HISTORIC MOVE FOR SUNBURY SALESIANS
Will Matthews
MELBOURNE: May 1st -- About 35 Salesians including the provincial gathered at 'Rupertswood', Sunbury, near Melbourne, last weekend to mark the occasion of the Salesian community moving out of the historic mansion to the new residence. The mansion, the former residence of the wealthy pioneering Clarke Family, had been handed over to the Salesians earlier this century by Archbishop Mannix (for a small fee of course!). 'Rupertswood' is known as the mother house of the Salesian presence in Australia. The Salesian work on this large property is now a large secondary co-educational school with a marked agricultural component to its curriculum.
The Salesians present for the 'farewell to the mansion' celebration were those who are working there presently, many of those who had worked there and, interestingly, the young Salesians in formation. The evening commenced with Mass. Fr. Ian Murdoch, Provincial, was the main celebrant and Fr. Alan MacDonald was on the organ. We sang Kyrie and Sanctus in Latin. Past and present confreres who worked at Sunbury, including some lay people, were acknowledged and prayed during prayers of the faithful. Old memories!! Pre-dinner drinks served around the stairs in front of the dining room. The mansion has been restored so beautifully. The Salesians are happy that it is in good hands, being looked after well. It will cater mainly for wedding receptions, etc from now on. Three main talks were given during dinner. Frs. Terry Jennings, Jim Carroll and Frank Freeman. It was sort of three different era(s). TJ, who was sitting all the way through Mass gave a talk of 30 minutes on his feet during dinner! Jim and Frank Freeman were less than half of his time. Even though the audience expected their contributions to be about the place, they mainly spoke of how the place was for them and what it offered to them. Mr. Jim Casey, who has been at 'Rupertswood' for sixty years, was especially acknowledged during the dinner. I enjoyed it so much from a young Salesian's point of view. It was a celebration moving from the old mansion with its many stories to a new residence with new hopes; senior Salesians passing their stories to young Salesians in formation. It was an historic evening for the province. I thank and congratulate Sunbury community for making this event, and especially having young Salesians with them.
