By John Thomas Lane SSS, Provincial
After my time in Uganda, I spent a few days visiting our two foundations in Australia. My goal was to conduct pastoral planning and research with the Blessed Sacrament Community (SSS) men religious, based on our shared similarities and needs; learn about the affiliate vocation program; and look forward to future collaboration and planning for the next International Eucharistic Congress, which will be held in Sydney, Australia, in 2028.
At the invitation of the archbishop, the SSS first came to Melbourne from the United States in 1929 to develop this Eucharistic shrine-center, Saint Francis Church. Saint Francis was well established as the first church in the state of Victoria. Franciscan Friar Patrick Bonaventure Geoghegan founded the parish in May 1839.
It remains the busiest church in Australia, with 10,000 visitors a week. The current community is seven religious: Father Ben Ho …, Father Anthony Nguyen …, Father Chaminda Fernando …, Deacon John Pugh … with other men Fathers Anthony McSweeney …, Alfred Yap, Joe Dirks and Ken Boland serve the worshipers.
The place is busy with 4 weekday Masses, and 8 weekend Masses (1 vigil Mass on Saturday). In the picture (ight), you see Saturday night cleaning time from the Vietnamese youth community, who join Father Ant (in green), who gathers each week for food, fellowship, and to prepare the church for Sunday.
Photo [upper left]: Ladye Chapel in Saint Francis Church
