- A reflection and sharing from Joseph Liaia (photos included by the editor)

It’s been exactly 2 months and 5 days today (Tuesday, 16th July) since I left our beautiful Holy Cross Community to come to the States and do mission appeals. It’s been an exciting journey: one of discovery, encounter, and fascination. I like joking around when people ask me “why did they chose you to come to do the appeals?” My response is: “they don’t like me there so they sent me here”. Often I get a roaring laugh after that.

I am of course grateful for the opportunity to make some little sacrifices for our Province, but also for the people that we minister to in Papua New Guinea and for our Passionist communities-in Boroko and Vanimo. Thank you to you all for your support and prayers for me as I travel to different parishes and often in different States to do the appeals.

Tri made his final profession (life-long commitment) as a Passionist at Holy Cross last Friday night, in a delightful liturgy led by Provincial, Denis Travers. One of Tri’s first cousin’s and his wife represented his family, and there were members of three choirs who sang beautifully, brilliantly led by Bro Triệu MSC. The choir members generously contributed most of the supper.

Provincial Visitation
As mentioned last week, Denis Travers has been visiting Holy Cross this week. This enables Denis to meet with each individual and discuss what he may need or desire in terms of ongoing community placement and ministry. Denis also met with the community to share the vision of the Province and to encourage us in our life and ministry.

Erick – 36
Erick celebrated his birthday on Monday. We didn’t have a 6 to go on the cake, so consistent with the number on the shirt he was wearing, (300), we gave him 3 and 4 + 2.

You will note that he was given (by Tri) a very delicate knife with which to cut the cake and he did an excellent job.

Genesis says that Enoch lived for 365 days, so Erick’s on his way. He arrived in Australia aged 17. I reminded him that he has now doubled his age since then (almost exactly). The next time he does that, he will be 72, and the time after that, 144. Then he getting into Enoch territory!

News from Baltimore Archdiocese…..parish closures
Baltimore, USA was in the news in late March, when a container ship struck the city’s iconic bridge, resulting in six deaths and the partial collapse of the bridge. The Archdiocesan proposed plan to deal with declining Mass attendance is also newsworthy. Baltimore is the oldest diocese in the United States and is predominantly African American. Catholics make up 16% of the population and operate in 144 parishes. The Archbishop said that while it would never happen, the fact is that the Cathedral could hold the entire number of city people who attend Mass on a Sunday.

Property Consultation
As advised last week, we have been asked to think creatively and bravely about how best to use our houses and their surroundings, so that we can establish suitable regular income to meet our costs, which continue to rise with the need for employed staff (25% of our costs) throughout the Province, the maintenance of our properties, and to meet the needs of our growing numbers in Vietnam.

Tri school retreat
Last week Tom Warren (manager of the Passionist Youth Retreat Team) led a three day retreat in Warburton for Year 12 girls from OLMC Heidelberg Tri attended as a small group leader. Because I was invited to celebrate the closing Mass I was able to see clearly that the teachers and students had really appreciated the experience, and Tri’s contribution and his relationship with staff and students was greatly valued. At the same time, Luke Bulley led a retreat for the other half of the year Year 12 class (about 80 students).
These two retreats are part of 120 retreats the PYRT will conduct this year. More than 30 retreats will be offered in Melbourne. The Team will engage with about 15,000 studen ts in mostly Catholic Schools (but also works in Anglican and Non-Denominational Christian Schools). The focus of the retreats built on a long tradition of Passionist Youth Retreat ministry, is aimed at growth in the personal, inter-personal and spiritual spheres, and are widely appreciated.

Use of our Properties
The professed members of the Passionists received a letter this week outlining some scenarios for possible use of many of our properties, to generate a greater income stream. Our financial advisors have pointed out that we have a critical future, unless we can raise some funds in this manner.

We are being asked to contribute to a consultative process which can lead in time to mature decisions. Each religious and each community has been asked to study the scenarios regarding each of our houses in Australia and apply our reflections to own premisses especially.
There are many details implied by the scenarios – e.g. necessary studies to be undertaken, the feasibility of rezoning, the costs of development the costs of alternative accommodation etc. We have been reminded that all of these will need further professional study. This is a way of getting the ball rolling in the hope of prompting further ideas being suggested.
Obviously there are many people associated with us, with business skills that we lack. We would like to call on that experience but we must remember that our properties are also our homes. Whatever we recommend as income producing for our local community must consider the local community needs, which of course in some cases could include relocation.

Assistant Editor
Special thanks to Erick for the excellent newsletters he produced during my absence. Added to his task was the personal delivery to fifteen addresses that is normally done by Teresa Lim, but Teresa is recovering from knee surgery.
Jerome’s sister
We have been praying for two of Jerome’s sisters for some time. His sister, Kate is disabled and she has been greatly assisted by his sister Mary, who has been suffering from cancer. They live in Benalla, Another sister, Monica lives in Melbourne. Mary’s condition has worsened but she is fighting on.

Luke’s New Look and New Move
On Monday last week, Luke moved from the
Endeavour Hills Community to Donvale where he will
be focusing on Passionist Youth Retreat Team
ministry. I was pleased to see him with a new look
when I went there to help, or to slow him down as he
moved house. Kevin Hennessy will soon follow to
stay in the same community where Luke has now
made a new home. Luke said how it was a mixed
feeling of sadness and excitement to make this
move. The good thing is that he is now near Holy
Cross community. Welcome back near home, Luke.