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St Patrick's History: Marist Fathers
In 1868, McEncroe died. It was his wish that the Marist Fathers succeed him in caring for St Patrick's. At his funeral, the Benedictine Vicar General, Austin Sheehy, took Marist superior Victor Poupinel aside and offered the care of the parish to the Marists. Poupinel happily accepted.
Joseph Monnier became first Marist parish priest of St Patrick's in 1868. By this time he was very well known. He was the first priest to undertake home missions in Australia and in the previous two years had travelled widely in eastern Australia. There was some opposition to the entrusting of this most Irish of churches to French priests, but Monnier soon found complete acceptance from the parishioners. The Marists took over the two terrace houses which McEncroe had built and made them into one presbytery.
VOCATIONS
Many young Australians joined the Marists and for many years the Toongabbie Marist Seminary provided the academic and spiritual formation for these young men.
In 1974 the seminary was moved to Hunters Hill to provide easier access to university studies for Marist seminarians.
Today, because of lower numbers entering our Marist groups, Marist formation is carried out in conjunction with the New Zealand Province. The combined house of formation is in Auckland, New Zealand.
Anyone wishing to enquire further about life as a Marist Father should contact the Vocation Promoter, Marist Fathers, 3 Mary Street, Hunters Hill NSW 2110 or telephone 9816 3190.
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