AUL FAREWELL TO OAKLEIGH'S 57 YEARS
MELBOURNE: 12th July -- If you have ever visited the Australian Province, and the Provincial Centre in particular, then you will know what 'Oakleigh' has meant, all these years. Shortly, the Province Centre moves to the other side of town; the existing complex, with its land, has been sold to finance the move.
The Oakleigh community hosted this year's Province Day on Saturday 12 July. Of the 118 confreres and 6 novices spread over Australia, Samoa and Fiji, 54 overcame the distances and time zones to celebrate many memories, as the Province prepares itself to close Oakleigh after 57 years of service and move to a new complex to be built soon.
It is interesting to note that more than 200 persons have resided in this House since it became a Salesian foundation in 1947.
The day was also an opportunity to acknowledge the faithful service of this year's jubilarians: 50 years profession of Jeremiah Breen, Norman Ford, Leo Heriot, Henry van der Laan; 25 years of profession of Robert Bossini, Tim Costelloe, Phillip Gleeson, Kelly Kam; 25 years ordination of Greg Chambers, Dennis Handley and Brendan Murphy.
The day was both serious and light-hearted, sad and joyful. Bro. Will Mathews gave a fine musical Powerpoint presentation about 10 minutes long with many photos of Salesians and captions set to music. A photo exhibition in the Hall, largely set up by Fr. Tony Moester, expanded on the theme.
One door is closing - another is about to open!
