Blessing of Extensions at Salesian College, Chadstone

Blessing by Archbishop Denis Hart
on Thursday, 13th October, 2005, at 7.30pm

Introduction

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am very happy to return to Salesian College once more for the blessing of refurbished classrooms and areas.

It is typical of the Salesian care for young people that the ongoing refurbishment of this College and the broadening of the curriculum to include carpentry and other facilities means that the young people with whom we work are being educated and prepared for a world in which they know how to take their place.

I am proud for all that has been accomplished in this College since it opened its doors in February 1957 and I thank the vision and foresight of the Salesians, the lay staff and all who have worked to make this occasion and these works most memorable.

Homily

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we come as a living community in continuity with the great Salesian tradition of walking with young people and caring for them.

We in Australia are very honoured by the fact that the first Salesian here, Father Emmanual Manestero, who arrived on 21 st April 1927 to look at possibilities for the work here, was himself one who lived close to Don Bosco for almost three years, as he had entered the oratory in Turin in 1885, three years before Don Bosco died. In the following year, 1889, Father Manestero made his vows at the age of sixteen. He later went on to obtain Degrees in Philosophy and Theology at the Gregorian University in Rome and was ordained priest on 23 rd April 1896 at the age of twenty-three years. Later in April he was instrumental in finding Rupertswood, Sunbury, and on 12 th May the Superior General approved the first foundation in Australia. For seventy-seven years that story has continued.

Here at Chadstone for forty-seven years, beginning from two classrooms and a chapel, through to the complex developments in 1957, 1958, through to the vibrant college it is now. In its history your college has competed successfully with the leading Catholic colleges in Melbourne both in academic work and in sport. Over its history your staff of highly qualified Salesians and lay teachers means that you offer a wide range of subjects and the facilities of the college are beyond comparison with the basic facilities ,which existed in 1957.

The Salesian ability to relate to young people, belief in the dignity of each boy, the engagement of time and interest which is so characteristic of the Salesian spirit have meant that the young men at Salesian College have always esteemed priests, loved the Church, and have been engaged in all areas of faith, academic work and sport. This is indeed a proud record. I pay tribute to all that has been achieved here in these latest renovations.

Highly significant among these achievements, of course, are the effects of such care and leadership on the young men. We do believe together in the value of Catholic education, of a faith where God is to be revered and praised and his plan for the world will result in our happiness. The Salesian genius of engaging young people at their level and giving them time, energy and interest has produced young men who believe that they can make a worthwhile contribution to the remaking and reshaping of the world. This hope-filled vision, the new skills that we develop are all highly significant if we, as Catholics, are not to remain within our small group, but are to engage energetically in the life of our city and suburb.

My own school experience was with people from diverse backgrounds, all of whom had the self confidence and the ability to believe in the value of what they do, whether in academic life or the professions, in the trades, in business or in work, the contribution of young people who know their abilities and place them at the service of others is something which is highly significant and beneficial, which, I believe, will be the worthwhile contribution which comes from your college.

Congratulations Salesian on the contribution which you continue to make. Keep your expectations high, your visions broad and keep on doing those things which you have learned with faithfulness, perseverance, love of God and respect and love for the Salesians and their collaborators who have formed you so well.

+ Denis J. Hart,
Archbishop of Melbourne.