June 1, 2014 Issue 32

If you are interested to help in any of the tasks in the produc-tion of the Padua News, please contact any one of the commit-tee members or email: paduanews@yahoo.com.au

Thank you. Padua News Committee Dolores Turcsan Doris Bonello Anne Consiglio Colin Consiglio Edwina La Rose Lorraine Tellis Kim Barton Godwin Barton

Padua News is the official quarterly Newsletter of St. Anthony of Padua Cath-olic Church, Cnr Exford & Wilson Roads Melton South, VIC 3338 Tel: 03 9747 9692 Fax: 03 9746 0422 Email: MeltonSouth@cam.org.au Parish Priest: Father Fabian Smith

Message from Father Fabian

Message from our Parish Priest

On April 27, 2014, for the first time in history, two popes were present as two of their predecessors were canonized. Pope Francis said that Saints John XXIII and John Paul II were “men of courage” for in living through the tragic events of their time and not being overwhelmed by them they “teach us not to be scandalized by the wounds of Christ and to enter ever more deeply into the mystery of divine mercy, which always hopes and always for-gives, because it always loves.” On the June 29, we will have the joy of celebrating the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul through whom the Church first received the faith. This feast day will be extra special for me because of the time I spent in Rome and Turkey during my sab-batical. I had the privilege during this time to journey to places where these two apostles bore witness to Christ in life and in death. As the preface of the Mass for their feast day says, “Each in his chosen way gath-ered into unity the one family of Christ. Both shared a mar-tyr's death and are praised throughout the world. Peter, our leader in the faith, raised up the Church from the faithful flock of Israel. Paul, its fear-less preacher, brought your call to the nations, and became the teacher of the world.”

I felt so privileged to be able to stay in Rome for most of my sabbatical period. Dur-ing my time in Rome (January 19, 2014 to April 12, 2014) I stayed at the Pontifical North American College which was a 10 mins walk to St Peter's. There were 40 priests on sabbatical with me; three from Canada, and the rest from the States. It was so good to be among brother priests who were so much wiser and experienced than I but there was none as young as me. They could not believe my bishop gave me permission to go on sab-batical only after being or-dained for 8 years. But after I shared with them where I had come from they all agreed I needed one every five years.

Rome is the place to be. It was in this City that many men and women gave their life for Christ during its ear-ly years of persecution, and countless others who pass through Rome are strength-

ened by their faith and wit-ness. Staying only ten minutes from St Peter’s, I was able to visit there almost every other day. Every time I visited St Peter’s Basilica it was a different experience; at times it was overwhelming, humbling, strengthening and encouraging. As I stood in the piazza sur-rounded by the 140 taller-than-life-sized statues of saints, of men and women, peasants and kings, hermits and housewives, who come from every period of history and every corner of the globe, remembering the countless sacrifices and wit-ness of these holy men and women, I was strengthened by their witness. On the fifth weekend in Lent the entire Papal altar is adorned with the relics of many saints who fought the good fight and kept the faith till the end. I am so privi-leged to have been there that day. Each of you were in my prayers as I asked the power-

Padua News This issue of Padua News is also published on the Parish Website

http://stanthonysmeltonsouth.wordpress.com/padua-news/

continued on next page

Padua News Issue 32 Page 2

ful intercession of all these holy men and women to obtain for us the grace not to be afraid, disheartened or even scandalized by our own failings but to continue to trust the one who calls us to follow him faithfully each day. Like Saints Peter and Paul, John-Paul and John XXIII and the countless number of holy men and women of courage who lived through the tragic events of their time and were not overwhelmed by them, may we to learn that it is in keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus at all times that we will be able to enter ever more deeply

into the mystery of divine mercy, which always hopes and always for-gives, because it always loves. In this Edition of Padua News I have covered some of my experiences in Rome and in the next edition I hope to share with you some of experiences on the footsteps of St Paul in Turkey. So stay tuned.

May God Bless you! Father Fabian Smith Parish Priest

It has indeed been a great privilege for me to be here with you for the second time filling in the absence of Fr Fabian, and this time especially as he was on sabbatical. A sabbatical is an opportune time given to a priest periodically, to study, to upgrade, to enrich, to refresh and to spend time in reflection so as to contextualise the Gospel message that would help him to enhance his Priestly ministry and his Mission. Growth is a fundamen-tal requirement for every person who is called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. It is also a call to read the signs of the times and respond to it. The time I spent here in Melton has certainly been a fruitful and wonder-ful opportunity that helped me to grow in my own pastoral life. You have all become a part of my Spiritual

journey as a Priest. Being here has helped me to deepen my own Spiritu-ality and prayer life. I relished the calm mornings as I exposed the Blessed Sacrament for adoration first thing in the morning. I can never ex-plain the comfort and joy I found eve-ry morning. It was a great source of consolation, strength and peace espe-cially as I heard about my father’s de-mise back home in India hardly a week after my arrival here. I can nev-er be thankful enough for your sup-port, and concern that you showed me especially at this moment when I felt most sorrowful and lonely. St Anthony’s Melton South is unique in its own way with people of various nationalities that blend together. We are also blessed to have the Sisters and Brothers of the Sacred Heart vis-

iting our youth every week to build them in the foundation of their faith and Spirituality. They have won the hearts of all our people by their commitment and dedication. The first Friday and first Saturday vigil services conducted by them have been very inspir-ing and well appreciat-ed.

I wish to thank the Parish council and all the people who helped to make my stay such a pleasant experi-ence. May the Risen Lord shower His Blessings on you and give you lasting peace.

Submitted by: Father Cyril Stanislaus CSsR

Message from our Parish Priest (continued from previous page)

Message from Fr Cyril Stanislaus

Father Cyril presenting a song after his homily at Mass

FatherCyril,

Thankyou

forministeringtous.

Withlove,

StAnthony’sParishMeltonSouth

2014

Padua News Issue 32 Page 3

of St Anthony that was erected in an office complex compound. People would visit this statue and light can-dles, offer flowers and had tremen-dous devotion to St Anthony. But I would visit the statue only because my friend wanted company. When I came to Mel-bourne (Melton) and started coming to St An-thony's church for Sun-day Mass, I gradually started coming to Mass every Tuesday evening. The first time my faith was tested was when I was about to leave for work. I could not find my car keys! It was getting late and I did not know what to do as my house keys were also on the same bunch of keys. I did not have a spare key to my house or car. I prayed to St Anthony, lo and be-hold - I walked into my keys that were left in my car. I had forgotten to pull out the key from the ignition! The second time my faith was strengthened, was when my friend had gone back to India and could not remember where he had kept his passport. He was sure that he left it in a drawer on the dressing table, but

Saint Anthony, our Patron Saint - Testimonies from some of our parishioners

the passport had simply just disap-peared. He searched all over but the passport just could not be found. I asked him to pray to St Anthony, and I started praying to St Anthony as well, as his flight back to Melbourne was the next day. My friend sent me

a message a little later saying that he found his passport which had fallen behind the drawer! When attending Mass that was presided by an older priest who was substituting for Fr Fabian, this priest said that you can pray to St Anthony for anything and he will always intercede to the Lord, to hear our pray-

ers. I had an important exam to at-tend, and I prayed to St Anthony to assist me. My wish was granted and I was successful. The instances above, are only a few of the many times that St Anthony has been with me. My encouragement to everyone -when you pray, pray with faith, and you will be happy. We may not get whatever we want, but we will get whatever we need. Submitted by: Gilroy Saldanha

I would like to share my experience of how I started praying to St An-thony, and how I gained my faith and trust in St Anthony; now St An-thony is my good friend. My grandparents were very pious and brought me up with great reli-gious values. My Mum also used to tell me that if you ever loose any-thing, pray to St Anthony , who is the patron saint of lost or stolen arti-cles, but, just like any youngster, this fell on deaf ears. When I was in University, I used to accompany a friend on some Tues-days, and we would visit this Statue

We have followed St. Anthony’s life over the past four issues. In this

issue, some of our parishioners share their testimonies and/or

memories of this much loved Saint.

If you have any stories to share, we would still love to hear from you.

I am privileged to be born into a family with a strong religious faith. In times of need, my grandma would tell me to light a candle and pray to St. Anthony de Padua, for help to dis-cover the lost. Her devotion was an inspiration to myself and the family.

During my daughter's childhood days, I relied on St Anthony's guidance to help me raise her because I was alone and my husband worked abroad. Based on my experience I have lived my life with his great blessing

Submitted by: Lolet (resident of Nursing Home)

St Anthony of Padua has many prayers for us to love the Lord through St Anthony. St Anthony of Padua loved little children and to help the poor.

St Anthony has helped me as I have misplaced things and could not find them. I have said this prayer: St Anthony of Padua, please help me as I have lost something important that must be found. St Anthony and his angels, show me where to look. Amen.

Submitted by: Mary Tolhurst

Padua News Issue 32 Page 4

Community Support for a local Refugee Project

“Does anyone know of some small plot of land for vegetable growing?” So asked Fr Michael Moody, of St Dominic’s, at lunch with some local men one day in mid 2012. “Sister Theresa Ryan, an Anglo-Indian nun with Catholic Care, working with the Melton Sudanese refugees, is looking for one.” I told him that there could be something suitable on our farm. Little did I realize where this sugges-tion might lead. Next day, Sister Theresa made a visit. Mila and I showed her some land near the house. We were not quite sure how suitable it was – perhaps too rocky, steep or dry. So, I took her to our river flats, a lovely piece of land alongside the Werribee River. The

flats were too small for any serious cultivation and had become weed in-fested. Although such land might be good for lucerne, it would require regular water for any serious cultivation or vegeta-ble growing. Although we enjoyed a river frontage, we had no irrigation licence and could only draw water for our stock and domestic garden. This was a serious obstacle, but not for Sister Theresa who clearly saw the potential for her Sudanese refugees. Sister immediately reported her find to the local refugee committee that met at Don Nardella’s office (the local State Parliamentarian). Nib de Santis, his energetic Electorate Officer, took

up the challenge to find water for the project. He invited representatives of Southern Rural Water (which manag-es the allocations of water from the river) and Western Water (which manages the pipe-line of fresh water which runs alongside our property to supply Eynesbury) to attend a meet-ing. Surely, Nib thought, one of them could offer something for this project. But it was not so simple. Southern Rural Water does not own the water – only those with an irriga-tion licence who have allocations ‘own’ (and pay for) the water so allo-cated, and can trade it if they so wish. Southern Rural Water merely manag-es the scheme. Western Water were interested, but clearly it would be

Continued on next page

Top Left: Local farmers burning off the dead grass, and spraying the river flats Middle: Planting after first cultivation Right: Building the chicken coop

Bottom Left: A view of the 28 plots and some of the refugees tilling their lot Middle: Some of the refugees inspecting the flats after spraying Right: Some of the fruit of the hard work!!!

Padua News Issue 32 Page 5

difficult to secure any commitment from them. Fr Moody thought one or two Italian farmers with irrigation rights at Werribee might offer some of their allocation. A meeting was ar-ranged, but no offer was made. Not to be stumped, he did some research and discovered that the Melbourne Archdiocese had some allocation – providentially, from the sale of land in Bacchus Marsh for a Catholic aged care home. He was able to arrange with the Aged Care facility for a do-nation to the project of 4 megalitres per year. This would be sufficient to irrigate the whole of our river flats. Southern Rural Water immediately arranged an irrigation licence for us and the transfer of water to our ac-count. Fr Moody asked one of his parishioners, Bill Griffiths, a farmer from the district to lend a hand. One of my neighbours came to spray the paddock to kill the weeds and Bill followed with his grandson, Bodie, to burn off the sprayed weeds and culti-vate the ground with his heavy ma-chinery. He said the soil would grow anything. Sister Theresa, in the meantime, had told her Catholic Care colleagues in Werribee of her find. Shortly after-wards, a group of refugees from My-namur who lived in Werribee visited the farm and wanted to participate. Terefe Arborete, Catholic Care’s man-ager of its work for refugees, was equally enthusiastic. Skilled in irriga-tion and coming from Africa, he knew something of the challenges of our climate. He wanted to extend the scope of the project to cover the full hectare of river flats. He was in contact with a retired Mel-bourne lawyer, John McCardle, who had helped to raise funds for refugee settlement. John is the brother of Sister Mary who many parishioners at St Anthony’s will remember as a dedi-cated pastoral worker in the parish. John rallied behind the scheme and was able to raise money for a water pump, irrigation pipes, hoses and a

large holding tank to provide a gravity feed system for watering. The equip-ment was bought and installed by Terefe and the refugees, with the help of some local farmers. Terefe allocated 300 square metres of land for each family that wanted to participate. By Summer, 2012/2013, 15 families were signed up. Within weeks, there was a green mass of bok choy, peppers, lettuce, beans, peas, corn, melons and other produce. The flats were in full production. Fr Moody invited Bishop Vincent Long to bless the project. This was a very moving occasion. The bishop himself was a refugee from Vietnam. Now, with education and God’s grace, he was presiding over a project in a place that, he said, reminded him of his childhood. He had grown up in fields such as this, growing vegetables. The Federal Minister for Employ-ment, at the time, Brendan O’Connor, visited the project and was astonished by what had been achieved in such a short time without government assis-tance!! The project is now in its second sum-mer of operation. There are 28 fami-lies from Sudan, Vietnam, Fiji, Zim-babe and Myanmur (Karen, Karenni, Chin), who come in several times each week from Melton, Werribee and St Albans. The latest development is a chicken coop. Annesley, a parishioner from St Anthony’s, visited the project last year and wanted to be involved in some way. He works with Qantas which offered two grants nationally for a local project of social development in which a staff member was active. Annesley applied for a grant and was successful. He would be the project manager in setting up a chicken coop for 50 chickens to complement the vegetable growing. Qantas provided $2,500 for fencing and building mate-rials. The coop was built by local vol-unteers, lead by the Exford Residents’

Association under the guidance of its President, John Rees, and a very skilled Robert Zwarteeven. The refu-gees prepared the ground for the building and constructed fencing. The manager of Catholic Care refu-gee program, Nick Collins, and the field coordinator, Salei, made sure the concrete pour for the coop was successful. Sister Theresa has, in the meantime, been recalled to England by her Or-der. Fr Michael visits the project whenever he feels the need for a big smile. Abundant crops are growing as I write. Soon, we hope, the project will find market outlets (in parish or community at large) for its excess produce. Catholic Care hopes the project will provide opportunities for the refu-gees - of employment, of improve-ment in their wellbeing, of openings into the local community, and the possibility of creating a social enter-prise. It hopes too that the project might be replicated elsewhere. For Mila and I, it is indeed a privilege to be part of this scheme, to see fam-ilies coming and going each day and our previously disused flats to be so transformed into a productive and thriving scene of human activity. Of-ten the air is filled with children play-ing and, at times, a solitary voice in song drifts by. It has been clearly one of Provi-dence’s surprises – obstacles disap-peared miraculously; people appeared when particular skills were evident; enthusiasms kindled locally and afar; all levels of government are interest-ed; and business and professional groups have donated monies. In short, generosity and good will have characterized all who have been asso-ciated with the project to date. Is not that the sign of God’s hand at work? Sister Theresa would indeed say so.

Submitted by: John Little

Community Support for a local Refugee Project (Continued from previous page)

Padua News Issue 32 Page 6

St Anthony’s Prime Timers

The Prime Timers is a social group which began around 2002. We meet on the last Tuesday of each month, basically to have lunch together and visit places of interest. We have experienced many wonder-ful outings, to some very interesting places. Some of our many enjoyable excursions are Werribee Free Range Zoo, Tessalaar Tulip farm, The Wil-lows, Eynesbury Homestead, Dayles-ford Mill Market, Parliament House, Serendip Wildlife Sanctuary, historic Steiglitz in the Brisbane Ranges and the RAAF Museum at Point Cook which included a wonderful air dis-play.

The highlight of our year has been the annual “Early” Christmas Lunch, held on the last Tuesday of No-vember, at the Ru-pertswood Man-sion in Sunbury. Many thanks to Helen Marley’s daughter, Margaret, for the wonderful hospitality and en-tertainment we have enjoyed over recent years. We raise funds by a small annual

membership subscrip-tion of $5 and a $2 raf-fle each month, which helps to offset costs of Bus Hire and provide a subsidy for the annual lunch for members. Thanks to some gener-ous donors we have only a small outlay for raffle prizes. Thanks also to the “TEAM” who take the time to scout around

for the places to go etc. and the com-mittee who keeps things going so smoothly. For 2014 we have as President: Lor-raine Doyle, Secretary: Pauline Lamb and joint Treasures: Lois and John Brewis. So, if you would like to join us any-time, you are most welcome. There is a notice about each monthly outing placed in the Parish News Bul-letin and an invitation to put your name on the list if you would like to attend any of these excursions.

Submitted by: John Brewis

News from around the World - Two popes, two saints

"They were priests, bishops and popes of the 20th century," the pope said on April 27, in his homily during Mass in St. Peter's Square. "They lived through the tragic events of that century, but they were not overwhelmed by them. For them, God was more power-ful." Canonizing two recent popes in the presence of his immediate predeces-sor, Pope Francis praised the new Saints, John XXIII and John Paul II as men of courage and mercy, who responded to challenges of their time

by modernizing the Catholic Church in fidelity to its ancient traditions. The Mass took place under cloudy skies with temperatures in the low 60s, and only a sprinkle of rain fell just before the 10am start of the litur-gy. Huge tapestries bearing portraits

of the two saints hung from the facade of the basilica, and the square was decorated with 30,000 roses and other flowers donated by the nation of Ecuador. The square and the broad Via della Conciliazione leading up to it were tightly packed with approximately half a million pilgrims, many of whom had been standing for hours

before the start of Mass. Among the many national flags on display, the majority were from Poland, the native land of St. John Paul. Source: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1401727.htm

Padua News Issue 32 Page 7

founded, were represented. CRC’s connection stems from the fact that the first principal, Sr. Helen Reid, is a Josephite. The Sisters of St. Joseph have, of course, a firm link with our parish here at Mel-ton South, having served the com-munity for many years. I had an active role in the celebrations. I received a candle which was to be taken back to our school and I also took a little of the school to North Sydney in the form of some soil which was placed, along with the soil form other schools, in the hole that contained a time capsule. The entire ceremony was very moving as I felt that I was part of history. How St. Mary would have loved to see her great faith and works have reach out throughout time to touch so many today. The photo-graphs show the chapel, St. Mary’s tomb and a relic of her hair set into a fence post for the property in Penola, S.A., where St. Mary lived and worked.

Submitted by: Edwina La Rose

On the 18th of March 2014, I was honoured to represent Catholic Re-gional College Melton, along with two of my colleagues, at the Mass to celebrate the Centenary of the Con-secration of the Chapel at the St Mary of the Cross centre in North Sydney.

Schools from around the country, with a connection to the Sisters of St. Joseph, which St. Mary of the Cross

Centenary of the Consecration of the Mary MacKillop Chapel, North Sydney

International Food Festival at St. Anthony’s

The popular International Food Festival, which has almost become an annual function, was organised by our Social Committee this year on Sunday, June 8, after the 10.30am Mass. As usual, there was a wide variety of deli-cious food from Samoa, Malta, Philippines, In-dia, Sri Lanka, and of course our very popular Aussie food stall! There was also a stall selling second-hand books and to keep up with tradition, a raffle was held.

The monies raised from the after-noon was paid towards the funds being collected for the much needed restoration of our church roof.

Thank You to all the organisers, to all parishioners who helped and to all those who attended and supported the event.

Submitted by: Kim Barton

Left: The second-hand book stall Middle: Maltese Food stall Right Parishioners mingling and enjoying the food

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Editorial Policy The Padua News is approved by Father Fabian Smith prior to printing. The editors and Father Fabian reserve the right to edit all articles submitted. Articles may be reproduced with permis-sion from the writer and editor.

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