3721(II)_Don Bosco old scholar shares

By Fr. Denis Allen, diocesan priest of Hobart

Tasmania, Australia - During an August 27 Dominic College Assembly retired priest of Hobart Archdiocese, former student of the (former) Boys Town (1946-1956) shared with the 900 students and the Salesian educative-pastoral community his life story. Simple, deep and powerful faith-witness of Fr. Denis Allen, the first priestly vocation of this almost 70 years old Salesian school, the only in Tasmania.

I came to Boys Town Glenorchy in 1947, just one year after the foundation of Boys Town and Fr Brennan was the Rector. I had not met a priest before, it was the first priest I ever met in my life.




On arrival he said: "Come on, son let us go to Benediction!" "Bene.... what..." was my reply. In the tiny Chapel of the Boys Town one of 4 ex Hydro Huts (=workers prefabricates) I can still remember the Sight, the Sound, the Smell of it all a combination of candles, incense and flowers with small white DISC (=Eucharist) on the altar.... "What is this?" I asked myself and have been finding out ever since!




Because of my parents' illness I came to the (Salesian) Boys Town for 3 weeks, but loved it so much that I stayed for 3 years!




Life in 1947 was very very different than life today. We had a mixtures of boys, most of us from poor families, but we got on pretty well. some of those boys became life long friends.




After the Boys Town I went to a (Marist) Brothers' school and left at 16 years of age to take up an apprenticeship at the Government Printers in Hobart. And after a couple of years one of my workmates asked me: "Are you happy with work?"... As I wasn't particularly satisfied... I answered "NO" He said "Have you thought of being a priest?" And another definite "NO!" but that set the seed of vocation in my heart!




After trying to self educate I needed Latin and knocked (again) on the (Salesian) Boys Town door to get some assistance.




But it was with the firm idea in spite of greatly admiring the SDB vocation, that I somehow know I wished to stay on the beautiful island of Tasmania. So the journey towards priesthood began in 1955. Seminary years in Victoria were from 1958-65 and I was ordained by Archbishop Young on 23rd July 1965 in Hobart, Tasmania.




As Catholic priest, my great love has been with families all over Tasmania and my highest responsibility in the archdiocese was as Vicar General from 1994 to 1996. In that time there was a terrible massacre at Port Arthur and that was a very dark time in my life trying to cope with the aftermath. But no regrets.




Dear students! Listen to God! Listen to God who does speak through your teachers, parents and each other! Have great respect for all.




Yes, Dominic College students are fortunate to have a fine school community today, with 5 Salesians and almost hundred teachers and staff. I was grateful to be honoured today by the school community, but put all the praise to God. The generous gift has been most appreciated. Thank you so much.