Stan Madden, Paul McGlade, Don Gallagher, John Giacon

Br Don Gallagher

Canberra, ACT, Australia

All leaving is tinged with sadness, perhaps with regret for things unforgiven, or left unsaid, but over the past weekend at Canberra,

many many people gathered to say a fond farewell to Brother Don Gallagher, after 45 years of ministry at St Edmund's, Canberra.

I was fortunate to be present at three of the gatherings. There were "x" more.

 On Saturday lunch, the Community gathered with Archbishop Mark Coleridge for what proved to be a pleasant, fraternal occasion. 

Then on Sunday morning in the St Edmund's Chapel, Bishop Pat Power along with the College Chaplain, and the VG, led a quite emotional celebration with many parents, OBs, friends gathered to celebrate Don.  Personally, I could not believe that there were people there who remembered me from the early 70s. I say this to emphasise that the supporters of St Edmund's are loyal, with their allegiance long lived.

As an aside, Stan Madden came in from Young, as his authorising Community is Canberra. My  memory went back some years, when he and Joe McKenzie furnished that Chapel, with solid pews made of silky oak. They are as fresh as the day they were created by master craftsmen.

My third gathering with the Community was to accept an invite to the Community Christmas Party at the Southern Cross Yacht Club.

Well partied !

Don leaves Canberra next Thursday, round about the same time that we have the Farewell Mass for Noel Quinn.

There will be some grieving for both of course.

 I wish on behalf of this part of Oceania, and indeed may I say of all Oceania, to congratulate, to thank Don for so many years of faithful, inspiring service as a true son of Edmund.

I want now to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Matt McKeon for his 13 years of leadership service to St Edmund's.

Matt at 86, is still involved in the College ; in his ministry as a Spiritual Director, and as friend and confidant to so many in Canberra and elsewhere. 

Matt will stay on in the Canberra Community. As from February 1,  2012, Paul McGlade will assume the leadership of the Community.

Many thanks Paul, and congratulations.

Live Jesus in our hearts forever.

Pat White