseph Community until his passing. ‘In looking back on his long life those who knew him best recall above all his pleasing qualities, his gentleness and simplicity. His gentleness was all the more remarkable as he was a big man of considerable strength. Like the prophet Elijah in the Bible story, many experienced the Lord in the ‘gentle breeze’ of Rodan’s life. In his final years he aged gracefully as a member of the Community at the Mount. He had a warm welcome for visitors at all times, shaking their hands profusely and eagerly listening to their stories. Each year there was a steady stream of visitors from Australia to see him and he was always alert in memory and delighted to renew such friendships.’ Brother Cyril Boland, Toomyvara Brother Rodan Bergin writes, ‘Brother Cyril was one of the youngest of a large family of whom four dedicated themselves to God’s service. One brother is Vicar General of Duluth Diocese in U.S.A. and two sisters joined the Little Sisters of the Poor. Before joining the Congregation, Brother Cyril was for several years in Dublin. Meeting Brother Finbarr Downes he obeyed the call and entered the Novitiate at Tullow in 1910. He was then over 20 years of age. He had only reached 6th Grade in education and now he was faced with the problem of qualifying as a teacher. He had wonderful application and determination and was able to master the subjects required by the Education Department. After a short period of teaching at Mountrath he came to Australia. His first appointment was at Redfern in 1916 then Orange mid 1917- mid 1919. He then returned to Redfern as Principal at Forest Lodge. In March 1923 he was appointed the first Superior of the Blessed Oliver Plunkett monastery at Forest Lodge. Here he laboured for most of his remaining years. He was Principal there from 1923-1935 except for about six months in 1932 when he was ill. Under his principal-ship the school had outstanding results in the Diocesan Examination His pupils gained several diocesan and state bursaries. He presented the first Intermediate students for examination and he had outstanding results in the Intermediate examination for many years.’ Brother Cyril was again at Forest Lodge 1944-April 1951, then Ryde to 1952, Forest Lodge 1953-1960, Sefton 1961 until his passing ‘ ‘Brother Cyril had a loyal body of ex-students who always came to his assistance and helped him to run the Appeal each year. It can truthfully be said that no Patrician Brother had a more loyal body of Old Boys. He kept in close contact with them and reminded them of their duties to God, Mother Church and St. James’ School. In 1937 Brother Cyril was acting Provincial and was for many years a member of the Provincial Council and Superior at Redfern 1938-1943. Above all, Brother Cyril was a good Religious who always observed the Rule and saw to it that his subjects did likewise.' Brother Bernard Bulfin, Noan, Ballinure Brother Bernard was appointed to Blacktown in 1956-1961, Fairfield 1962-1963, Forest Lodge 1962-1963, Ryde 1964-1965, Blacktown 1966-1972 and Principal there 1973-1988, Study Leave in USA 1989-1990. Brother Bernard was appointed Principal at Fairfield in 1991 until his retirement from teaching in 2001. He is presently a member of the Ryde Community and is involved in hospital and jail visitation. Brother Gerard Bulfin, Noan, Ballinure Brother Joseph Crowley, Kilvemnon, Mullinahone Brother Richard Doheny, Ballingarry Brother Fidelis Downes, Kilgirlete Nenagh – born at Toomyvara, Co. Tipperary Brother Fidelis was appointed to Orange in 1908-1909, Bathurst in 1910-May 1911. He was dismissed by the Provincial, Brother Stanislaus Bergin, on May 19,1911 owing to the state of his health. He was readmitted in June 14, 1915 by Brother Boniface Carroll who commented; ‘During his absence he had lived as a good practical Catholic, attended faithfully to his religious duties, and commanded the respect of all those he came in contact with. As we considered him very sincere in his desire to return, and as we are badly in need of Brothers, we gladly accepted him.’ Brother Fidelis was at Ryde from July 1915-June 1917, Redfern at Waterloo 1918, Redfern 1919-1922, Orange 1923, Forest Lodge 1924-1925, Redfern at Waterloo 1926-1928, holiday to Ireland 1929, Redfern 1930-1938, Forest Lodge - residing at Redfern, 1939-1942, Brother Fidelis does not appear in the 1943 appointment listing nor the Irish record. Redfern 1944-April 1951, holiday in Ireland, Redfern 1952-1953, Redfern at Waterloo 1954, Redfern to May 1957 when he went to Ryde until his passing. ‘Brother Fidelis taught primary classes in nearly all our schools in Australia but most of his teaching was done at Redfern, Waterloo and Forest Lodge. He was principal of the primary school in Orange in 1923. He is affectionately held in remembrance especially in the parishes of Redfern and Waterloo.' Brother Malachy Dwyer, Rossmore, Clonoulty Brother Regis Dwyer, Brocka, Clonoulty Brother Xavier Dwyer, Brocka, Clonoulty Brother Xavier Dwyer was first appointed to Ryde in 1892, Armidale 1893-1894, Redfern 1895. Brother Michael English, Clonoulty Brother Peter Gaynor, Town Unknown Brother Canice Grimes, Cooleeney, Moyne Brother Albert Hanley, Rossmore, Clonoulty Brother Albert first appointed to Bathurst 1884. In 1886 was one of three Brothers appointed to Redfern on the opening of the school. Brother Sylvester Harmey, Rossmore, Clonoulty Brother Sylvester was appointed to Maitland in 1884. In 1886 he was one of three Brothers appointed to Redfern at the opening of the school. He returned to Maitland in 1887-1888. Confusion occurred over his surname. There are a number of references spelled ‘Harney’. The writer is of the opinion ‘Harmey’ shown in shipping records is correct. Brother Regis Hickey, Borrisoleigh Brother Regis Hickey was appointed to Redfern in 1907, Redfern at Waterloo Apr-May 1908, Bathurst to July 1909 when he left the Order. He was readmitted in 1915 and died at Orange that year. Brother Bernard Kennedy, Newport Brother Bernard was appointed to Granville 1953-May 1954, Fairfield to end of year, Redfern 1955-1956, Redfern at Waterloo 1957-May 1959, Forest Lodge May 1959-1961, Fairfield 1962-1963. Brother Aemelian Larkin, Town Unknown Brother John Lee, Clonoulty Brother John was appointed to Dubbo in 1890, Bathurst/Orange 1891, Orange/Redfern 1892, Armidale 1893, Redfern 1894, Goulburn 1895-1898, Orange 1899-1901, Redfern 1902, Bathurst 1903, Bathurst/Redfern 1904, Redfern 1905, Orange/Redfern at Forest Lodge 1906, Orange/Bathurst 1907, Bathurst/Orange 1908, Orange 1909, Orange/Ryde/Redfern 1910, Redfern 1911-1913, Ryde 1914, Redfern/Redfern at Waterloo 1915, Redfern 1916 to his passing. Brother James Long, Clonoulty Brother James was appointed to Goulburn in 1884, Albury 1885-1890, Armidale 1891-1892, Orange 1893-1895, Ryde 1896-1899, Bathurst 1900-1901, Redfern/Bathurst 1902, Bathurst/Redfern at Forest Lodge 1903, Redfern 1904 to his passing. Brother Austin McCarthy, Town Unknown Brother Austin McCarthy was appointed to Redfern at Mount Carmel 1947-1950, Redfern 1951- May 1952 then Forest Lodge, Redfern 1953 when he returned to Ireland. Brother Austin McGrath, Doorish, Clonoulty Brother Austin was appointed to Redfern in 1888, Dubbo 1891, Ryde/Bathurst 1892, Goulburn 1893, Armidale 1894-1897, Goulburn 1898-1898, Bathurst 1899-1903, Orange/Bathurst 1904-1905, Bathurst/Ryde 1906, Bathurst 1907, Ryde 1908-1909, Ryde/Redfern 1910, Redfern/Orange 1911, Redfern 1912-1915, Orange 1916, Orange/Ryde at Forest Lodge 1917, Ryde at Forest Lodge/Bathurst 1918, Redfern at Forest Lodge 1919-1920, Orange 1921-1922, Orange/Dubbo 1923, Orange/Redfern 1924, Redfern 1925-1926, holiday in Ireland, Forest Lodge 1928, Redfern 1929, Redfern at Waterloo 1930, Redfern 1931, Forest Lodge 1932 to his passing. Brother Baptist McGrath, Cahir Brother Baptist was appointed to Redfern in 1888-1889, Bathurst 1890, Ryde 1891-1892, Ryde/Albury 1893, Albury 1894, Albury/Ryde 1895, Bathurst 1896-1898, Ryde 1899, Ryde/Redfern 1900, Redfern 1901-1917, Redfern/Bathurst 1918, Bathurst/Orange 1919, Orange 1920-1922, Bathurst 1923-1924, Ryde 1925-1935, Forest Lodge 1936 to his passing. Brother Baptist had a long association at Redfern from 1900 to 1917 were he was Superior 1904-1905 and 1909. This was in the period when the school was recognized as one of the leading schools in the Archdiocese. It is recorded, ‘perhaps his best years were those spent at Holy Cross Collage, Ryde. He was an outstanding teacher of English, Latin and French. Brother Baptist had wonderful health until his last short illness.’ Kevin Hilferty, as a student in the 1940s, recalls when in Brother Baptist’s company while walking along George Street in the city, between Market and King Streets, Brother Baptist being stopped every few yards by past students eager to converse with him. Brother Stanislaus Maher, Templemore Brother Cronan O’Meara, Roscrea Brother Cronan was appointed to Ryde in 1949-1950, Forest Lodge 1951, Redfern at Waterloo 1952, Granville 1953-1956, Ryde 1957-1958, Ryde/holiday to Ireland 1959, Liverpool 1960, Granville 1961-1968, Liverpool 1969-1972, Narellan teaching at Blacktown 1973-1983, Liverpool 1984-1992, Nuku, PNG 1993-1995, retired from teaching December 1995, Thursday Island 1996-2000, Aitape, PNG 2001, Thursday Island 2002 continuing. Brother Fintan O’Neill, Doorish, Clonoulty Brother Raphael Phelan, Ninemilehouse Brother Fintan Power, Town Unknown Brother Ambrose Ryan, Clonoulty Brother Andrew Ryan, Turraheen, Clonoulty Brother Bernard Ryan, Rossmore, Clonoulty Brother Bernard was appointed to Wagga in 1891, Redfern at Forest Lodge 1892, Bathurst 1893-1902, Bathurst/Redfern 1903, Bathurst 1904, Ryde 1907 and in that year went to Ireland returning to Bathurst/Orange 1911, Orange/Bathurst 1912, Bathurst/Ryde/Redfern at Forest Lodge 1913, Ryde 1914 Bathurst 1915-1919, Orange/ Ryde 1920, Ryde 1921-1930. Brother Bernard returned to Ireland in 1931. Brother Dermot Dwyer, Turraheen, Clonoulty Brother Eugene Ryan, Rossmore, Clonoulty Brother Eugene was appointed to Maitland 1884-1888, Armidale 1889-1893, Redfern 1894. Brother Felician Ryan, Town Unknown Brother James Ryan, Knockjack, Clonoulty Brother James was appointed to Wagga in 1890, Dubbo/Bathurst 1891, Redfern at Forest Lodge/Redfern 1892, Redfern 1893, Orange 1894, Orange/Wagga 1895 to his passing. Brother Laurence Ryan, Rossmore, Clonoulty Brother Regis Ryan, Brocka, Clonoulty Brother Albert Small , Borrisoleigh Brother Albert was appointed to Redfern in 1914, Redfern at Waterloo 1915, Redfern 1916, Redfern/Bathurst 1917, Bathurst/Redfern 1918, Redfern at Waterloo 1919-1920, Redfern 1921, Bathurst 1922, Dubbo 1923, Redfern at Waterloo 1924, Redfern at Waterloo/ Orange, Ryde 1926, Ryde/Redfern at Waterloo 1927, Ryde 1928, Redfern 1929 when he returned to Ireland. Brother Cornelius Sweeney, Clonoulty County Westmeath Brother Fintan Connaughton, Drumraney Brother Fintan was at Forest Lodge 1954, Granville 1955-1960, Redfern at Waterloo 1961. County Wicklow Brother Basil Joseph Byrne, Dunlavin Brother Finian Byrne, Curragh, Rathdangan Brother Finian was appointed to Redfern in 1911, Bathurst 1912, Bathurst/Orange 1913-1914, Orange/Redfern 1915, Orange 1916-1917, Ryde 1918, Ryde/Redfern at Forest Lodge/Bathurst 1919, Ryde 1920, Redfern 1921-1922, Forest Lodge/Bathurst 1923, Bathurst 1924, Orange 1925, Redfern at Waterloo 1926-1927, holiday in Ireland 1928, Redfern 1929, Forest Lodge 1930-1931, Redfern 1932-1935, Redfern at Waterloo 1936-1937, Forest Lodge 1938, Redfern at Waterloo 1939, Ryde [ill] 1940, Redfern at Waterloo 1941, Ryde [ill] 1942 to his passing. Brother Clement Howlin, Harpoonstown, Bridgetown Brother Clement was appointed to Albury in 1896-1898, Redfern 1899, Redfern at Forest Lodge 1900, Ryde 1901, Bathurst/Ryde 1902, Orange 1903-1904, Ryde 1905, Redfern at Forest Lodge 1906-1908, Redfern 1909-1918, Redfern at Waterloo 1919, Bathurst 1920-1921, Redfern/holiday to Ireland 1922, Redfern 1923, Orange 1924, Redfern at Waterloo, 1925-1927, Ryde 1928 to his passing. ‘Brother Clement applied himself to the work of Catholic education with admirable zeal and generosity. He was deeply interested in child psychology. At the Catholic Teachers’ Conference of 1927 he delivered a paper on ‘The Child’ which called forth congratulations from many who had devoted time to this study. The deceased Brother was gentle, kind, sincere, unselfish and above all was remarkable for his charity in word and deed.’ Brother Killian O’Keeffe, Shaiuroell* Hacketstown *Town of Shaiuroell or any of like spelling not identified in Index. Brother Bernard O’Toole, Rathdangan Brother Bernard was appointed to Redfern at Forest Lodge 1892-1893, Redfern 1894, Goulburn 1895, Redfern at Forest Lodge 1896-1898, Ryde 1899, Redfern at Forest Lodge 1900-1902, Ryde/Redfern 1903, Redfern 1904-1907, Ryde 1908-1909, Ryde/Bathurst 1910, Orange 1911-1916, Ryde/ Bathurst 1917, Bathurst/Orange 1918, Orange 1919, Redfern 1920, Bathurst/Orange/Dubbo 1921, Dubbo 1922, Dubbo/holiday in Ireland 1923, Dubbo June 1924, Redfern 1925-1935, Forest Lodge 1936, Redfern 1937, Forest Lodge 1938, Redfern 1939-1940, Wahroonga 1941, Forest Lodge 1942, Granville 1943-1946, Ryde 1947 to his passing. ‘Brother Bernard had wonderful successes in the old Diocesan Examinations, known in those days as the Cardinal. He was keenly interested in Catholic education and he prepared students for the old Junior Examination as well as the Diocesan.’ County Unknown Brother Dominic Bourke appointed Goulburn 1886, Albury 1889-1892, Redfern at Forest Lodge 1893, Wagga 1894-1895, Ryde 1897-1899. Brother Vincent Brosnan appointed Bathurst 1893, Orange 1894, Redfern 1895-1898, Bathurst 1899, Orange 1900-1902 when he transferred to India Province Brother Louis Carroll Brother Anselm Casey Brother Charles Cody Brother Norbert Daly Brother Alphonsus Delaney Brother Anthony Donnelly Brother Cyprian Fitzpatrick appointed to Redfern at Waterloo 1921-1923 when he returned to Ireland. Brother Bartholomew Gaffney Brother Urban Timothy Hayes Brother Ligouri Higgins Brother Louis Hynes Brother Eunan McCahill appointed Orange 1922, Dubbo 1923, Redfern 1924-1925. Brother Majella McConnon Brother Joseph McDonald appointed Bathurst/Ryde 1893, Ryde 1894-1895, Unknown 1896-1898, Redfern 1899 when he returned to Ireland. He was aged 67 years on his arrival; the oldest Brother to come to NSW. Brother Dominic O’Neill appointed Maitland 1883-1888, Redfern 1889, Dubbo 1889-1891 then to Ireland returning April 1892. In May 1892 left as delegate to General Chapter and was retained in Ireland Brother Dominic Rickerby appointed Orange 1890, Ryde 1891-1893, Redfern/Goulburn 1894, Goulburn 1895, Ryde 1896-July 1899 then Bathurst, Orange 1900-March 1904 then Ryde, 1905 Orange then Bathurst 1906 when he returned to Ireland. Brother Raymond Savage appointed Dubbo 1922, Redfern 1923, Dubbo, 1924, Forest Lodge 1925. The above information has been established from the writings of Provincial historian, Brother Paul O’Connor (RIP), Provincial appointment listings 1883-1972, Irish record of appointments 1883-1992 provided by Congregational archivist, Brother Linus Walker, Listing of Brothers in the Province March 17, 1909 by the then Provincial Brother Stanislaus Bergin and additions thereto by following Provincials, Annals II of Patrician Brothers, Australian Province 1891-1966 established by Brother Boniface Carroll with additions by others; Provincial memorials. The writer has endeavoured to identify and check the spelling of the Townlands and Towns in the ‘Alphabetical Index to Townlands, Towns, Parishes and Baronies of Ireland - based on Census of Ireland for the year of 1851’ - Ref 10 N914.1500321 2, a copy of which is held in the State Library of NSW, Macquarie Street, Sydney. The Alphabetical Index contains in excess of 60 000 names of Townlands and Towns ranging in area of less than five acres through to those in excess of 1500. Is there any basis to the writer’s thoughts on the variation in the voices of the Brothers who taught him? Brother Baptist McGrath was from the south of Co. Tipperary bordering on Co. Waterford; however he was educated at Mountrath in Co. Laois. Brother Cyril Boland was from the centre of Co. Tipperary, but at what age did he go to Dublin? Brother Norbert Phelan was from the north-east of Co. Kilkenny between Co. Tipperary and Co. Laois and Brother Rodan Bergin from north-west of Co. Tipperary towards Co. Galway. It is believed Brother Nicholas Duffy was from Co. Galway. Has it any bearing at all? Perhaps the writer just hears what others do not. Does someone in Ireland similarly ponder over the variance in the Australian voices heard over there? Memorial to Father Victor Joseph
Doyle, OAM (RIP
Father John Knight, PP, of the Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Waterloo in his report as Chaplain to The Catholic Club included the following in his epitaph to the late Father Victor Doyle. ‘The Parish of Waterloo where Father Doyle ministered for some 26 years is planning to have a permanent memorial to his memory. In 1885 a Church bell was cast in London for Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Waterloo. It had been hung in a couple of places on the Church site since arriving at Waterloo. Sadly it was taken down during Father Doyle’s tenure as Parish Priest for Church painting and was not returned. The project is going to cost around $18 000 and over $6 000 has been raised. If you can help towards a fitting tribute to a man who gave fully of his life, please send your donation to the Shrine and Parish of Mount Carmel, Waterloo, PO Box 7152 SSBH, Alexandria, 2015. It is hoped that on the first anniversary of his death, October 12, 2005, we will ring the bell in his sacred memory. May he rest in Peace.’
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