125th Anniversary

The celebration of the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Saint Aloysius Church was a joyful day for the parish and wider community. Many people contributed a wide variety of skills in planning, painting, cooking, donating, liturgy, cleaning, researching (for our history book), and so much more.

We were delighted to have Father Arsenio Tuazon, our parish priest, presiding. Concelebrating with him were Fr Greg Bourke, our administrator priest in 2003 whom is remembered for his work and support during the bushfires, and Dom David Tomlins, representing the Tarrawarra Cistercians, a group of men with whom the community has a long history of friendship.

Present also were Cr Maria McCarthy, mayor of the Yarra Ranges Council, and Rev. Jennie Gordon of the local Uniting Church.

We were very grateful to Fr Kevin Mogg who celebrated Mass in Healesville and Lilydale so that Fr Arsenio could available at St Aloysius.

Apologies were received from the communities good friends: Fr Coghlan, Sister Nell, Sr Pat, Sr Kathleen McSweeney, Fr John Madden,  Bishop Mark Edwards, Cr Fiona McAllister, Hon Tony Smith, Principal Philip Morrison, Baptist Paster Mike Bainbridge, the Dobson Family, the Henrys, and the Waddells.

This was a day of celebration and happy remembrance. We concluded in prayer:

Our thanks go to our Lord who raises up people of faith and love, draws out their talents for the service of others and leads us into the future.

We look forward in faith and hope to the future of St Aloysius, the wider parish of St Brigid’s and of Yarra Glen.