Brisbane

The SVD resided for 42 years in Marburg , Queensland. In 1988 we moved to Hamilton, Brisbane. Long-standing interest in PNG found expression by providing lodging for young students who came for further education in Brisbane. The house in Hamilton, vacated by the Mercy Sisters, proved to be a suitable place for the young students to stay. Soon, more SVD men joined the community and the Hamilton parish was placed in the care of the society.

At present the SVD community in Brisbane is composed of nine men, under the leadership of Fr. Mike Madigan, who is also the parish priest of St. Cecilia in Hamilton. The SVD students residing at Hamilton often lead the music in the Church, bringing variety to the Sunday liturgy.

Brother Martin de Porres, while keeping an eye on the well being of the community, puts his whole heart in to his ministry in the hospital and with the Burundi refugees. He reflects on his ministry:

" The Burundians come from the middle of Africa . They came to Australia as a migrant people because of war among the tribes in their country. Most of them don't know English. It was very hard to talk with them and difficult to know about what they want or need. To overcome these difficulties I have to find an interpreter. Luckily, some Burundians who have been here and already know English can help me to do this wonderful ministry. It isn't always easy because of the language problem, but they are very enthusiastic. We come together and learn together. It is a good time for learning, a good time to thank God who brought them from their own troubled country Burundi to a peaceful country, Australia. Their presence and enthusiasm truly encourages me and keeps my vocation strong."

As the number of priests in the local Church shrinks systematically, Don Grant and other senior confreres in Brisbane offer their pastoral services whenever needed. Edgar Blain is a full-time Chaplain to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Queensland . Liam Horsfall and Dom Cremasco will celebrate 50 years in priesthood in June 2007. Liam is a full-time chaplain with the Mercy Sisters and a highly regarded chaplain at the Christian Brothers School .