9th Eastern Link March 2011 - Province 20 Catenians of Western ...

1908 

2011 

The 

Eastern Link 

PROVINCE 21 

NEWS & EVENTS OF 

CATENIAN CIRCLES AND GROUPS OF 

PROVINCE 21 

MARCH 2011 

1 

EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 1 MARCH 2011

EASTERN LINK 

Volume 2 Issue no 9 

MARCH 2011 

News from 

Circles and Groups 

Of Province 21 

Please send all copy to 

Editor: Peter Cash 

3 Greenhaven Street 

Clifton Beach Qld 4879 

Telephone: 4055 3529 

Email: petercash@btinternet.com 

Contents: 

Page 2 . . . Provincial Director 

Brother Paul Despoges 

Page 3 

Provincial President Bro. Ron Daly 

Pages 4-13 . . . . . . . . . Province, Grand 

Council & Membership News 

Pages 14-15 . . . . . . . .AusCom Report 

Pages 16-17 

More News from Province 

Pages 18-34 . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous 

Page 35 . .The Catenian Rosary Group 

Pages 36-37 . .St Mary’s Rosary Chain 

Pages 38-44 . . . . Brother Guy Cassar 

Pages 45-51 . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous 

Page 52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter writes!! 

Page 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Snippets 

Pages 54-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . Obituaries 

Page 57 . . . . . . Japanese Earthquake 

Page 58 . . . . . .New Group Casey 216 

Prayer for the Middle East 

Page 59 . . . . . . . . . . . . Life’s a Laugh 

FROM 

PROVINCE 21 DIRECTOR 

PAUL DESPOGES 

The past year has presented the Association with a 

period of excitement, anxiety and revelation as we 

settle into our second century of operation. 

The excitement refers to the fact; in Australia we 

have witnessed the inauguration of 3 new Groups, 

Province 21 - with Gold Coast Tweed; Victoria Area 

Council – Casey and Province 20 – Busselton 

Each has commenced with greater numbers than 

minimum required starting up a group, which 

delivers a very clear picture, of how healthy our 

Association is in Australia. 

The anxiety comes from the work of the 

Restructure Commission. Naturally when a review 

of such portions is undertaken, many will have 

concern for the future and their own presences 

within the Association. The only anxiety we need to 

harbour is, are we each doing enough to ensure 

the future of our Association and our own 

membership. 

The Commission is working tirelessly to deliver a 

robust structure for our purpose and existence 

well into this century. The next phase of it’s 

recommendations will be presented to Grand 

Council at their November meeting for discussion 

and recommendations to the membership for their 

acceptance. 

The revelation is the area of real concern .We all 

own the Association, being over 100 years old, but 

sadly few understand its true purpose of existence 

and even worst lack of knowledge pertaining to our 

Rules & Regulations 

We can only ensure the Association’s future by 

each of us having a better awareness, of our 

purpose – refer to our ethos and of our Rules & 

Regulations as to their relevance in our daily 

operation. 

It is your Association and only by your 

involvement and concern can we grow and have 

purpose of existence 

Fraternally 

Brother Paul 

2 


From . . . 

Brother 

RON DALY 

President Province 21 

The Catenian Association 

WELCOME TO ALL INCOMING OFFICE HOLDERS! 

With the first edition of THE EASTERN LINK for 2011 I think it is appropriate on behalf of all the 

Brothers of Province 21 to congratulate the official organizations and volunteers who have 

responded magnificently to all of the natural disasters that have been heaped upon our 

continent over the past three months. Our erstwhile editor Peter Cash in a special edition 

showed with graphic pictorial detail the effect of the Brisbane flood on the house of Brother 

Tom Lyons' son. Whilst the emotional and financial scars take time to heal it is at least some 

consolation to the people of Queensland Western Australia Victoria and New South Wales that 

the country as a whole responded to their respective plights. 

With the beginning of a New Year and one in which we celebrate 40 years of Catenians in 

Australia I look forward to visiting all our Circles and I wish all the incoming Office holders my 

congratulations on accepting active positions in each of their Circles. 

At the same time it has been a wonderful experience to witness the fellowship that exists in 

each of the Circles that I have visited and in particular I express my thanks on behalf of the 

Province to all the Presidents of our Circles who will relinquish their positions this April – WELL 

DONE! 

There are two related matters that I think are relevant to the Brothers of our Province .One was 

the untimely death of the President of Manly Circle Peter Griffiths. At the Mass to celebrate the 

life of Peter, it was gratifying and of comfort to Helen and her family to see so many Catenian 

Brothers there to show their respect and love for her husband, father and grandfather. At about 

the same time Evan Godfrey, Provincial Chamberlain, tendered his resignation from his 

position as Chamberlain. I mention these two particular matters as in the case of Evan he has 

not only been Provincial Chamberlain, but, Secretary of Warringah Circle and member of 

Pittwater Circle. In the case of Peter through his association with his Parish, work, sport that he 

too devoted his life to family and others through the bonds of friendship and faith. Both of these 

Brothers in their own quiet way are examples to each and every one of us. 

This edition of EASTERN LINK will see the beginning of Lent for us all and as we prepare for 

the death of Our Lord that gives rise to our salvation we look forward with hope that this Easter 

will bring to all of us the salvatory graces that are given through the Resurrection. 

Elaine & I wish all Brothers and their families a happy and holy Easter 

Fraternally 

Brother Ron 

3 


NEWS FROM 

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 

PROVINCE 21 

PROVINCIAL 

COUNCIL 

Provincial President: 

Ron Daly 

Provincial 

Vice-President: 

TBA 

Provincial 

Past President: 

Phil Davies 

Provincial Secretary 

Peter Tilbrook 

Provincial Treasurer: 

Peter Gialouris 

Provincial 

Chamberlain 

Evan Godfrey 

Provincial 

Membership Officer: 

Pat Moran 

Provincial 

Publicity Officer: 

Peter Cash 

Province Director: 

Paul Despoges 

Lots of information 

available at 

www.thecatenians.com 

Resolved: 

Province Council Meeting No 94 

7 th February 2011 

Decisions 

That the Website Design and Development 

Proposal submitted by web.d3 be circulated to 

members of Province Council for consideration. 

That in the absence of objections to the Proposal 

within fourteen days of its circulation, a budget of a 

maximum of $1800 be deemed allocated for 

executing the Proposal. 

That Brother Chris Pitts be authorised to manage 

the execution of the Proposal within the budget 

allocation. 

[Action: Province Secretary, all Brothers 

Councillor, Brother Chris Pitts, Province Treasurer] 

Agreed: 

That Circle secretaries be requested to canvass 

Brothers with a view to identifying gentlemen 

residing in Adelaide who might be approached by 

Catenians in that city with a view to initially forming 

a Group. 

[Action: Province Secretary] 

Resolved: 

That Brother Brian Goodacre of the City of Sydney 

Circle be appointed as Province 21 Auditor 

commencing from the 2010/11 year. 


/Cont. 

4 


MORE FROM 

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONT. 

Agreed: 

That Province Council note the views of the Province Treasurer regarding the 

distribution and redistribution of Province funds between existing accounts to 

improve income from interest on investments and agrees that he should act on 

those views at his discretion. 

[Action: Province Treasurer] 

Agreed: 

That the Provincial Secretary remind Circles of the need to obtain Tax Invoices/ 

receipts for all charitable donations and to provide those Tax Invoices/ receipts to 

the Province Treasurer for Taxation purposes. 


Agreed: 

That the arrangements for the Province Workshop for 2011 proceed in line with 

the Programme Outline circulated as part of the Report by the Province 

Membership Officer 

[Action: Province Membership Officer] 

Agreed: 

That Province Council note the information provided by Brother Phil Davies as to 

the origin of the membership enrolment process apparently followed by Circles in 

Province 21 and, also, notes that Brother Director will survey Circles in the near 

future to document actual procedures followed so as to assist in developing 

procedures to be recommended to the Grand Secretary. 

Province Council is of the view that a step in any procedures recommended to the 

Grand Secretary should require that copies of all application forms be provided to 

each of the Province Membership Officer and the Province Treasurer 

[Action: Brother Director; Province Membership Officer] 

5 

Cont. 


MORE FROM 


Agreed: 

That Province Council acknowledges the contribution of Brother Plunkett Sweeney 

as the Inaugural President of the Foundation Circle in Australia expresses its 

appreciation for that contribution and wishes brother Plunkett a happy 90 th birthday 

on 9 February 2011. 

[Action – Province Secretary] 

Agreed: 

That Circles be advised of the impending revision of the 2006 Edition of the 

Catenian Handbook and Manual of Procedure and be invited to suggest particular 

revisions which might be considered appropriate. 


Agreed: 

That an order be placed for the production of 12 Circle Meeting Attendance 

Registers 

[Action: Province Supply Officer] 

Resolved: 

That the following decisions reached prior to the meeting 94 of the Council by a 

ballot of its voting members be ratified: 

Decision 1: 

That Province 21 Council support and adopt the Proposal for the alteration of 

Rules 2 of the Rules of The Association sponsored by Brothers Phil Davies 

of Ku-Ring-Gai Circle, Kevin Doherty of Pittwater Circle and John O'Grady of 

Carlingford Circle set out in the Schedule and join those Brothers as a 

sponsor of the proposal. 

That Province 21 Council advise the Grand Secretary that, as a sponsor of 

the proposal, it wishes the proposal to be dealt with by the Extraordinary 

procedure provided for by Rule 28(b) of the Rules of The Association. 

6 

/Cont. 


MORE FROM 


Schedule 

RULE CHANGE PROPOSALS 

Clarification of the essential qualifications for membership and confirmation of the 

right of individual Circles to determine compliance in accordance with the 

Canonical principle of Subsidiarity (Rerum Novarum) 

Resolutions for Amendment of Rule 2 

1. That paragraphs (b) and (c) of Rule 2 shall be deleted and the 

following paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) shall be substituted: 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

The essential qualifications for a member on enrolment are that he shall be a 

practicing Catholic layman (as determined by the relevant Circle's Council) or 

an ordained permanent deacon, who is at least 21 years of age, and whose 

capacity to discharge the obligations of membership is assured by his known 

character and financial standing. 

An applicant for membership of the Association whose application 

has been considered and approved by the relevant Circle's Council, 

and who declares that he is a practicing Catholic shall, for the purpose 

of this Rule, be accepted as being a practicing Catholic. 

Subject to the foregoing, a member after enrolment shall remain a practicing 

Catholic, as determined by the relevant Circle's Council. 

2. That the footnote to Rule 2 shall be deleted. 

The amended Rule 2 would read as follows. 

2. Qualifications for Membership 

(a) 

(b) 

Membership of the Association shall depend on current enrolment in a 

Circle or Group or in the transfer register as defined herein, and the 

term 'member' as used in these Rules shall be so interpreted. With 

the exception of Rule 5(g), reference to the term 'Circle' in these Rules 

or in the Regulations of the Association shall, where the context so 

allows, be interpreted to include the term 'Group'. 

The essential qualifications for a member on enrolment are that he shall 

be a practicing Catholic layman (as determined by the relevant 

Circle's Council) or an ordained permanent deacon, who is at least 21 

years of age, and whose capacity to discharge the obligations of membership 

is assured by his known character and financial standing. /Cont. 

EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 7 7 MARCH 2011

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(c) 

(d) 

An applicant for membership of the Association whose application has 

been considered and approved by the relevant Circle's Council, and 

who declares that he is a practicing Catholic shall, for the purpose of 

this Rule, be accepted as being a practicing Catholic. 

Subject to the foregoing, a member after enrolment shall remain a 

practicing Catholic, as determined by the relevant Circle's Council. 

A member shall be entitled to attend the meetings of any Circle and to take part in all 

business transacted in any Circle in which he is enrolled. 

Decision 2: 

That Province 21 Council provide appropriate assistance to the 

sponsoring Brothers in preparing papers supporting the proposal for 

consideration by the 2011 Annual Conference. 


Resolved: 

That Province Council records its appreciation for the contribution made by 

Brother Evan Godfrey during his terms as Provincial Chamberlain. That an 

appropriate certificate and a social function be arranged as an expression of 

appreciation to Brother Evan and his wife, Pat. 

Agreed: 

That Brother Evan be consulted with a view to arranging a dinner at which 

Brothers Councillor could collectively express appreciation to Brother Evan and 

Pat for their contribution to and support for the work of Province 21 Council. 

[Action: Both decisions - Brother Phil Davies] 

/Cont. 

8 


MORE FROM 


Resolved: 

That Province 21 Council endorses the recommendation of the Australia Committee 

that the Grand Treasurer be advised that an appropriate rate for conversion of 

Capitation Fees would be AUD1.60 to GBP1for each of the next three financial years. 

[Action: Brother Director; Province Secretary] 

Agreed: 

That Circles be advised that the offices of Province Vice President and Province 

Chamberlain are vacant and be requested to consider whether there might be suitable 

candidates amongst the Brothers of the Circle 

[Action: All Brother Councillor] 

Agreed: 

That the date fixed for the 2011 Province Golf Day be changed to Friday 18 March 

2011. 

[Action – Brother Malcolm Clow] 

Agreed: 

That Circles be reminded of the role and importance of the Circle Benevolence Board 

and that the Director, Province 21 is, ex officio, a member of the Benevolence Board 

of each Circle in the Province and is to be kept fully informed of its meeting dates and 

proceedings. 

[Action: All Brother Councillor] 

PROVINCE 21 WEBSITE ADDRESS:- 

http://www.thecatenianassociation.org.au/index.html 

PLEASE VISIT THE OUR SITE FOR PROVINCE INFORMATION! 

9 


MORE FROM 


Province 21 

Events for 2011/12 

Provincial Events: 

Province Workshop 2011 - St Joseph’s Centre – Saturday, 7 May 2011 

O’Connell Cup - Ku Ring Gai Circle - Monday, 11 July 2011 

Truthful Jones Trophy - Parramatta Circle – Thursday, 25 August 2011 

Grand President’s Dinner - The Lakes GC – Saturday, 1 October 2011 

Province 21 Mass 2011 - Venue TBA - Sunday, 2 October 2011 

__________________________________________________________________ 

Significant Meetings: 

Canberra Circle 

Meeting 150 - CSC Club – Thursday 16 June 2011 

City of Sydney Circle 

40 th Anniversary Meeting - The Lakes GC – Wednesday, 6 July 2011 

The Catenians 

Strengthening family life 

through friendship and faith 


FROM PROVINCIAL 

MEMBERSHIP OFFICER PAT MORAN 

ATTENTION!!! 

ALL CIRCLE/GROUP PRESIDENTS, VICE-PRESIDENTS, SECRETARIES 

TREASURERS, MEMBERSHIP OFFICERS & CHAMBERLAINS 

You are invited by Province 21 Council to a 

PROVINCE 

WORKSHOP 

This will be held on 

SATURDAY, 7 th MAY 2011 

At: St Joseph’s Centre, 64 MacKillop Drive, Baulkham Hills 

All details from:- 

Province 21 Membership Officer Brother Pat Moran 

Email: edmorpz@netspace.net.au 

PROGRAMME OUTLINE ON NEXT TWO PAGES….. 

PROVINCE 21 

THE CATENIAN 

ASSOCIATION 

11 


PROVINCE WORKSHOP CONTINUED…… 

PROGRAMME OUTLINE 

10:30 Morning Tea 

10:50 Welcome + Prayer Ron Daly 

Intro 

Pat Moran 

11:00 Session 1 - Plenary A 

Catenians and the Future 

Ric Camilleri (Ku-ring-gai) 

Ric is President of Ku-Ring-Gai Circle this year, Vice President for the last two years and 

Membership Officer for the three years prior. He is very prominent in the advertising world 

of Radio, TV and Newspaper. He speaks well and has some very clear ideas on 

Catenians especially the focus of Leadership of a Circle Council and how the Council 

leads the Circle now and into the future. 

  

Questions / follow-up. 

Visits to Circles (strengths and weaknesses) + other Ron Daly 

Grand Council, AusCom & Restructuring the Association + other Paul Despoges 

Membership Update 

Our Province: 

Target 2010 

Pat Moran 

Brisbane, GCT, Newcastle, ADF, Adelaide plus other 

latest stats – Association, Province 

Protocols - Process of Reporting: New Members, Deaths, Resignations, Forfeits 

The role of Head Office and Portal access 

Questions / follow-up 

12:30 Lunch 

Sandwiches, Wraps, Fruit Tea, Coffee, Cordial. 

1:15 Session 2 Plenary 

Introduction 

Purpose of the small group meetings 

Duties/responsibilities of office bearers 

12 

/Cont. 


PROVINCE WORKSHOP CONTINUED…… 

Presidents Role: 

PROGRAMME OUTLINE 

Intro: 

Laurence Lawlor 

Part of the focus of this will be Laurence’s paper already circulated by then 

Small Groups – specific roles 

Circle issues that affect the Provincial President, Vice President, Secretary, Provincial Treasurer, 

PMO, Provincial Chamberlain 

Questions/Observations arising from the groups 

Move to specific areas for group discussion 

1. Presidents and Vice-Presidents 

2. Secretaries 

3. Treasurers 

4. Chamberlains 

5. Membership Officers 

• Clarify roles 

• What concerns you in regard to the role? 

• Questions to and from the Mentor of the group 

• What do we do well now? 

• How can we do things better? 

• Aspects of best practice 

One member of the group will act as scribe to give a brief report (in point form) back to the 

Summary session 3 after this. 

15:20 Short Break 

15:30 Session 3 - Plenary B 

16:20 Conclusion 

Report Back – each group 

Points made, Requests, Actions/Resolutions 

A PowerPoint summary will be distributed after the Workshop 

16:30 Finish main section of Workshop 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

17:00 Sunday Mass at 5pm with Community 

18:00 Dinner (depending on Mass and numbers) $30 - Finish about 8pm 

Teleconferencing is available! 

13 


AusCom 

REPORT FROM 

PROVINCE 21 

DIRECTOR PAUL DESPOGES 

ON RECENT 

AusCom CONFERENCE 

VIA SKYPE 

Online was Province 20 Director Gerry Barton, Province 21 Director Brother Paul Despoges; 

Province 21 President Brother Terry Pilcher, Area Victor President Brother Paul McCulloch & 

Area Victoria Secretary (Committee Secretary) Brother Michael Howard (could only hear). 

Summary of meeting: 

• Kevin Doherty to be approached to come onto the committee as the 2 nd delegate from 

Province 21 (since we have no Vice President). 

• $300 levy all accepted the amount .Agreed impossible to create a budget at present. 

• Bank Account for AustCom – due to problems with opening of an account, it was agreed the 

funds would be held in the Province funds of the residing Chairman’s for the coming year – 

P21. Need to discuss with Peter Gialouris. 

• Practising Catholic – advised meeting of motion being forward to General Council with P21’s 

sanction. Regards letter to editor in Catena. Provincial Director to respond. 

• Question of how should we handle motions from Australia Conference. Requires a more 

formal approach to General Council to ensure membership is given assurance of action. 

Brother Gerry & Province Director to present them to the Membership review committee, plus 

others e.g. Country membership. 

• Conference survey, thank-you to Chris Pitts for his time and efforts. Over 50% response was 

excellent. Brother Gerry to forward onto Grand Secretary, for his information and maybe 

ideas on how Grand Council could handle such requirements. 

• Brother Jim Kelly Past Grand President and member of Restructure Committee, meet with 

past and present Provincial Officers whilst in Perth in January, very productive dinner session 

at Brother Gerry Barton’s and good comment given – basic belief was we join for what the 

ethos states. 

• Concern expressed not enough verbal communication currently been given to membership 

on just what the Restructure Commission are doing, will membership accept their findings? 

Brother Gerry advised currently a communiqué being structured by the Commission and 

Communication/Marketing Committee to go to all members. All agreed Commission must 

ensure that control of the Association remains with the membership. 

/Cont. 

14 


AusCom Tele-Conference Continued... 

• Capitation Fees, Brother Gerry requested to approach Grand Treasurer for a more 

favourable exchange rate .All agreed to three year fixed rate if lowered. 

• P20 update, still hoping to achieve 400 mark by April. 

• Life membership being extended to Brother Terry O’Neill 

• Queensland Floods P20 all asked to pray for our fellow Brothers in the coming months. 

Busselton Group unable to obtain numbers for Circle status in 2011. Brother Terry is 

visiting area in March and will discuss status further. 

• Victoria Area Council 

Membership static at 125. 

Concern with under strength Circles. 

New Group Casey” to be inaugurated on Capitation Fees, Brother Gerry requested to 

approach Grand Treasurer for a more favourable Mar 9 th , already have 13 on the books 

already Geelong, picture is not so good. Paul to have further talks with Father Dillon. 

ADF no longer on their agenda. 

• Province 21 

Recapped on PC motion 

Confirmed Grand President’s agenda agreed to leave Province 20 off, more time for 

Victoria Area if required. 

Qld Floods confirmed no Brother directly affected, detailed Tom’s son situation. 

Recommended all read special edition of Eastern Link, special thanks to Peter Cash. 

Advised P21 golf day is on Mar 11 th. 

• Brother Gerry advised UK see Australia as future growth region 

• Adelaide, agreed it be approached as a joint venture with AustCom in charge. Essential we 

get on the ground help for Michael Cogman. Paul McCulloch to advise details of Father 

McIntosh who is a supporter of the Association and is moving across to Adelaide. 

Provincial Director to coordinate future work with Michael. 

• Provincial Director gave overview of Membership Committee Skype meeting of Saturday 

15 th January. Re Membership Kit advised would provide more comment following next 

General Council meeting. Informed meeting have been requested by Bernard Noakes to 

liaise with Victoria Area Council on his behalf due to distance and cost for him to action 

• Province Director requested Province 20, Victoria Area Council & Province 21 to provide 

bullet point summary of how currently a potential new member is enrolled from time of 

requesting membership through to having the person on the books. 

Fraternally 

Paul Despoges 

15 


Do you know 

Any Catholic men 

In the Adelaide area… 

…and you think they could be 

Potential Catenian Brothers? 

Please contact 

Brother Michael P Cogman, Joondalup Circle No 339 

Telephone (08) 8278 1443 

Brother Michael is trying to start a new 

Group in Adelaide and needs to find 

Potential Brothers 

CATENIAN WEBSITES: 

The Catenian Association:- 

www.thecatenians.com 

Province 20:- 

www.catenianprovince20.com/ 

Province 21:- 

www.thecatenianassociation.org.au/index.html 




EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 16 16 

MARCH 2011

Past Provincial President Brother Kevin Doherty writes… 

. 

Catenian Benevolent Fund 

I read with interest the article on the Catenian Benevolent Fund by Brother Rob Butler entitled “I 

Could Not Have Been More Wrong” in the December edition of Catena. I would urge all Catenians 

to read this article 

The Circle Benevolent Fund is something that can be let slip because it is rarely front of mind. 

I remember hearing about a brother in Province 21 who was a director of a Financial Services 

Company and had lost his home and would no longer attend the Circle Meetings because he was 

too embarrassed. A member of the Circle Benevolent Committee would have approached him on a 

confidential basis and offer the services of the fund. 

A few years ago a director of the fund, I believe it was Paul Astill, accompanied Jim Kelly when he 

was the Grand President. Paul bemoaned the fact that the Australian Circles were not using the 

services of this fund. He asked us to use it where we see a need. 

Each Circle should have a Benevolent Committee. It should consist of three Circle officers and the 

Provincial Director, who is an ex officio member. It is usually the Immediate Past Circle President, 

the Current Circle President and the Circle Benevolent Officer but does not have to be these three 

Circle officers. The committee should meet at least twice in a Catenian year, with or without the 

Provincial Director. They should discuss what they know about each of the Circle Brothers and any 

widows of Past Circle Brothers with a view to providing benevolence however if the benevolence 

that is provided is financial it should always remain very confidential, only the committee and the 

person receiving the benevolence in Australia should ever know. Benevolence is not always 

financial. It can be: - 

• Spending an hour or two with a sick brother 

• Mowing the lawn for a widow or a sick brother 

• Carrying out handyman type repairs for a widow or sick brother 

• Providing babysitting facilities for the younger brothers so that they can take their wives out. 

• Providing information on a matter of importance to the widow or brother: - 

o 

o 

o 

Assisting with tax matters 

Helping with children’s’ education 

Legal advice 

• Assisting the member to apply to the Benevolent Fund, if financial assistance is going to 

help. 

There are probably many more ways to help but if there is no Benevolent Committee formed or if it 

is inactive, then no-one examines the circumstances of each member and widow and that is when 

we fail to aid and comfort a brother in need! 

PAST PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT PROVINCE 21 

BROTHER KEVIN DOHERTY 

(Pittwater Circle) 



Was held on 

Monday 14th March 2011 

At 

CHECKERS FUNCTION CENTRE 

331 Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills 

TOPIC: 

WE'D ALL'VE BEEN ROONED, 'CEPT FOR HANRAHAN! 

(With apologies to John O'Brien!) 

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNER 2011:- 

Brother Peter Finn 

(Mosman Circle) 

The Little John Mug was organised by Ku Ring Gai Circle and presented a 

tremendously successful evening, with over 70 Brothers present, including one 

from the UK – Brother Nigel Corby (Province 18). 

LITTLE JOHN MUG!!! 

Please see the following pages for Brother Peter’s winning speech….. 


Many people see Hanrahan as a Doomsayer, a pain in the neck - definitely someone to 

be ignored. 

In fact, quite the opposite is the truth. 

Hanrahan is a prophet, whose predictions should be taken seriously, and acted upon 

with alacrity. 

This has been borne out, by the experiences, recently recounted to me, of a lifelong 

friend of mine. 

The information came to me by way of a letter, which I shall read to you. (with apologies 

to John O'Brien) 

He says:- 

I'm writing you this letter 

to bring you up to date 

I've made a big decision 

which will surprise you Mate 

We've moved around a lot this year 

to keep from goin' under 

and just one man has kept us safe 

from drought; rain, fire and thunder 

and who's that man, I hear you say 

and wot's 'e done to save yer? 

His name is Hanrahan, a Bloke 

who's familiar with Australia 

He knows what makes this country tick 

He knows what can befall 

he's kept us all one jump ahead 

of events which shocked us all 

We owe so very much to him 

tho' he's just another man 

we'd all 'ave been rooned, I tell you Mate, 

'cept for good ol Hanrahan 

I'll tell you wot 'as 'appened 

and 'ow he's kept us safe 

in times of tribulation 

that have sorely tried our faith 

We'd been living in the outback 

on the drought dry, dusty, plains 

lookin' daily at the sky 

and prayin' for the rains 

19 

/Cont. 


And all around the chorus ran 

it's keepin dry, no doubt 

"We'll all be rooned", said Hanrahan 

"It's time we all got out" 

"He's right you know", said my dear wife 

"sell up and make the break 

let's head for far north Queensland 

lets go, for Heaven's sake!" 

So we made a move to Townsville 

and thought we'd settle down 

to enjoy the Monsoon season 

and romantic meals in town 

We loved the rain in FNQ 

but it simply did not stop 

"we'll all be drowned" , said Hanrahan 

sweepin' water with a mop 

He said that we should move again, 

"before the rivers swell", 

so we headed south to Brisbane 

an' Hanrahan came as well 

The water followed us to Brissy 

like a giant moving Sea 

"Lets' keep on goin'", said Hanrahan 

"this don't look good to me" 

and he was right again, you know 

Brisbane really copped it. 

A king tide met the moving flood. 

then from Wivenhoe they topped it 

We moved on down to New South Wales, 

then we headed for Wodonga. 

The Murray never breaks its Banks 

we'll be safe to linger longer 

But the rain kept right on fallin' 

each time we sallied forth 

"the waters comin' south", I said, 

"so let's just go back north" 

"and what about the Cyclones?" 

asked our good ol' trusty Seer 

"We'll get blown away, if Yarsi comes 

we're better off down here" 

20 

/Cont. 

EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 20 MARCH 2011

"And the same thing goes for Darwin 

don't get that into yer 'ead 

remember Cyclone Carlos 

will throw you off yer bed." 

"Let's move to Perth", said my dear wife. 

That sounded like a plan 

"if the bushfires come, we'll all be rooned" 

said good ol' Hanrahan 

And, sure enough, the bushfires came, 

and caused enormous strife. 

He'd gone and done it once again 

e'd saved me an' my wife 

So we've had it with this country 

with its drought and flooding rain 

we'd all 'ave been rooned, 'cept for Hanrahan, 

rooned time and time again 

We've decided where we're goin' 

we've finalised our search 

next time you get a letter from me 

it'll be greetings from Christchurch! 

As you have seen, Hanrahan's predictions, and guidance, saved my friend, from the disastrous 

consequences of the natural events, which have afflicted Australia in the first two months of this 

year. Indeed, as my friend forcefully declared "We'd all 'ave been rooned, 'cept for Hanrahan." 

The fact that my friend decided, regardless of the benefit of having Hanrahan around, that he would 

leave him behind and head overseas, where it would be safer, does not alter the fact that 

Hanrahan's predictions should be widely accepted. 

I believe that you should all be made aware of Hanrahan's latest political observation - that you 

should know the facts - 

"We'll all be rooned", says Hanrahan, 

"if they bring in a Carbon Tax". 

Editors Note: I do hope like myself you thoroughly enjoyed reading Mosman Circle’s 

Brother Peter Finn’s winning Topic. All Brothers’ attending the Little John Mug night was 

entertained by the incoming Presidents of various Circles. Circle Presidents elect were 

invited to speak for three minutes outlining the circumstances in which a colourful local 

identity recently said: 

WE'D ALL'VE BEEN ROONED, 'CEPT FOR HANRAHAN! 

(With apologies to John O'Brien!) 

The Quality of all President Elect’s topics was outstanding!!! 

21 


MANLY CIRCLE 322 

BICENTENARY 200TH MEETING 

May 2011 will mark the 200 th meeting of Manly Circle and we are 

planning to make this an event not to be missed in the historic 

surroundings of Manly Golf Club, one of Australia’s oldest. 

We sincerely hope that Catenian Brothers throughout Province 21 will 

visit us in unprecedented numbers to celebrate this historic occasion. A 

number of Manly Circle’s foundation members will be in attendance to 

recount some of the highlights over the past decades. 

You are cordially invited to join us on Wednesday 18 May 2011 at Manly 

Golf Club, 38-40 Balgowlah Road, Manly. Cost is $50 per person. 

RSVPs to Br. Michael Van Ommen by Monday 9 May on email 

vommen@bigpond.net.au or phone 9452 5282. 

22 


PRELIMINARY NOTICE FROM CANBERRA CIRCLE 331… 

CANBERRA CIRCLE 331 

CORDIALLY INVITES YOU 

TO THEIR 

150 TH MEETING 

6.45pm For 7.15pm (meeting at 7.15pm) 

Thursday, 16 June, 2011 

At the 

Canberra Southern Cross Club 

92-96 Corinna Street Woden 

Canberra Circle 331 can promise a very special night and one that we hope will 

mark a significant milestone in our short history as well as that of the Association 

in Australia. The meeting will be followed by a ladies dinner with special guest Mr. 

John Mackay AM FAIM, speaking on the development of the Canberra International 

Arboretum and Gardens of which he is the chairman of the Board of Governors. 

The cost will be approximately $50.00pp all inclusive (subject to the established 

visitation guidelines of course). 

The Circle would be happy to host visitors. The evening will include appropriate 

opportunity for our friendship and fellowship bonds to develop with visiting 

brothers. 

Don’t be put off by the prospect of cool weather and a Canberra winter. Our 

home fires and hospitality will burn brightly. 

Please contact Russell Sweeney on 02 6291 4604 

Email: rsweeney@netspeed.com.au 


City of Sydney Circle 263 

President’s Mass 

Sunday 20 th March 2011 

Southern Highlands Wines 

http://www.shw.com.au/ 

Cnr Oldbury Road & Illawarra Hwy, 

Sutton Forest NSW 

Mass celebrated by Father Bob Hayes 

At 11:15 a.m. in the winery. 

Luncheon to follow until 4 p.m. 

Cost is $50.00 per head for 2 courses 

buy your own drinks. 

R.S.V.P to Br John Crawford 

Email jcrawford@vjr.com.au or 

Telephone: 9240 4975 

Cheque and names of those attending Mr John Crawford PO Box N214 Grosvenor Place 1220 

Name……………………………………….accompanied by…………………… 

Circle…………………………………………..Enclosed $................................... 

Contact number……………………………. 



News from Pittwater Circle... 

The brothers of Warringah Circle joined the 

brothers of Pittwater Circle in welcoming two 

new brothers to the Pittwater Circle at the 

commencement of their annual January 

Joint Meeting. Jim Wade and Kevin Cullen 

are members of the local Parish of St Rose 

and were introduced and sponsored by the 

President of Pittwater Circle Brother Rex 

Harding. The Provincial Membership Officer, 

Brother Pat Moran was present to welcome 

the new members and remind the brothers 

of the Grand President's challenge to 

increase the membership of the Association. 

From Left; Brother Kevin Cullen, Pittwater Circle 

President Rex Harding & Brother Jim Wade 

Brother Kevin Cullen is a retired builder and 

retired technical College teacher of various 

building qualifications. Brother Jim Wade is 

a retired Technical College Teacher. 

News from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle Newsletter… 

Ku-Ring 

Ring-Gai & Hornsby Circles 

Joint Dinner and Music Trivia Night 

WELCOME MARTIN!!! 

The smiling faces of the winning table 

at the Musical Trivia Night. One of the 

winners was Brother Martin Stebbings, 

pictured second from right, who was 

enrolled as a joint member of Ku-Ring- 

Gai Circle at the meeting held on 10th 

January. Martin recently arrived from 

the UK where he is a member of 

Reigate Circle in Surrey. All Brothers 

extended a warm welcome to Martin. 




25 


News from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle... 

HELP STOP THE POVERTY CYCLE!!! 

HOW YOU CAN HELP STOP THE 

POVERTY CYCLE, FOR GOOD… 

The guest speaker at the Ku-Ring-Gai Circle 

dinner held on the 14th February 2011 was Neild 

McIntosh who, since 2006, has been the nonexecutive 

Chairman of the Board of Directors of 

World Education Australia and its affiliated 

microfinance charity, "Good Return". Neild, with 

an actuarial and superannuation industry 

background, completed a Masters in International 

Social Development in 2003 and became involved 

with "Good Return" in 2005. He gave an 

interesting talk and PowerPoint presentation 

about the unique work of "Good Return" to help 

alleviate poverty in third world countries in the 

Asia Pacific region, particularly Laos, Cambodia, 

Solomon Islands, Nepal, East Timor and Tibet. In 

explaining the challenges for charities like "Good 

Return", Neild reminded everyone that two-thirds 

of the world's poor live in the Asia Pacific region 

and that the World Bank in 2005 estimated that 

over 3 billion people survive on less than US$2.50 

a day. 

"Good Return" enables Australians to lend, online, 

small amounts of money which support people to 

run small businesses, such as market stalls, 

shops and farming, to help lift them out of poverty. 

It is the only Australian online Microfinance Social 

Enterprise which allows supporters to track the 

use and impact of their loans, be repaid their 

loans, re-lend, or make a donation to fund training 

programmes. With an objective of increasing 

Above; from left is Neild McIntosh receiving a 

small gift from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle's Brother Jim 

Phelan. 

among Australians an awareness of poverty an 

Microfinance, Neild encourages interested 

supporters to check out the website 

www.goodreturn.org which has lots of information 

and details for making a loan or donation. 

Brother Peter Kiely 

Please make a note in your Diaries... 

City of Sydney Circle 

Celebrates 40 years as a Circle!!! 

Wednesday, 6 th July 2011 

26 


News from Canberra Circle 331 Newsletter... 

Father John giving his talk on “A Pilgrimage of Trust” 

Canberra Circle 331 recently 

had guest Speaker Father 

John Armstrong from Corpus 

Christi Parish. Father John 

spoke about his pilgrimage 

trips in France and Vietnam, 

he named his speech “A 

Pilgrimage of Trust – living 

the story of God”, Father 

John was truly inspirational 

and his presentation can be 

seen on Canberra Circle 

website 

at 

(http://www.canberracatenian 

s.com/) alongside the Circle 

Newsletter. Father John as 

well as being Parish Priest at 

Corpus Christi Parish South 

Tuggeranong is also Director 

of Clergy Life and Ministry in 

the Archdiocese and Dean of 

the Central Deanery. 

Brother Norman Russell proposes the vote of thanks to Father John 



News from Canberra Circle 331 Newsletter... 

Left; Brother Julian Flynn with his brother, Father Hilary Flynn from Diocese of Cairns 

Father Hilary was in Canberra visiting his family 

(L-R): Bros Bob Wilson, Tom King and Robin Wells 

At Canberra Circle 331 February meeting, new 

Brother Tom King was welcomed into the Circle. 

Tom was born in Geelong in Victoria. After he left 

school, he served in the Australian Regular Army 

for six years, including a posting to Canberra. After 

leaving the Army in late 1979, Tom joined the 

Commonwealth Public Service and worked in the 

Australian Tax Office in Melbourne for just over 

two years and then moved back to Canberra. 

In1992, Tom joined the then Department of Social 

Security, where he worked with some really fist 

class people. That Department is now the 

Department of Families, Housing, Community 

Services and Indigenous Affairs! Tom has 

accumulated a few university degrees and is 

currently doing a PhD at ANU in Australian politics. 

Outside of work and studying, Tom likes walking, 

reading and meeting people. Tom lives in Conder 

with wife Maureen and their dog Teddy, who is a 

Sheltie with character. 

28 


News from City of Sydney Circle... 

A TRUE SCOT!!! 

We had a visiting brother from the Aberdeen 

Circle Brother Gordon Webster who had flown 

into Sydney that morning and left his wife Joyce 

in the hotel while he attended our meeting. When 

asked to draw the ticket for the wine raffle – he 

drew his own ticket - a true Scot! Gordon had left 

Aberdeen with the temperature at 1C and arrived 

in Sydney with 35C. 

Our brothers are most welcome to the Aberdeen 

Circle on the 2 nd Thursday of each month at 

7:30pm. He presented an Aberdeen Circle tie to 

Br President and brought fraternal greeting from 

the brothers of his Circle. 

Left; City of Sydney Circle President Douglas 

Wilson & Brother Gordon Webster 

A MOVING SPEEECH!!! 

Brother John Barclay had invited Honor 

Machaya, a student from Zimbabwe to speak to 

the brothers at dinner. He has been in Australia 

for 2 years studying at University and has 

worked with the Nuns in Zimbabwe on the 

education of the people on the transmission, 

prevention and treatment HIV and AIDS. Honor 

was a tall, impressive, well-spoken and has 

assisted in Australia with the raising of money 

and drugs for the Nuns in his country. It was a 

moving speech telling us of the enormity of the 

problem in Africa and hoping that his being here 

might arouse our awareness of the plight of so 

many in that land. 

Guest Speaker; Honor Machaya 

EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 29 29 MARCH 2010

News from Gold Coast Tweed Group... 

An excellent show of Brothers at the meeting 

Brother Gerry delivering his speech 

Brother Hugh Azzopardi on Jankers!!! 

Some highlights of Gold Coast Tweed 

Catenian Group Meeting of 15th February 

2011, with special guest Brother Gerry 

Lydon from Crawley Circle, West Sussex, 

UK. Brother Gerry is a Provincial 

Councillor of Province 18, which takes in: 

Arundel; Bexhill; Brighton; Regency; 

Chichester; Crawley; East Grinstead; 

Eastbourne; Hastings; Haywards Heath; 

and Seaford. 

We all enjoyed the Barbecue evening and 

Gerry's very informative talk and good 

humour and Gerry was very impressed 

with the evening. 

Brother’s Tom Lyons & Peter Cossins 

PROVINCE 21 

THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATION 


News from Canberra 331 Circle Newsletter… 

FEBRUARY GUEST SPEAKER 

PROVIDES SOME 

THOUGHTFUL 

INSIGHTS INTO THE LIFE OF 

ST MARY OF THE CROSS 

MACKILLOP… 

Our February Meeting was a special 

treat; A Ladies Night and Sister 

Noelene Quinnane as guest speaker. 

Sister Noelene Quinnane 

The food & wine were especially 

excellent and Sr Noelene provided 

some thoughtful insights into the life 

of Saint Mary of the Cross, topped 

off by her photos taken at the 

ceremony in Rome. 

Sister Noelene explained the 

differences within the Josephite 

Order and the desire for unity. She 

described the life and times of St 

Mary of the Cross and outlined the 

guiding principles that forged a 

saint, urging each of us to reflect on 

those principles in our own lives. 

FAITH & LIGHT 

After Sister Noeleen had finished, 

Pam Barker made mention of the 

work being done by Faith and Light, 

an organisation supporting people 

with intellectual disabilities. 


Bro Frank Boyle catches up with his friend, Sr Noelene 

For more pictures of the above and other news from Canberra 331 Please visit 

http://www.canberracatenians.com/newsletter/newsletter.htm 

31 


News from Canberra 331 Circle Newsletter… 

Brother Peter and Judi Wilkins 

Brother Arthur and Linda Ringer 

Hand Tendered…Hand Pruned…Hand Harvested…Hand Sorted… 

In February, Brother George Kazs organised a degustation dinner at the Peppercress 

Restaurant in the Southern Cross Club, Tuggeranong. 

The wines were tailored to a five course menu prepared by award-winning chefs at 

Peppercress Restaurant. Molly's Cradle Vineyard claims to produce some of the Hunters' 

finest wines, derived simply from their philosophy of producing the finest possible quality 

fruit. The vineyard is 'hand tendered', 'hand pruned', `hand harvested' and 'hand sorted' to 

assure the finest possible quality fruit is passed on to the wine maker. In addition, the latest 

soil, water, canopy and light management techniques are used, to ensure that the classic 

Australian grape growing region is exploited to its full potential. 

* For more pictures and other news from Canberra 331 Please visit 

http://www.canberracatenians.com/newsletter/newsletter.htm 

L-R: Elaine Kazs; Peggy Russell; Olga Rowsel Tricia McLachlan & Brother Paddy Reardon 

32 


CITY OF SYDNEY 

CIRCLE 

BLAST FROM 

THE PAST… 

Brothers Ron Daly and Peter O’Reilly 

Celebrate a milestone this March… 

In 1961 two young pharmacists formed a partnership to buy a pharmacy at Sans Souci and they now 

have chalked up 50 years! 

Above is a blast from the past photograph of Peter and Ron with their excellent assistant Lee Edwards 

in 1961. Note the white coats and the dark hair! 

Brother Plunkett Sweeney, Australia’s Inaugural President of its Foundation Circle City of Sydney 

recently celebrated his 90 birthday. Here is his thank-you note, which sums up with a minimum of 

words of what and who the Association is; 

“Many thanks to you and the Provincial Council for your letter of congratulations to me on the 

occasion of my ninetieth birthday. Let me assure you that establishment of the Catenian Association 

was only made possible by the wonderful enthusiasm and integrity of the brothers who were made up 

our first Circle. After three years in Australia I believed there was an urgent need for a social Catholic 

organisation for professional and business men in Australia. This essentially would enable such a 

group to meet monthly in a spiritual environment - a sort of spiritual oasis in a materialistic world. The 

Catenian Association fulfilled these ideals.” 

33 


UK BROTHER TERRY 

VISITS BRISBANE GROUP… 

Brisbane Group recently welcomed Brother Gerry Lydon (centre of picture with grey tie) from 

Crawley Circle, West Sussex, UK. Brother Gerry is a Provincial Councillor of Province 18, he was 

welcomed by Brisbane Group Chairman Brother Denis, Brother’s and wives 

In Bookshops now.... 

THE LATEST BOOK WRITTEN BY BROTHER NOEL BRAUN 

No Way to Behave 

At a Funeral 

To Purchase Copies Please contact Noel:- 

Tel: 0294522737 – Email: noeljbraun@bigpond.com 

No Way 

To 

Behave 

At a 

Funeral 

34 


The 

Catenian 

Rosary Group 

Brother Albert & Brother Michael of The Catenian Rosary Group, have due to many 

requests from members decided to say a Decade of the Rosary every Friday and have 

informed all members of the Catenian Rosary Group via Catena Magazine of this 

initiative. 

We will continue to pray through-out the year for the recovery of sick of all Catenians 

Brothers and their Families. 

Please visit The Catenian Rosary Group website at:- 

www.catenianrosary.com/index.htm 

Membership is open to Brothers, Wives, Family Members and Widows. Widows 

find it especially helpful as it gives them a connection with their late husband’s 

Circle. 

Obligation of membership: to pray One Decade of the Holy Rosary every day. 

(One Our Father, Ten Hail Mary's and One Glory Be). No penalty if it is missed. 

The petition of be for 'Our Lady's Intentions' except in May when it will be for 

'The Catenian Association and those Taking Office'. Also on every Friday in the 

year the petition will be for all in the Association: brothers, wives, family 

members and widows who are in need of our Lady's comfort and healing help. 

Brother MICHAEL BLACKBURN (Halifax 170 (3N) 

164 Green Park Road, HALIFAX HX3 OSP UK 

Telephone (+44) 01422352559 

Brother Albert Eckersley, (Wigan 16 (1) 

26 Coppice Drive, Worsley Mesnes, WIGAN WN3 5QS UK 

Telephone (+44) 01942 247462 


A Special Invitation To 

CATENIAN MEMBERS 

THE ROSARY GROUP, FAMILY & FRIENDS 

TO PARTICIPATE IN A SPECIAL 

‘MARY’S ROSARY CHAIN’ DEVOTION 

THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATION 

A Special Devotion . . . 

MARY’S ROSARY CHAIN 

Mary’s Rosary Chain is a Rosary Devotion to 

Our Blessed Mother, where people are invited 

and encouraged to pray one decade of (10 Hail 

Mary’s) each day in communion with other 

participants in this great powerful chain of 

prayer. The great benefit of praying (one 

decade) of the Rosary each day in union with 

tens of thousands of other participants around 

the world is the abundant fold Grace of 

Combined Prayers together with the Daily 

Prayers of the Pauline Order for the needs and 

intentions of the participants. 

All participants are invited to enrol their 

Names on a list and have their Names 

permanently placed under the Blessed 

Sacrament in a Monastery of St Paul the First 

Hermit, “Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy”, 

Penrose Park, NSW or “Our Lady Help of 

Christians”, Marian Valley, Canungra, QLD, 

where the Order will pray daily for their 

intentions, also, Holy Mass is celebrated for all 

the participants every Saturday. 

The Order of St Paul the First Hermit have warmly welcomed this Devotion and have given their 

full support and blessing for the inspiring Rosary Cards to be distributed and promoted wherever 

possible to encourage the people of God and especially children and youth to pray through the 

intercession of the Mother of God for the many urgent needs of the Holy Church and the world in 

general. 

Further information can be obtained from:- 

Brother Greg Smyth (City of Sydney Circle) Telephone 0295220034 smythgc@bigpond.com 

Donations are always welcome, Cheques should be made payable to "MARYS ROSARY CHAIN 

INC." and post to Brother Greg Smyth, Marys Rosary Chain, 44 Belgrave Esplanade Sylvania 

NSW 2224 Australia. 

*Could all participants’ names be passed on to Brother Greg Smyth, 44 Belgrave Espl. Sylvania, 

NSW 2224 for inclusion in the Pauline Father’s Daily Prayers. 

36 


MARY’S ROSARY CHAIN NEEDS YOUR HELP… 

Mary’s Rosary Chain is a registered non-profit organisation promoting devotions to Our Lord Jesus and Our 

Blessed Mother through the Holy Rosary and various prayer cards and rosary beads. 

In this organisation our mission is to spread these free devotional prayer cards and rosary beads into 

families, parishes, schools, shrines, hospitals etc. and into many parts of the world including mission 

countries such as India, Africa, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji, etc. 

On almost every weekend for over five years we attend a different Parish church and freely promote these 

prayer cards and beads at all the weekend Masses in the Parish with wonderful and overwhelming success. 

The Dioceses we go to for Parish work are the Archdiocese of Sydney, Dioceses of Parramatta, Broken 

Bay, Wollongong, Canberra and Goulburn, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Wilcannia-Forbes and hopefully many 

more in the future. 

For the month of October which is dedicated to the Holy Rosary we have given 27,500 rosary cards and 

rosary beads to the Catholic Education Office for 36 schools throughout Sydney. 

To date we have printed: 

• 900,000 cards on: Mary’s Rosary Chain – (one decade a day, rosary card). 

• 100,000 cards on: the Holy Rosary – (full rosary card with mysteries and Litany). 

• 1 Million cards on: the consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary – 

(key card size for convenience). 

• 100,000 cards on: the Chaplet of Divine Mercy – (Jesus I trust in you). 

• 100,000 cards on: the Holy Souls in Purgatory – (prayers and chaplet). 

• 100,000 cards on: the Precious Blood of Jesus – (prayers and Litany). 

The cost of printing the prayer cards and buying the materials to make the rosary beads and also the posting 

of the cards and beads to many places and countries is very costly as you can imagine. 

In the previous 24 weeks the costs and expenses involved in this work was over $75,000, (not counting 

overseas posting) so to continue this important work, we do fundraising through selling raffle tickets and rely 

on your generosity and the providence of God. 

To give you an idea of the amount of materials needed in this continuous work, (one rosary maker) from the 

group has made almost - 72 thousand one decade rosary beads in only (1 year and 9 months). 

Very recently we have printed an additional 450,000 prayer cards from (one of the cards mentioned above) 

as they are quickly distributed to many places and countries abroad. 

In the past three years we have printed over 2.7 million prayer cards and distributed around ½ a million 

rosary beads to those in need. 

We are looking for generous benefactors who are willing and able to help support this important and very 

much needed work, so we can continue spreading the grace of prayer to those in need. 

We thank you sincerely in advance for any contribution you may be willing to offer to this work of spreading 

these prayer cards and rosary beads so urgently needed in our time. 

All donations are very welcome and any donations of - $2.00 or over are tax deductable. 

May God abundantly reward your generosity and may your good works and deeds intercede for you in the 

final hour before the throne of God in heaven. 

Donations are always welcome, Cheques should be made payable to "MARYS ROSARY CHAIN INC." 

and post to Br. Greg Smyth, Marys Rosary Chain, 44 Belgrave Esplanade Sylvania NSW 2224 

37 


City of Sydney Circle Brother 

Guy Cassar:- 

Editorial Note: Brother Guy was Guest Speaker at his own Circle. His speech 

was fascinating; please enjoy his amazing story of his early life in Egypt. 

Guy’s Speech starts here…. 

My Dear Catenian Brothers and Friends, 

I have been asked, and I must say flattered, to 

talk to you about my earlier years in Egypt and 

what Christmas was like in Alexandria. 

Let me start by greeting you “Ma-sa-ul-khayr” – 

Good evening. 

You are well aware that our Lord was born in 

Bethlehem (Palestine), only 507kms from where 

I was born in the Alexandria Maternity Hospital 

on 17 December 1933, a bouncy 5.3kg baby. 

No, I did not feel my mother’s pains when I was 

born; but I saw her smiling face every time she 

looked at me, except when I was naughty? 

Which I have to confess, was maybe too often 

for her comfort. 

Whilst I have no intention of giving you a History 

Lesson on Egypt tonight, I do believe that you 

lived there. 

Therefore a few words on Egypt’s history, or mainly how the British established themselves in 

Egypt would be appropriate. 

Egypt, now known as the United Arabic Republic, is part of the African Continent; it is boarded 

by the Mediterranean Sea on the North; and the Red Sea on the East and its two arms the 

Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. Upper Egypt is South, and Lower Egypt North. 

Napoleon (Napoleon Bonaparte)-occupied Egypt (1798-1801)-under the pretext of restoring 

Turkish rule-though his real object was to strike at Great Britain by cutting off British trade lines 

and ultimately by detaching India-but the Turks joined the British in forcing the French out. 

In the First World War, Great Britain declared Egypt a British protectorate. After the war Egypt 

sought independence and a treaty was concluded in 1922 and came into effect in 1923. Great 

Britain retained power to station troops in Egypt. The British protectorate was maintained /Cont 

38 


BROTHER GUY’S SPEECH 

Continued... 

until the promulgation of a new treaty in 1936, which made the two countries allies and 

promised the eventual withdrawal of British troops. 

In the Second World War, Great Britain safeguarding its Empire, undertook the defence of 

Egypt in accordance with the Treaty of 1936. 

Appeal to United Nations 

After the war, demands were made for a revision of the Treaty of 1936, but they failed as 

Egypt insisted on the incorporation of Anglo-Sudan into Egypt. They appealed to the United 

Nations in 1947 but that too failed. 

The WAFD Party (say Labour Party) and the Royal Family had continuous struggles. In 1953 

the monarchy was abolished and a Republic setup by General Mohamed Naguib. Col. 

Nasser in 1954 was elected President for a six year period. Tension increased in July 1956 

when the USA and Great Britain withdrew their pledges of financial aid for the building of the 

Aswan High Dam. Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal and expelled the British from Egypt. 

The Population consisted mainly of Egyptians; Greeks; Italians; British and others, in that 

order. 

Religion was again predominantly Muslim; Jews; Christians including Coptic Christians and 

others. Muslims accounted for 92% of the population. 

‘Gift of the Nile’ 

A TRAVEL ADVERTISEMENT FOR EGYPT would probably read as follows: 

“Egypt is the second oldest civilisation in the world. The land of the pharaohs, the sphinx, the 

pyramids, the mummies and the Nile. Egypt has remained a mystery for the world. It is a 

land that has been a granary of Europe and the legend of Cleopatra. For long, Egypt and its 

rich culture and ancient tradition have been an enigma that tourists, travellers and historians 

have wanted to experience and unravel. European, Arabic and its own traditional culture has 

influenced the “Gift of the Nile”, which makes Egypt what it is today.” 

Did my Grandfather read this advertisement “No”. 

My paternal Grandfather came to Egypt from Malta with the British Army, and obviously 

settled there. Whether he went back to Malta and returned to Egypt, I don’t know, but he did 

have a brother and sister living in Alexandria. All his five children were born in Egypt. 

Most, if not all of you, would have seen the film “Lawrence of Arabia”, well every time I watch 

that film, I look for the actor that is portraying my Grandfather. 

My Grandfather must have gained some exceptional skills whilst in the army, because he was 

an excellent toolmaker and possessed engineering skills, which one would assume would 

only be available to an Engineering graduate. Examples of his work included the setting up of 

/Cont. 

39 



Continued... 

ice making factory; the construction of the brick chimney and the attaching of the lightning rod 

copper ribbon inside the chimney; and the construction of a railway. He was a keen fisherman 

and bird catcher. He used to make his own nets. 

He lived to the ripe old age of 91, came to Australia, but regrettably survived only a couple of 

months. 

My maternal Grandfather also came to Egypt from Malta with his parents. I am told that they 

came at the invitation of the Khedive (the ruler prior to the establishment of the King) to set up 

the Administration process. Hence my Great-Grandfather wore a Fez, but a European style 

suit whilst working with the Egyptian Government Administration. 

Grandfather worked for Thomas Cook 

My Grandfather worked for Thomas Cook. We all know that Thomas Cook was a Travel 

Agency and a Travellers Cheque Issuer. How wrong. Thomas Cook was originally a boat 

builder, and my Grandfather built the sailing boats that ploughed the Nile. He lived in Cairo, 

married an Austrian woman, and had six children. He died at the early age of 52. Thomas 

Cook maintained an Engineering Division until about 1953 when it was closed down. They 

supplied large engines for ships. I can confirm this because my eldest sister was Secretary to 

the General Manager. 

Cairo is the capital of Egypt; but Alexandria was the Cosmopolitan City. 

From my recollection, Alexandria had beautiful Mediterranean beaches; better weather; less 

congestion, large stores; churches; cinemas; restaurants and all that goes with a modern city. 

Whilst I have not been back to Alexandria, since I left 56 years ago, I have had the opportunity 

to look at pictures taken recently of the areas that I knew best. Alexandria has today 

developed into dilapidated suburbs, the large stores boarded up and a filthy environment. 

That is not to say that some progress has not been made, the widening of the Corniche, 

which is the road running parallel to the beaches, all the way to Montazah, which was out of 

bounds, being the Kings Summer Palace. Also the new Alexandria Library is something to be 

admired. 

World War II 

I will pause here, as I want you to bear in mind that part of my growing up in Alexandria was 

during World War II, a war that lasted six years, and a country that saw daily bombardments. 

Cairo did not undergo the same experience. 

We lived in a suburb of Alexandria, known as Sporting. By definition, it was a suburb that 

embraced a large sporting club which incorporated a horse racing track. We could actually 

see part of the horse races from our veranda. We lived in the same 

apartment for about seventeen years, until we left the country. It was large enough to 

accommodate eight people. We moved there when my Grandfather and Aunty came to live 

with us following my Grandmother’s death. 

/Cont. 

40 



Continued... 

We did not own a car and nor did we need one. We were only twenty minutes from the City of 

Alexandria and transport was readily available by either tram or bus. This basically applied to 

anywhere we wished to go. Otherwise taxis or horse driven carts were also available. As kids 

we always preferred the latter to a taxi. If and when we travelled to Cairo to visit the family we 

did so by train. 

Our apartment was pretty central to all amenities. I have already mentioned transport, but 

also churches, schools and beaches. 

Our church, the Church of the Sacred Heart was a couple of minutes walk from our house; 

hence we were well known by the Franciscan priests that ran the parish. 

Mass for Pupils every Sunday 

Relative to an Australian suburban church, we had a Cathedral. Having recently visited the 

Newcastle Cathedral, the Sacred Heart church was much bigger. An Italian school run by 

nuns was next door and it too had its own chapel. In the grounds of the church was also a 

very big hall, which could accommodate plays and other entertainment. During the War, as 

the majority of priests were Italian, they had been interned. Only two priests ran the parish, 

the organist, whose nationality I can’t remember, and an English priest. I was an altar boy 

from a very early age; served at Via Cruxis; Mass; weddings; baptisms and funerals. 

Weddings, baptisms and funerals were very beneficial to my pocket money. I also served 

mass for the nuns every Saturday morning at the Sacred Heart School chapel. I used to meet 

the English priest outside the Church and walk with him to the school. After mass the nuns 

would then serve the Priest and I breakfast in the parlour. Mass was celebrated for the 

Sacred Heart School pupils every Sunday at the Sacred Heart Church, and I continued 

serving that Mass until we left the country. 

The English priest, who was actually American, used to give me the gifts that his family used 

to send to him for Christmas or probably his birthday. I recall getting a complete shaving set in 

a zippered leather pouch; and a leather letter writing compendium. My reward for being a 

good Altar Boy or maybe a consistent one. 

Big Processions 

Feast Days, such as the recent feast of Christ the King; were celebrated by big processions. 

We left the Church, went around the neighbouring streets, into the various Catholic Schools to 

stop for adoration, and back to the Church, with the priest carrying the Monstrance under the 

‘Baldachino’. This went on for a couple of years after the end of the War, but then had to stop 

because of the change in the attitude of the bureaucrats. Hence, processions only took place 

within the church grounds. 

I started school at an early age. The Sacred Heart School, an English school run by nuns, 

which I am sure were Americans, had just been established when we moved to the Sporting 

Suburb. It was within walking distance of our lodging. My sister was enrolled there and my 

mother enrolled me too. I must have been about four and a half. We were the original 

subscribers. The nuns knew us well. If the nuns needed anything they would ask my parents. 

I was so young and small; I was considered the school mascot. I could do no wrong. Whilst 

/Cont. 

41 



Continued... 

the school building was very big; a sequestrated building that belonged to an Italian rich 

family, the gravel playground was handkerchief size. Thus if young Guy grazed his knee, he 

was immediately taken to the parlour and given medical attention, plus a drink and a biscuit, or 

a piece of water melon, or whatever else was readily available in the kitchen. Needless to 

say, I was not popular with my fellow students, since they got nothing. I paid my debt by 

serving mass for the nuns every Saturday morning. I left after completing second class. 

Before leaving the country we paid them a visit at their Cairo convent, the Alexandria school 

had been closed. We were received as always, with a lot of love and an afternoon tea. Tears 

were shed as we said our Goodbyes. 

Attended British Boys’ School 

After leaving the nuns, I was enrolled in the same school that my elder brother attended, The 

British Boys’ School, an English teaching school that had been set up by Lord Lloyd George, a 

member of the British Labour Parliament, especially for the children of the British Community 

living in Alexandria. It was a lovely school, typically English. The red brick and tile roof oblong 

building, of three stories, that was the school and headmaster office. Separately, we had a 

huge hall, with stage, cinema screening and badminton playing facilities. Attached at one end 

were the teachers working rooms and library, and at the other end the players change rooms 

and lockers, with showers and toilets. The undeniable football field; which became the cricket 

field in summer, plus tennis courts and playgrounds. Prime Minister Gillard would have done 

well to visit that establishment prior to committing herself to the Education Building Revolution. 

Some teachers were local, whilst others were imported. You could either opt for a commercial 

education, which I did, or go for a University Degree. If you intended to pursue the latter, then 

you would have to go overseas. The situation in Egypt had become so perilous that such a 

decision was too risky. As it turned out, within 2/3 years of leaving school we left the country. 

Work was not easy to find; I was fortunate in that I actually changed three jobs in six months. 

My first job was through an advertisement. It was supposedly to be an Import/Export 

Company. It was being set up by an Australian, who had made his fortune during the World 

War ll, running cinemas for the armed forces. Whilst he still had his cinema division, selling 

movie projectors and servicing them, he had recruited an English man to set up his 

Import/Export division, and at the same time opened a huge retail showroom selling 

whitegoods, and other products. I could see little, if any, future; so I joined the British Council. 

Exhibition Evenings 

The British Council provided adult education classes for people who had not completed their 

studies and wished to do so; plus it was an arm of British propaganda. We had lovely 

exhibitions evenings, with drinks and finger food, to which the higher class were invited. Part 

of my job was office work and to attend these exhibitions and mix with the guests. It turned 

out not to be my cup of tea. My third and last job was with an international shipping agency, 

whose Head Office was in Vevey, Switzerland. The experience that I acquired with them was 

invaluable to me when I came to Australia. 

Alexandria provided an immense array of entertainment venues. You had Opera and 

Operetta; cinema; clubs; sport clubs; nightclubs; restaurants/dancing, coffee shops, patisserie; 

bazaars (souks), you name it was available. 

/Cont. 

42 



Continued... 

was a member of the Alexandria Cricket Club, but I played tennis there. If I must say it, it was 

a typical English Club. Be it as it may, the members put together a cricket team of the 

Egyptian workers of the Club and sent them to England to play cricket against selected English 

teams. That was a way of showing their gratitude for the good work they did with the greens 

and the Club as a whole. Mind you those workers played very good cricket and tennis. 

Socially we went to the pictures, and the Maltese Club. The Club had good premises in the 

City. Facilities available were billiards, table tennis, reading rooms and a great bar, which 

looked something similar to this one. 

Boiled Milk? 

There was also a Maltese Music Club. It provided tuition to prospective music players, as it ran 

the Maltese Band. It was a very old Club, my father was a member and he played the 

saxophone in the band. Well my father wasn’t that old then. 

The beautiful beaches of Alexandria also provided a means of relaxation. As children, my 

mother used to take us to the beach every day of our school holidays. We had three months 

holiday during the summer season, July, August and September. We continued to go to the 

beach as adults, particularly as we used to have every alternate afternoon off from work during 

the summer months. 

Before I move to my next issue, I would like you to know that unpasteurised milk was delivered 

home every afternoon, and we had to boil it and we skimmed the rich cream, which we enjoyed 

for breakfast the next morning. Similarly, we did not have a refrigerator, they became available 

towards the end of our days in Egypt; ice was delivered every day during the summer months. 

You must appreciate that my mother would shop for meat and vegetables about three to four 

times a week. We also enjoyed the services of a servant, she did all the washing and cleaning, 

including our shoes. Whilst we had several servants over the years, one particular one came 

back after she had raised her own family. My mother treated her as a member of our family, 

and whilst she did not earn much, my mother used to look after the needs of her children. 

Christmas in Alexandria, would I presume be not too different to Christmas in other parts of the 

world. 

Christmas Buns! 

I would have to say that for me Christmas started when my mother started baking the 

Christmas buns, which she did regularly every year. She used to place them in big trays, 

about a meter by a meter, which we borrowed from the bakery. When they were ready, I would 

have to take them to the bakery to be cooked in their ovens. We didn’t have an oven; all 

cooking was done on gas stoves. 

Christmas also was a family affair. My father’s brother together with his wife and son would 

join us for lunch. My parents also invited a friend of theirs and his two children to join us. 

Lunch started with an aperitif on the large veranda, it was Ouzo and finger food. Lunch 

consisted of the usual Christmas fare, which I found is not too different in Australia. We had 

lots of cakes. 

/Cont. 

43 



Continued... 

gifts, well I can recall a gift up to the beginning of the war, but after that we received 

mainly clothing. By the end of the war, we had sort of grown up and toys were not 

appropriate, although my sisters would probably score a doll each. Dad somehow 

always managed to obtain a quantity of nuts and other Christmas delicacies that were 

hard to obtain during the war. In the evening we played tombola (housie). Christmas 

Midnight Mass was a must and could not be missed under pain of mortal sin, not from 

the Pope but from my mother. Mum traditionally baked Pizzas on Christmas Eve. 

Bird’s Eye View!!! 

Pizzas were a rarity, thus we looked forward to them. As for Christmas Cards, well 

they didn’t exist. Season Greetings were written on the back of the traditional 

Business Card and posted to relatives and friends. Looking back, it was a ridiculous 

tradition as they would meet most of those relatives and/or friends at Midnight Mass, 

and the Good Wishes would again be incanted. 

I hope that I have managed to give you a ‘bird’s eye view’ of what my life and 

Christmas was in Alexandria, and I thank you for suffering my indulgence. 

Two decisions have affected my life with great satisfaction; one was taken by my 

father and the other by me. My father’s decision was to bring us to Australia and my 

decision to move to the bush. 

Brother Guy Cassar 

Brother Guy using his skills in handing out drinks!!! 

44 


HORNSBY CIRCLE 

BLAST FROM 

THE PAST 2… 

HORNSBY CIRCLE MEETING JULY 2006 

With special Guest Speaker then Minister of Defence Brendan Nelson 

From Left; Brother’s Phil Davies & Pat Moran, Brendan Nelson, Brother’s Chris Vale & Brendan O’Connell 

WHAT IS THE 

CATENIAN ASSOCIATION? 

• The Catenian Association is an international body of Catholic men who meet once 

a month to join collectively in the practice of their Faith, to enjoy each other's 

company and to support their local Parishes and Diocese 

• United by their Catholicism, members of the Association have a number of 

objectives ... 

• To be proudly Catholic and to spread their Faith by personal and collective 

example; 

• To foster deep and long lasting friendships among members and their families; 

• To provide benevolence of a spiritual, moral and financial nature to members and 

their families who find themselves in difficulty or need; 

• To provide support to the Clergy and to assist young Catholics in the choice or 

pursuit of a career. 

45 


Lectio Divina and The Reflection 

The Bishops Commission for Mission and Faith Formation, the Bible Society NSW and The Broken Bay 

Institute are pleased to present the booklet lectio divina Praying the scriptures in Lent and Holy 

Week 2011, Year A. Over the past three years, hundreds of parish advantage of this instructive and 

insightful booklet, which is available to you at no cost. An order form is available on the website. 

As a further initiative of the Australian Church we would also like to invite you to participate in the free 

Online program: The Reflection. 

Each week during Lent the 

Bishops of Australia will be 

sharing their thoughts and 

reflections, in a lectio style, on 

the Sunday Gospels leading 

towards Easter. 

By simply logging on to the 

website each week 

(www.thereflection.vividas.com), 

you will be able to participate in 

a lectio divina for Lent, working 

with it at your own pace and in 

your own time over the week. 

The Reflection will run over 7 

weeks during lent, commencing 

the week beginning Monday 7 th 

March. There will be 6 weekly 

segments exploring the 

Gospels, with a special event 

planned for Holy Week. The 

Reflection is a wonderful 

opportunity for people to gather, 

either in homes, or in parish or 

family groups, to share the 

journey towards Easter. The 

program will also beautifully 

compliment the lectio Booklet.” 

Bishop David Walker, 

Bishops Commission for 

Mission and Faith 

Formation, 7 February 2011 

Lectio Divina 

And 

The Reflection 

46 


CYCLONE YASI 

RIPS TULLY APART… 

The streets of Tully were severely damaged along with other properties. People are 

devastated; many of their homes and properties are beyond repair 

47 


Letter from Parish Priest of Tully 

Father Duivenvoorden to City of Parramatta Circle 

Thanking the circle for their generous donation… 

48 


THE DESTRUCTION Continued.… 

The Mission Beach area close to Tully did not escape the carnage 

49 


Another Letter from Parish Priest of Tully 

Father Duivenvoorden to City of Cairns Circle 

Thanking them for their generous donation… 

50 


KEEP THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE SACRED!!! 

One City of Cairns Brother was recently in Brisbane. 

While attending mass at St Stephens Cathedral in Brisbane, the following literature was handed 

out. 

The letter was written by Archbishop Bathersby encouraging parishioners to send a copy to 

their local member setting out their views on marriage following a request by the Greens to 

gauge views of constituents on marriage and equal treatment for same sex couples. 

It was excellent to see the Archbishop taking a stance in protecting our faith and values. 

51 


Peter writes. . . 

Dear Brothers, 

Fraternal Greetings to you all from Cairns. 

I sincerely hope that none of you had relatives in Christchurch NZ, please pray for all the victims who 

have lost their lives, and their families, also for the people who have been made homeless in this 

horrific tragedy. 

Equally, the area around Tully, Mission Beach and Cardwell also took a terrific battering and many 

houses, businesses’ have been completely destroyed. Please remember these unfortunate people in 

your prayers. 

And now we have the horrendous Japanese Earthquake & Tsunami, the massive loss of life is now 

becoming apparent. It is now being logged as the worst disaster in Japanese history; please remember 

the victims and their families in your prayers. 

Brother Guy Cassar of Sydney Circle has written a marvellous story of his childhood days in Egypt. 

Like a lot of Catenian Brothers, Guy has led a fascinating life and his involvement is still very strong in 

the Catenians. 

Brother Greg Smyth is now feeling a lot better, he has told me that he will be attending City of Sydney’s 

Circle meeting this month and is looking forward to being involved in the Circle’s 40 th year anniversary 

to be celebrated on 6 th July. Good to see you back into the swing of things Greg!!! 

Province 21 will be hosting the Grand President and his fellow UK Catenian Brother’s with their wives 

this September. First stop will be Cairns before heading down south. I am sure like me; you are all 

looking forward to our Grand President Elect Tony visiting your area. 

Catena Editor Gil Whale is doing a marvellous job and including lots of items from our Province in 

Catena, please send me as much material as you can. 

Thank-you to all the Secretaries, President’s & Provincial Councillors who send me material for Eastern 

Link, without their input it would not be possible to create our Province 21 Newsletter. 

I would also like to thank our Province 21 

Director Paul Despoges for the support he gives 

to our Eastern Link. 

The same also to our Province 21 Council who 

have entrusted me with the production of 

Eastern Link. I often get comments about it and 

the items it contains regarding what is happening 

in Circle’s In Province 21, Brothers from other 

Provinces are keen to know what is happening 

in our part of Australia. 

Gold Coast Tweed Group is coming along very 

nicely and you can see that they have good 

attendance at the meetings. Well done all the 

Brothers involved. 

Yours Fraternally 

Peter 

Prayers for the deceased… 

Brother Tony Girard RIP of Pittwater Circle, 

please remember his family in your prayers. 

Brother Peter Griffiths RIP President of 

Manly Circle. Our thoughts are with his 

family at this sad time. 

Please remember in your prayers PGP David 

& Kathleen Taylor whose daughter Susan 

RIP recently passed away. 

Luke Quinn RIP, (Brother Pat Quinn, 

Pittwater Circle), who recently passed away. 

Please remember him in your prayers. 

Please remember all our departed Brother’s 

and their loved ones in your prayers. 


CITY OF CAIRNS CIRCLE 

FAMILY FUND UPDATE:- 

The Fund Administrators Brother Paul & 

Brother Michael are pleased to announce up 

to 28 th February 14 applications have been 

dealt with and approved. 

Schools will be receiving the monies shortly 

from the City of Cairns Family Fund. 

All Brothers are encouraged to visit other Circles. If the 

All opportunity Brothers arises are encouraged please contact to visit the other appropriate Circles. Catering If 

the Officer opportunity listed below. arises please contact the 

appropriate Catering Officer listed below. 

CITY OF CAIRNS 3 rd Thu 

CITY Peter OF Cash CAIRNS 07 4055 3 rd 3529 Thu 

Peter 

CANBERRA 

Cash (07) 

3rd 

4055 

Thu. 

3529 

CANBERRA Russell Sweeney 3rd Thu. 6291 4604 

Russell 

CANBERRA/MOLONGLO 

Sweeney 6291 4604 

1st Wed. 

CANBERRA/MOLONGLO Philip O'Meara 6288 47931st Wed. 

Philip 

CARLINGFORD 

O'Meara 6288 

3rd Tue. 

4793 

CARLINGFORD Stan Burgin 98713rd 2449 Tue. 

Stan 

CASTLE 

Burgin 

HILL 

9871 

4th 

2449 

Tue 

CASTLE Paul Despoges HILL 4th 8850 Tue 0956 

Paul 

GOLD 

Despoges 

COAST TWEED 

8850 0956 

GROUP 

GOLD COAST TWEED GROUP 3 rd Tues 

Errol 

HORNSBY 

Daranjo 

1st 

(07) 

Thu 

5576 0019 

HORNSBY Peter Andersen 1st Thu 0412 669 462 

Peter 

KU-RING-GAI 

Andersen 

2nd 

0412 

Mon 

669 462 

KU-RING-GAI Phil Davies 9440 2nd 4299 Mon 

Phil 

MANLY 

Davies 

3rd 

9440 

Wed 

4299 

MANLY Michael van 3rd Wed Ommen 9452 5282. 

Michael MOSMAN van 2nd Ommen Thu 9452 5282. 

MOSMAN Brendan O’Connell 2nd Thu 9449 3720 

Brendan 

PARAMATTA 

O’Connell 

4 th Thu 

9449 3720 

PARAMATTA John Green on 402 th Thu 96307094 

John 

PITTWATER 

Green on 

2nd 

02 

Wed 

96307094 

PITTWATER Ken Halliday 9999 2nd Wed 4675 

Ken 

CITY 

Halliday 

OF SYDNEY 

9999 4675 

1st Wed 

CITY John Crawford OF SYDNEY 92401st 4975 Wed 

John 

WARRINGAH 

Crawford 

4th 

9240 

Wed 

4975 

WARRINGAH Bill Carney on 9451 4th Wed 2144 

Bill 

BRISBANE 

Carney on 

GROUP 

9451 2144 

3 rd Wed 

BRISBANE Dennis Muldoon GROUP 04003 rd 571 Wed 633 

Dennis Muldoon 0400 571 633 

VICTORIAN CIRCLES 

VICTORIAN CIRCLES 

CITY CITY OF OF MELBOURNE 4th 4th Mon Mon 

Greg Greg Lynch 9585 9585 8280 8280 

WAVERYLEY 1st 1st Tue Tue 

Frank Brown 9560 0130 0130 

MAROONDAH 3rd 3rd Wed Wed 

Denis O’Gallagher 9833 9833 3750 3750 

PENINSULA 2nd 2nd Fri Fri 

Dick Gorman 5988 5988 0297 0297 

BOROONDARA 4 th th Wed 

Robert Robert Maybury Maybury 9857 9857 9347 9347 

NEWS FLASH!!!! 

Share the Dream – 3 rd National 

Catholic Family Gathering In 

conjunction with the Australian 

Catholic Bishop Conference, the 

Melbourne Archdiocese is hosting 

Share the Dream. Featuring 

international and local speakers, 

practical workshops, music, prayer, a 

children’s program and concurrent 

youth conference, Share the Dream 

offers something for every member of 

the family. The event runs from 15-17 

April 2011 at Xavier College in Kew. 

Visit the website: 

www.sharethedream.org.au or 

contact the Life, Family and Marriage 

office on (03) 9287 5576 

News from 

Carlingford Circle… 

MEMBERSHIP 

Our Membership is now 30, following the 

enrolment of Brother Bill Carpenter. 

Recruitment drives are planned at 

Denistone East Parish on 20 March and 

at Rydalmere Parish on 27 March. 

Details TBA. 

BROTHER BARRY NOONAN 

Barry’s wife Margaret reports that Barry 

has made steady progress since his 

discharge from Hospital. Barry and 

Margaret have asked me to thank you all 

for your prayers and support. Further 

prayers would also be appreciated. 

Please send any items of 

Interest to:- 

petercash@btinternet.com 


OBITUARIES 

RIES... 

BROTHER PETER GRIFFITHS RIP 

Late of Manly Circle 

Peacefully passed to eternal life 

Please remember his Family in your prayers 

Manly brothers were shocked to hear of the sudden death of their President, Peter 

Griffiths, on Friday morning the 14 January 2011. Peter attended a joint meeting with 

Mosman on the Thursday night with many Manly brothers. Peter collapsed after his 

usual morning swim at the South Curl Curl rock pool and could not be revived. His loss 

was overwhelming to his beloved wife Helen, children Paul, Michelle, Katherine and 

Mark and their grandchildren, relations and friends. 

A Requiem Mass of celebration of his life took place at St. Kieran’s Manly Vale on 

Thursday 20 th January 2011 with eight priests co-celebrating; Fr Peter McHugh OSA 

was the Presider. Paul Griffiths spoke eloquently of his father in the context of his 

Family, Faith and Friends and left us in no doubt of the love and admiration of Peter felt 

by us all. Peter’s brother in law, Paul Weiss (a Canberra Catenian) spoke on behalf of 

Therese and her brother Patrick of Peter’s early life, and the loving family life they 

enjoyed. Fr. Tony Banks OSA spoke, without notes, of Peter’s faith and his leadership 

role, over a long period, both within the North Harbour community and the wider 

community, particularly in the national Paulian Association. 

Peter had looked forward to his Presidency of the Manly Circle and he was cremated 

wearing his Catenian tie and badge. Helen and family were very appreciative of the 

Catenian guard of honour as Peter’s casket left the church. It was the first vision they 

saw leaving the Church and they drew support from the statement. 

There were over forty Catenians attending including Provincial President Ron Daly, 

Provincial Membership Officer Pat Moran, a large contingent from Mosman, from 

Peninsula Circles and from western Sydney. A wonderful support for a deceased 

brother! 

Brother John McCarney 

At the memorial service at St Kieran's, Peter's son Paul offered this 

tribute: “As hard as it is, I couldn't think of a more fitting way for 

Dad to go....up early, getting the best of the day, totally organised 

and with minimum of fuss to any of us. That was the ironic thing...Dad 

loved organising everyone else and helping them out....but he was always 

reluctant to ask for help and lean on other people for support. He was 

very much like his father, Pat, in that and so many other ways." 


BROTHER PETER GRIFFITHS RIP 

Late of Manly Circle 

Below is an email that Brother Peter’s RIP son Paul sent to Manly Circle Brother’s. It shows how 

pleased the family were to see so many Catenian Brothers at the funeral, not only from Manly Circle 

but from other Circles from throughout Province 21 area. Brother Peter RIP will be sadly missed not 

only by his family but by all the Brothers in Province 21. 

Requiescat in Pace! 

Gents, 

Many thanks for assisting with ministry at Dad's funeral. I spoke to mum at home that evening and 

we were both surprised by the strength we felt during the mass amidst the natural emotions. We 

have no doubt this strength came from the support we received from the gathered community - 

spiritually, emotionally and physically. 

I remember a couple of moments in the mass that touched us....at one point, midway through, a 

beautiful, soothing breeze blew across Dad's coffin from the side door to our seats....and as Father 

Peter was saying the final prayers the light shone through from the atrium windows and onto the 

head of Dad's coffin (Mum noticed as well). 

In relation to burial, we have decided to bury Dad in the Catholic Memorial Garden at Frenchs 

Forest Cemetery. Ironically, last Sunday when Mum took Mark and I to see the plots (Mum has one 

beside Dad) she had picked with the girls during the week we wandered around the vicinity to get a 

feel for the place. A few short metres away we found the row of Augustinian plots where Mossy 

O'Connor, Ralph Cameron, DK O'Shea and Bernie Connolly are buried.....Dad has the privilege of 

being in a well-staffed Augustinian parish for good! (Tony Banks and I had a good laugh about this 

when we spoke yesterday evening.....we have organised for donations to the Augustinian 

Orphanage in the Philippine’s for friends and family who asked about donating in lieu of flowers. If 

any of the Catenian Brothers or families are interested in donating please contact Sister Josie 

directly...all donations are appreciated. I didn't have space to mention in the eulogy but Dad did a lot 

of work in the 70s in the Philippine’s for Australian Catholic Relief during the Marcos years - fact 

finding and reports relating to worker conditions in factories.....most of this was in secret and the 

teams risked being shot on sight if they were discovered by the police.....not many people know this 

and Dad didn't make a big deal about it) 

In terms of burial service, we understand arrangements will take 6 weeks. We hope to have one of 

the Augustinians lead a burial service. I also suggested to Mum we put the Catenian crest on 

the other side to the Cross on Dad's memorial plaque. Let me know if there are any issues 

with this idea as we plan to complete our instructions for the plaque over the weekend. My 

brother likes the idea, I will need to check with Mum and the girls over the weekend. 

Finally, I spoke to Mum this evening and she was really pleased to get the photos from the joint 

Mosman-Manly dinner today. There is one photo that is the best mum has seen of Dad and we will 

use on Dad's memorial card. It is special for us as we decided to bury Dad in the suit & Catenians 

tie he wore that night, as he still had his badge in the lapel. 

Trust you and your families are doing well and appreciate your strong support and prayers, 

Paul 

The association has confirmed we are honoured that the family wish to recognise 

his services to the Association and his fellow Brothers. He was a very gentle and 

unassuming person. A true loss to the community, least of all to his family. 

Province 21 Director Paul Despoges 


OBITUARIES... 

ANTHONY CORNELIUS GIRARD RIP 

Late of Pittwater Circle 

Peacefully passed to eternal life 

Please remember his Family in your prayers 

Anthony Cornelius Girard (known to all as Tony) passed away on 23 January 2011 at the age of 

85, of a brain tumour. A resident of Collaroy Plateau NSW, Tony was born on 8 November 1926 

in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. His mother taught him at home until the age of 9 when 

he then attended Christian Brothers School in Manly. Academically bright, at the young age of 

14 he left school and went to work in accountancy at the Australian Taxation Office, while 

working there, with his mother’s support, he put himself through university to complete a law 

degree. When qualified he continued working for the public service this time at the Crown 

Solicitors. Moving onwards he joined the Coal Board as their legal officer, later being promoted 

to Chairman of the Coal Board. In this capacity he visited most of the world’s major coalmines 

on all continents. Tony retired from this position at the age of 55. Retirement and relaxation not 

being to Tony’s liking, he resumed his legal studies, was admitted to the bar and started work 

with a new career, this time as a Barrister until his eventual retirement at 82 years of age. 

Tony married Norma Williams, a local girl from neighboring Balgowlah, on 26 March 1951. They 

had 4 children Trisha, Kevin, Anne and Greg who sadly died of cancer in 2001. 

Tony’s hobbies and pastimes were many and varied. Fishing and yachting, for which he built his 

own boats, woodworking and carving, silver jewellery making, panel beating, spray painting, 

fibre glassing as well as bricklaying and oxywelding, learnt through night and day classes. The 

skills Tony had learnt were worked upon with much enthusiasm. A lifelong dream was being 

able to fly, so at the age of 55 he began taking lessons and obtained a pilot’s license, a great joy 

to him. Always looking for a new challenge Tony enjoyed many sports such as; swimming, body 

surfing, tennis, squash, horse riding and skiing. 

While working in the city of Sydney in the mid 1970’s, Tony came in contact with the Mathew 

Talbot Hostel, a special work of the St Vincent De Paul Society, the largest hostel for homeless 

men in Australasia. To this organization he gave freely of his time and experience in all legal 

matters for many years. Tony’s major disappointment in life was that he did not know his father 

and family heritage, as his father had abandoned his family when Tony was 11 months old. 

A devout Catholic, Tony was a valued member of the Lakes Parish community, being a senior 

server over a long period of time and a valued Passionist Family Group member. Although a 

member of the Catenians for only a year, Tony enjoyed meeting men of like standards, thoughts 

and Christian ideals. As well as his regular mass attendance, one of Tony’s most rewarding 

parish-life experiences was the regular Monday prayer night he attended with Norma, a meeting 

he would never miss without exceptional reason. In Tony’s last weeks he spoke of how he had 

prayed that God would give him the grace to accept his fate, which he did in his final days. 

Anthony RIP is survived by wife Norma, daughters Trisha & Anne and son Kevin. 

Brother Mike Maynard Pittwater Circle. 

Requiescat in Pace! 

56 


JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE & TSUNAMI 

Pope Benedict calls for prayer for victims of disaster in Japan… 

VATICAN CITY -- Saying he, too, was horrified by the images of the death and destruction caused by the 

earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Pope Benedict XVI asked people to join him in praying for the victims. 

"May the bereaved and injured be comforted and may the rescue workers be strengthened in their efforts to 

assist the courageous Japanese people," the pope said in English March 13 after reciting the Angelus prayer 

with visitors in St. Peter's Square. 

Government officials estimated that perhaps 10,000 people lost their lives after the earthquake March 11 

and the tsunami it triggered. 

Speaking in Italian after the Angelus, the pope said, "The images of the tragic earthquake and the 

consequent tsunami in Japan have left us deeply horrified. 

"I want to renew my spiritual closeness to that country's dear people, who with dignity and courage are 

dealing with the consequences of the calamity. I pray for the victims and their families and for all who are 

suffering because of these terrible events. I encourage all those who, with laudable speed, are working to 

bring help. Let us remain united in prayer." 

Bishop Marcellino Daiji Tani of Saitama, one of the dioceses hit hardest by the disaster, told the Catholic 

missionary news agency Fides that the catastrophe is a reminder that "life is in the hands of God and that life 

is a gift from God," and he described the tragedy as a challenge for Christians during Lent "to practice and 

witness to the commandment of love and brotherly love." 

However, he also told Fides, "Of particular concern to us is the situation of the nuclear power plant in 

Fukushima. But we must take courage, with the help of the Holy Spirit." 

Two reactors at the Fukushima plant were hit by explosions and another was losing its cooling system. 

Japanese officials were playing down the health risks posed by the emergency at the plant, but they did 

order evacuations for hundreds of thousands of people. 

In a message March 13 to members of the Orthodox Church, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of 

Constantinople said the Japanese tragedy demonstrates the threat posed by nuclear power plants and it 

calls for serious reflection. 

"With all due respect to the science and technology of nuclear energy and for the sake of the survival of the 

human race, we counter-propose the safer green forms of energy," the patriarch said. 

The Orthodox patriarch, who is a leading proponent of a Christian environmental theology, said in his 

message, "Our Creator granted us the gifts of the sun, wind, water and ocean, all of which may safely and 

sufficiently provide energy. Therefore we ask: Why do we persist in adopting such dangerous sources of 

energy?" 

Meanwhile, the director of Caritas Japan told Fides, "This painful event may be an opportunity to spread the 

values of the Gospel, that is, the fraternity of all men and women, the building of common good, the 

recognition that every person has the dignity of a child of God and is important in the eyes of God. 

"If with our work and our witness, we can communicate that then from this evil will come good," the Caritas 

official, Father Daisuke Narui, told Fides. 

Story from The Catholic News Service 

57 


Victoria Area Council 

WELCOME TO OUR NEW BROTHERS IN 

CASEY GROUP 921 

The Group was inaugurated on 9 th March 2011 by:- 

Province 21 Director Paul Despoges 

There were six gentlemen installed; with six joint Brothers from 

Melbourne Circles joining on the night, a total of 12, with six others 

committed to join in the coming months. 

The Group is in unexplored territory being located in the north east of 

the State of Victoria, within the Diocese of Sale; closest Circle will be 

minimum of one hour’s drive. 

The founding Chairman is Brother Con Lilley 

PRAYER FOR PEACE 

IN THE MIDDLE EAST… 

God of Mercy & Compassion, of Grace and reconciliation, 

Pour your spirit on all your children 

in the Middle East. 

Jews, Muslims and Christians, 

Let hatred be turned into Love, fear to Trust, 

Despair to hope, 

Oppression to Freedom and occupation to Liberation, 

May Peace & Justice be shared by all. 

Lord Hear Us! 

58 


LIFE’S A LAUGH. . . . . . . 

When I was a young Priest, a funeral director asked me to hold a grave side service for a homeless man 

with no family or friends. The funeral was to be at a cemetery way out in the country. This was a new 

cemetery and this man was the first to be laid to rest there. 

I was not familiar with the area and became lost. Being a typical man, of course, I did not ask for 

directions. I finally found the cemetery about an hour late. The back hoe was there and the crew was 

eating their lunch. The hearse was nowhere to be seen. 

I apologized to the workers for being late. As I looked into the open grave, I saw the vault lid already 

in place. I told the workers I would not keep them long, but that this was the proper thing to do. The 

workers, still eating their lunch, gathered around the opening. 

I was young and enthusiastic and poured out my heart and soul as I preached. The workers joined in 

with, "Praise the Lord," "Amen," and "Glory!" I got so into the service that I preached and preached 

and preached, from Genesis to The Revelation. 

When the service was over, I said a prayer and walked to my car. As I opened the door, I heard one of 

the workers say, "I never saw anything like that before and I've been putting in septic systems for 

twenty years." 

Amish Humor 

Sign behind an Amish carriage: 

"Energy efficient vehicle. Runs on grass and oats. 

CAUTION: Avoid exhaust!" 

Bedside Manners 

Susie's husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months. Things looked grim, but she 

was by his bedside every single day. One day as he slipped back into consciousness, he motioned for her 

to come close to him. She pulled the chair close to the bed and leaned her ear close to be able to hear 

him. 

"You know" he whispered, his eyes filling with tears, "you have been with me through all the bad times. 

When I got fired, you stuck right beside me. When my business went under, there you were. When we 

lost the house, you were there. When I got shot, you stuck with me. When my health started failing, 

you were still by my side. "And you know what?" 

"What, dear?" she asked gently, smiling to herself. 

"I think you're bad luck." 

PROVINCE 21 WEBSITE ADDRESS:- 

http://www.thecatenianassociation.org.au/index.html 

PLEASE VISIT THE OUR SITE FOR PROVINCE INFORMATION! 

59

9th Eastern Link March 2011 - Province 20 Catenians of Western ...

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