Saying Farewell to the Marist Fathers in Gladstone

On the weekend of 23-24 November the Gladstone parish community said ‘farewell’ to the Marist Fathers who have served in the parish for 118 years. Since 1901 there have been a succession of priests who have ministered to the people of the city and the outlying towns and communities.

On Friday morning Bishop Michael McCarthy, many priests of the Diocese, Fr Ben McKenna, representative of the Superior General in Rome, Fr Paul Corcoran, Provincial of the Marist Brothers gathered in the Star of the Sea Church for a concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving for all the Priests and Religious who have worked in Gladstone.  Also present were many Marist Fathers, Marist Brothers and Marist Sisters as well as many parishioners. Fr Kevin Redmond, the current parish priest thanked the parishioners for all the support, encouragement and patience they had contributed over the last six years. 

Approximately 150 parishioners gathered at the Yaralla Sports Club on Saturday night for the Parish dinner.  Many priests who have served in Gladstone in recent years were able to attend, along with their Society leaders.

Sr Beryl Amedee rsm said that “The atmosphere of the night was experienced as one of love, joy, hospitality and friendliness.  Speeches were made by the Mayor Matthew Burnett, Bishop Michael Mc Carthy, Fr Anthony Corcoran sm, Warren Fellowes and Fr Kevin Redmond.” 

 Fr Corcoran said, “Seventy five priests have served in the Gladstone Parish over the 118 years and all of them spoke so affectionately of the parishioners.  He thanked the people for all they had been and done for the Marist Fathers and apologised for any scandal or betrayal they may have witnessed.   Mr Warren Fellowes gave a brief history of the Parish and thanked the Marists for their presence, dedication and self-sacrifice in their service over the years.

 The evening also featured a slide show of significant moments for many of the priests and parishioners which was well received. Sr Beryl said that “The spirit of happiness and joy permeated the atmosphere and an enjoyable night was held by all.”

 Bishop Michael related some of the history of the presence of the Marist Fathers in the Diocese, noting that in the early years of the 1900s life was very difficult for the pioneering families and the priests alike. The priests travelled the region on horseback, spending many hours in the saddle to reach far-flung parts of the parish. The history of the Church in Gladstone, and indeed the history of the Marist Priests, Brothers and Sisters is a vital part of the history of the city itself. Gladstone would indeed be a different place without the Marist presence over so many years. Their pastoral work, their administrative talents, their deep spirituality carried on until 2019 has left an indelible imprint on this community, and the Diocese. They will be fondly remembered.”

Rev Dr Andrew Chase, a Diocesan priest recently returned from study in Rome will take up the responsibilities of Parish Priest of Gladstone Parish in January 2020.