Capuchins - Capuchin Franciscan Friars of Australia

the
Capuchins
Volume 2, Issue 2: Spring 2011
Newsletter of the Capuchin Friars,
Province of the Assumption, Australia
Dear Friends,
When I was 19 years of age I left home and went to live in
another country. I have very fond memories of the adventure
that unfolded, and continues to open before me. I found myself
living in Auckland, New Zealand. I soon discovered that
although geographically close, New Zealanders were a bit
different in outlook, customs, accent and culture to Australians.
What made the experience even broader and richer is that the
friars I was living with were all Irish Capuchins and they were
certainly very different to Kiwis and Aussies in outlook, customs,
accent and culture. So it was a case of welcome to life in an
international religious order. I left home young but have always
found myself in the successive years to be at home wherever I
have lived, even the couple of years spent in Italy.
CAPUCHIN
Part and parcel of home life are the ups and downs that life
brings with it. Last year we friars passed through some of the
downs as we lived through the illness and death of Fr Denis
Ward who had been elected to be our provincial only the year
before. It was a significant blow. This was followed a few months
later by the sudden death of one of our elderly and beloved
friars, Fr Hugo de Maria.
FRIARS
This year we are living through some of the ups of significant
celebrations. In this edition you will read about the recent joy we
experience in welcoming our youngest friar back from his
novitiate in the United States and professing his First Vows in
Sydney.
PROVINCE
OF THE
ASSUMPTION
Newsletter of the
Capuchin Franciscan Friars
of the Province of the
Assumption,
Australia
Editorial Board
Rev Fr Gary Devery OFM Cap
Br Michael O’Dwyer OFM Cap
Fr Lam Vu OFM Cap
Newsletter Office
“The Capuchins”
PO Box 8328
WYNNUM NORTH,
Qld 4178
Australia
www.capuchinfriars.org.au
Printed by
Colourful Labels
Wynnum, Qld 4178
www.colourful.com.au
1800 630 730
We are preparing for another joyful event when two of our friars,
after years of formation are preparing to profess their Perpetual
Vows in December this year. Then, next year, along with another
two young friars currently studying in Rome, all four will be
ordained deacons and then six months later, priests.
Also this year we celebrate the 60 years of priestly life of one of
our Italian friars, Fr Luciano Rocchi. Who at the young age of 24
and newly ordained, left his beloved Italy to become a
missionary in Australia.
This year Fr Andrew Hrdina celebrates 75 years of religious
profession and 70 years of priestly ordination. You will read of
the fascinating adventure he underwent that resulted in him
living most of his priestly life here in Australia.
I pray you and your family will be constantly renewed in faith,
hope and charity.
Fr Gary Devery OFMCap
Provincial Minister
MINISTRY IN FOCUS
Br John Cooper OFM Cap
If I thought I was going to be a Parish
Priest, when I joined the Capuchin Order, I
would have chosen to be a Cistercian or a
Carthusian, but here I am - a Parish Priest
- God has an ironic sense of humour.
I was born in Queensland on the Gold
Coast and lived at Mermaid Beach. I have
built my share of sand castles and tried, as
a kid, frantically to stop the incoming tide
wiping them away - at a certain point you
have to surrender to the eternal sea. This
is true also of the impossible demands on a
parish priest, fortunately I live in a fraternity
so I have backup – more troops to throw
into the breach.
I was the middle child in a family of five. It
was a good place to be if you wanted to
grow in virtue. With an
older sister and brother
to see that I didn’t
always get my own way
and a younger sister
and brother to try my
patience and teach me
a little compassion, I
had a good
preparation for living in
a Capuchin fraternity.
When I came to Adelaide, the Archbishop
said, “Welcome to the front lines!” It was a
poignant description of the life of a parish
priest. The parish of Newton is really two
parishes in one - English and Italian. It was
an Italian Centre for 10 years before it
became a parish, so here there are
marvellous opportunities to
teach you the humility
necessary to survive the ebb
and flow of secular and
religious life.
Well over 50% of the people
who come to Saint Francis of
Assisi Catholic Community at
Newton are Italian or have
an Italian background. A
priest who does not speak
Italian is really at a
Although I went to six
disadvantage because he
State Schools before I
can be constantly frustrated
became an apprentice
by the difficulty of being
Carpenter at 16, I had
understood and of
two extraordinary
understanding especially the
Catholic teachers, who
older Italians, who are
made all the difference
nevertheless a joy because
to my faith. One pointed
they are so very grateful for
out clearly that “Nobody
any assistance. If you do not
Br John Cooper OFM Cap
is perfect, only Jesus!”
speak Italian you need to
Parish Priest
and the other one was
have a really positive attitude
instrumental in getting
and enjoy the emotional Latin mentality of
me to meet the Lord by making my First
the people. Fortunately, my Spanish
Holy Communion.
grandmother, speaking broken English and
unable to write at all, gave me an ear for
At the age of 20, the notoriously kind, Fr
“spinglish”. So if someone says, “The dog
Peter Kennedy asked me to join the YCW,
is in la sheda, pushare la porta.” (...the
and I learned to “See, Judge and Act” like a
shed, push the door) I know exactly what
sensible Catholic should. Not long after
they mean. Also if someone says, “Sono
that (1969) I joined the Capuchins and
Vec!” (meaning I’m too old) and they look
have been challenged ever since to live the
like they are over 100, you can work it out
fraternal life of the Gospel - in perfect joy.
and enjoy the moment together.
To the praise and Glory of God!
FIRST PROFESSION OF BR JOSEPH (TAM) PHAM.
Having completed his Novitiate year in the United States Br Joseph
returned to Australia to make his profession of vows and to begin the
next phase in his formation as a Capuchin Friar. August 6th, the feast
of the Transfiguration was the day chosen for the Mass of First
Profession and St Fiarcre’s Church, Leichhardt was filled with Br
Joseph’s family, friends and friars. Fr Gary, the Provincial received
the vows of Br Joseph and during the Mass spoke to Joseph of the
special nature of vowed Capuchin life and of our need to continually
cooperate with the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. Fr Gary also
acknowledge the special role played by Br Joseph’s family where the
seeds of faith and
vocation were first
nurtured and
nourished. After the
Fr Gary receives the vows of Br Joseph
Mass the guests
Br Joseph pictured with his family.
moved to the Parish
Hall were a luncheon had been prepared. During the luncheon Br Joseph had the opportunity to thank all
those present for their prayers and their support. We wish Br Joseph God’s special blessing as he continue
to respond with generosity to the call of God in his life. The friars value your prayers and encouragement
which is shown in so many ways for our friars in formation and we want to assure you that you are
remembered daily in our prayers
AUSTRALIAN CAPUCHIN AT WORLD YOUTH DAY
The Capuchin Province of Australia was well
represented at the recent World Youth Day held in
Madrid, Spain. Four friars traveled from Australia
accompanying groups of young pilgrims from
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The friars were
joined in Madrid by fellow Australian Capuchin, Br
Thomas McFadden who is presently studying in
Rome. Events began with a special gathering for
the 4,000 strong Australian pilgrims. Australian
Bishops gave talks, young people gave
encouraging testimonies, songs were sung and
Mass celebrated. The theme of this World Youth
Day was “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm
in the faith”. In the days that followed catechesis
was given in the various language groups,
pilgrimages undertaken and many other cultural
and religious events were staged all leading up to
and in preparation for the arrival of His Holiness,
Br Thomas and Fr Lam meet two Italian Capuchin
at World Youth Day
Pope Benedict. It was during the Vigil of Prayer on
the Saturday night that a storm of gale-force winds
swept across the site and threatened to put an end
to the Vigil as pilgrims, by this time numbering
between one and two million all ran for cover. Calm
returned and the Holy Father was able to lead the
pilgrims in a time of silent Eucharistic Adoration.
The next day, Sunday saw the final Mass
celebrated by the Holy Father, together with
Cardinals, Bishops and priests from around the
world. In writing for the Capuchin web site Br
Thomas commented on the impression he was left
with of the effort and sacrifice made by so many
young Catholics, from over 170 countries in coming
together to celebrate with such great enthusiasm
their shared Catholic faith.
May Christ use this youthful
enthusiasm to build up the
Church and may these
young people be joyful
ambassadors of Christ’s
love and presence in the
world of today.
Br Thomas with fellow
Australian pilgrim
SHARE OUR JOY
This year is a special year for our brother, Fr Andrew Hrdina who
celebrates 75 years of Religious Profession and 70 years of
Priestly Ordination.
Father Andrew Hrdina was born in 1919 in Antlerka,
Czechoslovakia. After completing his secondary education he
entered the Capuchin Novitiate in Prague and made his First
Profession of Vows in 1935.
He was sent to the Capuchin province of Paris for three years to
study philosophy and then back to Czechoslovakia for theology.
Father Andrew was ordained a priest for the Capuchin Order at
Olmouc on November 30th, 1941 (the Feast of St Andrew). This
was during the dark days of World War 2 which was to change
Europe and ultimately affect the destiny of Father Andrew’s priestly
ministry.
After his ordination Father Andrew was sent to the Porciuncu
Friary in Prague where he remained until the end of the war when
he was sent to the Friary of St Joseph in the same city. In the
social and political turmoil after the war, Czechoslovakia fell under
Communist domination and was cut off from the free world by the
infamous Iron-Curtain. The oppression and persecution suffered
under Communism is so well known and chronicled that it needs little to imagine the difficulties
encountered in the early years of Father Andrew’s priestly and religious life. His last posting in his native
land was to the Friary at Susice. The story continues in Father Andrew’s own words “I remained here only for a few months. I remember, after Easter, I was visited by some friends
from Prague who told me that all the monasteries were closed and all the religious men and women
were put into concentration camps and no doubt the same will happen here. I had a dialogue with
the three friars with me and we decided to divide all the money, to place the valuables into the
hands of people we could trust and to leave, everyone going his own way. That happened at the
end of April and when the Communists arrived on May, 2nd they found an empty Friary. Then I spent
a few months in Prague living in one house after another. I realised that my only sensible course
would be to leave the country, which at the time was a very dangerous adventure. I was put in
touch with someone I could trust and given a false passport. I was told that I would be travelling as
a missionary returning from Africa to France and that at the
border I must be confident, relaxed, showing no signs of
nervousness or fear, and speaking only in French. Before
the journey I never prayed so hard in my life to Mary and
Jesus and as a result I was confident that everything would
be O.K. I boarded the train in Prague, at the border I was
interviewed by many Officers. When finally the train moved I
thanked God in my heart. I arrived in France and remained
with the friars a few months. Although they asked me to
remain I expressed a desire to go to Australia, even though
I did not speak the language or know anybody there. Why I
had that desire I do not know.”
Father Andrew’s desire became a reality and he did in fact reach
Australia and since arriving he has been a valued and loved
member of the Australian Capuchin Province. He has
generously served in many places and in many ministries
throughout Australia. His strong love for the Order, our Province
and we, his Capuchin brothers is expressed in so many ways.
We thank God that He safely guided Father Andrew to Australia
and we thank him for his joyful, courageous and generous
witness of Capuchin life. As our most senior friar he holds a
special place in our hearts and in our Province.
May God bless you, Father Andrew and grant you all the graces
you need.
FRIARS PREPARE FOR PERPETUAL PROFESSION
The Perpetual Profession of vows is a serious step
in the life of all religious. The importance of this
step is reflected in the length and content of the
Formation Programmed which the young religious
engages in prior to them making their Perpetual
Profession. As part of the preparation for Perpetual
Profession for Capuchin Friars in recent years a
Pilgrimage and Retreat to Italy has been a valuable
exercise. In June this year our Provincial, Fr Gary
accompanied Brothers Dean and Ben on a guided
spiritual journey to many significant Franciscan and
Capuchin sites in Italy.
As they traced the spiritual journey of St Francis
and the early Capuchins they were given the
opportunity to reflect on their own vocational story
and personal journey, renewing in each place their
desire to commit themselves for life as Capuchin
Friars. At the Cathedral of San Rufino - place of St
In Rome before
a statue of
St. Francis
Fr Gary, Brs Ben & Dean
in Assissi
contemplation. In Camerino - birthplace of the
Capuchin Reform they were able to visit the friary
and it’s museum. There they were able to
appreciate the rich history and heritage of our
Order and walk where our early friars walked, pray
where they prayed and see where they worked.
Visiting Citta di Castello and the tomb of St
Veronica Giuliani they were able to give thanks for
the gift of the Capuchin Poor Clares and their
place in our Order.
Throughout the Pilgrimage, meeting friars and
listening to their stories, sharing in their life if only
briefly, eating and praying with them in so many
“holy” places gave our brothers a real and
precious experience of the gift that St Francis and
the early Capuchin friars gave to the Church.
Writing in our Provincial Bulletin TAC, Brother
Dean reflects “ I remember thinking, just before I
received the Habit in the Novitiate, what an
extraordinary privilege it was to be able to wear
Francis’ baptism they were able to reflect on their
own baptism and the gift of faith and family. At San
Damiano - the place where St Francis heard the
Lord’s call to “rebuild the Church” and where he
received the inspiration to give his life totally to
God. Here they were able to reflect on their own
call from God and the gift of a religious vocation.
Within the little chapel of St Mary of the Angels
they were able to reflect on the gift of fraternity and
the new expression of brotherhood that St Francis
gave to the Church. At La Verna - a place much
loved by St Francis for it’s peace and remoteness
and the place where he encountered the sublime
sweetness and pain of God’s love in the form of the
stigmata. Here they were able to reflect on the
challenges that religious life can present. The
necessary joys and sorrows, the gifts and the
sacrifices that often accompany a vocation. Hours
spent at the tomb of St Francis in heart to heart
Brs Ben & Dean during a visit
of the Hermitage of Montecasale
the Habit of St Francis and be counted amongst
his brothers. Having had this opportunity to visit
these holy places associated with the Order has
only emphasised this fact, and I am very grateful
for this.” In the same bulletin Brother Ben writes
“The Pilgrimage was not about learning something
new or visiting some new places. For me it was
realising again the richness of our life. To be able
to be present in these historical places and see
not only how the Franciscan life has been lived out
through many different circumstances but that it
still is being lived out”
Please pray for our brothers, Ben and Dean as
they prepare for their Perpetual Profession of
vows later this year. We thank God for their
generous response to Christ’s invitation to come
and follow in the footsteps of our father, St
Francis.
HONOURING 60 YEARS OF DEVOTED PRIESTLY LIFE & MISSIONARY ZEAL
Fr Luciano Rocchi
In September 1951, The Melbourne newspaper “The Age”
carried a photo of a young Capuchin Friar holding his
Mission Cross as he arrived in Melbourne aboard the
ocean liner “Toscana”. On board the ship which carried
1,000 Italian immigrants Father Luciano Rocchi, then aged
24 acted as chaplain to the First Class deck. Once he
arrived he was given the responsibility to minister to the
many Italians who made Melbourne their new home in the
1950's. Having experienced arriving by ship himself Father
Luciano was sensitive to the needs of those others arriving
and he became a familiar sight as he met incoming ships
with their precious cargo. What a comforting sight it must
have been for those arriving to see a friar and how less
daunting must the experience have been being able to
communicate to him in their own language. Later when they
were sick or in hospital Father Luciano would visit and give
encouragement and the sacraments. Home visits, Italian
popular Missions, Festa’s and prison visits were also part of
the developing ministry which grew up around St
Anthony’s Shrine in Hawthorn. Father Luciano has spent
most of his religious and priestly life in Hawthorn and
there would not be too many Italian families in
Melbourne who do not know Father Luciano. No doubt
many of them would have their own very personal story
to tell of him. So many have been baptized or married by
him, others received their First Holy Communion from
him. Many also have had the consolation of having him
celebrate funerals for their deceased loved ones. It
would be impossible to condense such a full and fruitful
life of ministry into on small page.
This year Father Luciano celebrates 60 years of priestly
life and missionary service in Australia. No doubt he has
seen much change in his ministry and that of the friars
during those years. St Anthony’s has managed to absorb
and adapt and is still a haven of devotion, peace and
hospitality. We owe a great debt of gratitude to our
Italian friars and the Italian community for the beautiful
Shrine, which not only contains many works of art but is itself a work of art.
Father
Luciano’s life is nourished by his Capuchin Franciscan vocation, his contact with
people, his interest in art, in the classics of literature - Shakespear and Dante to
name but two, his love of cars which
he puts down to the fact that he was
born and raised in Moderna, in
northern Italy only a few kilometres
from the Ferrari and Maserati factories.
With gratitude to God for the 60 years
of faithful and faith filled ministry of
Father Luciano in Australia we wish
him every best wish and God’s special
blessing. Thank you, Padre Luciano
for your life as a friar and your years of
tireless service to the Church and our
Order.
FRANCISCAN IMMACULATINE SISTERS
During his term as Provincial, Fr Julian Messina
bought to fruition a dream that the friars of Australia
had long entertained - the dream of having a group of
religious Sisters who shared our ideals and charism to
work alongside as us as co-workers. The dream
became a reality when Fr Julian began a diologue with
the Franciscan Immaculatine Sisters at first with their
Mother General in Italy and then with the Sisters in the
Philippines. Though it would involve a sacrifice on the
part of the Sisters they with generosity and great trust
in Divine Providence entered into an agreement with the Capuchin
Province of Australia and sent four Sisters to set up a foundation in
Australia. After a short time living in Leichhardt the Sisters moved to
our former Seminary at Plumpton, in Western Sydney. Here the
Sister took over the running of the Capuchin Conference Centre and
Sr Krisabel shortly before
exercised a ministry of hospitality and welcome to the many groups
she left for Italy
who used the Centre for meetings and Retreats. The Sister were
also active in the local Capuchin parish and in the short time they were there they
became much love and appreciated. Later with the closure of the Conference Centre the
Sisters, in the spirit of true Franciscan itinerancy moved to Leichhardt. Here they were
able to involve themselves in new and different ministries working directly along side the
friars. In roles such as Parish Secretary, Mission Office and Padre Pio Centre
management as well as religious education, liturgical and youth ministry in the local
parish. The Sisters also assist the friars in their ministry to the poor.
The Congregation of the Franciscan Immaculatine Sisters was founded at Pietradefusi
(Avellino) in Italy by a Capuchin friar, Fr Lodovico Acernese on the 8th December 1881,
who was inspired by the life of Blessed Teresa Manganiello - a devout member of the
Third Order ( today the Secular Franciscan Order) who was to become the spiritual
mother and corner stone of the Congregation even though she died before the actual
establishment of the Congregation.
In 1950 the Sisters opened a mission in Brazil, in 1982 the mission in the Philippines
was established and in 1990 a foundation is India. Then followed the missions to
Australia and Indonesia.
The Congregation is aggregated to the
Capuchin Order and the Sisters live their
Franciscan spirituality in the tradition of the
Capuchin Reform. Also fundamental to their
religious identity is their strong Marian
spirituality, living a total consecration to Mary,
the Immaculate Virgin. On the 8th December,
2009 solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
the Sisters received their first
Australian postulant. Krisabel Nimenzo had
known the Sisters for sometime and she
responded to the Lord’s invitation to “Come
and See”. Recently, having completed her time
as a postulant in Leichhardt Krisabel traveled
to Italy to begin the next stage of her formation
as a novice. We wish Sr Krisabel God’s special
blessing as she enters into this special year of
grace.
May Our Lady of the Angels, patroness of the
Sister’s mission in Australia bless and reward
them for their commitment to the ministries
entrusted to their care and may many other
generous young women be inspired to join
them as Franciscan Immaculatine Sisters.
Franciscan Immaculatine Community
Leichhardt