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National Vocations Awareness Week
8 August - 15 August 2010
5 Sydney men commit to Dominicans
It was with great joy that on the feast of St
Peter and Paul at St James Church in Glebe
two Dominican novices, Br Matthew Boland
and Br James Baxter, having returned from
their novitiate in Hong Kong, made their
first profession of vows for three years.
Brothers James and Matthew now have commenced
their studies for the priesthood with
the Order in Melbourne.
It was a double joy, as part of this same
celebration, to see three young men, Nigel
Fam, Kiran Krishna and Eduardo Fernandez,
also from Sydney, clothed in the habit of the
Dominican Order, a ceremony that marks
the beginning of their novitiate. They have
now joined another 15 novices in our common
novitiate in Hong Kong.
“It has been a long time since we have had
the ceremony of professions and clothing
together, all five of them are fine young men.
We can’t help but be grateful to God, for
such a blessing,” said Fr Dom Murphy op,
Vocations Director.
“I have noticed a renewed interest in
vocation to Religious life and priesthood,
since WYD08 in Sydney, it bodes well for
the future,” Fr Dom also commented, “The
five of them are very different people,
you’ll never meet two Dominicans the
same I’m happy to say! They do share a
generosity of spirit, a love of the Church
and deep desire to share the faith with
their generation and beyond.
“A common theme that drew them to the
Order is living in community – common
prayer, common meals and the enthusiasm
for theology study, and that is part of being a
Dominican friar preacher.”
From left: Eduardo Fernandez, Nigel Fam and Kiran Krishna with Friar Dominic Murphy OP
CatholicOutlook August 2010 25
Young Aussie steps up to De La Salle life
On 7 August, Lewis Harwood left Sydney to
join four other Novices in Napa, California.
This marked the beginning of a year-long
journey in the final stage of the De La Salle
Brothers’ training program.
“I’m really excited about the Novitiate in
the US. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen
my relationship with God and to deepen
my understanding of the Lasallian tradition.
Going to the Novitiate is a big step and it’s
not a decision that I reached without careful
consideration. But I’m definitely ready for
it,” Lewis said.
Lewis, 24, has been living and working
with the De La Salle Brothers since mid-
2009. As a qualified teacher, he has worked
at the Brothers’ schools in Mentone, Victoria,
and Bankstown, NSW.
He first made contact with Br Mark
McKeon, Director of Vocations, in 2008
and since then he has been learning more
Helping young people in need … Lewis participated in
the Brothers’ volunteer program in PNG
about himself, the Brothers’ life, and considering
whether or not it is something that
is right for him.
“In the last two years I have seen Lewis
grow in his determination to become a De La
Salle Brother,” Bro Mark said. “It’s certainly a
life which is not suited to everyone, but he
has gone from strength to strength in being
able to connect with the life of a Brother and
the Lasallian mission. I have no doubt that he
will shine as a De La Salle Brother.
“Lewis is proof that religious life is not a
thing of the past. It is still a possibility for
young men today. If you are passionate about
your faith and have a desire to help young
people in need then the Brothers’ life is definitely
worth considering. It has a lot to offer
to the right person.”
For more information about the
De La Salle Brothers visit
www.delasallebrothers.com
For information contact:
Fr Dominic Murphy OP
Provincial Promoter of Vocations
Email: dom.murphy@op.org.au
Mobile: 0418 245 394