 On the evening of Saturday the 10th
November, fifteen Patrician Brothers, including our Vicar General Br
Peter Ryan, gathered at the Liverpool Catholic Club with thirty-two who
were once Patricians, most of the thirty-two accompanied by their
wives. Also attending were the current principals of the
Patrician-linked schools: Tim Logue (Liverpool), Wayne Marshall
(Fairfield), and Santo Passarello (Blacktown) - Peter Wade (Granville)
and Garry Williams (Ryde) had prior engagements. Mr Michael Krawec, CEO
consultant, and Mrs Val Hood, Patrician Affiliate, were able to be with
us as well, Val playing a major role in the organisation of the
evening. This dinner was the very first bicentennial
event. A very appropriate way to begin.
A great spirit of
brotherhood pervaded the function room. It certainly was not the first
time such a reunion had taken place, but it certainly had that look and
feel. There was never a moment of silence even when it was called for,
the brothers current and past were too busy comparing notes and sharing
stories. The sounds of energetic conversation and good cheer filled the
room, even when silence was called for. Prolonged, firm, and lively
handshakes went on all night: everyone was delighted to see everyone
else.
Formalities included a prayer led by Br Mark Ryan; a welcome by Provincial Br Aengus Kavanagh; a response from fp Mr Stephen Aitken who spoke with great fondness of so many brothers; and an address by Mr Michael Krawec on how the Patrician-linked schools are carrying on the Patrician charism. Wonderful words were spoken, warm sentiments expressed, and a great love and admiration for the Patrician story shared.  But comhra
(conversation) was the main purpose of the evening and so formalities
were kept to a minimum. This seemed to be much appreciated. As a gentle
backdrop to this conversation was the live music provided by three
professional and very talented musicians, occasionally joined by a few
would-be-if-could-be’s, but who really were not too bad at all it must
be said.The organising committee of Brothers Matthew Mahoney, Patrick Lovegrove and Bernard Bulfin, Mr  Stephen
Aitken, Mrs Val Hood, and Mr Brendan McCann, helped by a small band of
friends, did a magnificent job, and are to be congratulated and
thanked. The Liverpool Catholic
Club did everything they could and more to accommodate the function as
they always do, this is why we keep going back there. A very
special treat was the presentation to each of the fps and their wives
of a memento of the evening: inscribed glassware, flowers, and some
tasty treats. (Photos: Paul
McCluskie, Charles Barry, and Peter Ryan discuss all things PNG where
all three have ministered - which is quite the understatement. The
McCann family with something to sing about.)The brothers may have gone home empty-handed, but certainly all who attended went home with very full hearts, grateful for the opportunity to reconnect, to share memories and stories, to be brothers again.
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