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Feature - Priest devoted to church and the punt

Published: January 13, 2009

Before World War II, it was the policy of the Catholic Church to invite priests from Ireland to manage parishes throughout Australia. Many were colourful men who had a fearless desire to succeed after their long journey to Australia but none more so than Father John O'Brien, who took over the parish of St Aloysius in Caulfield.

On his arrival in Australia, he kept a small group of horses and would compete in point-to-point races regularly throughout the state. But, although his church and presbytery had been largely built through donations in Ireland and here in Australia, O'Brien was hell-bent on creating a spire that was the most imposing in all of Victoria.

But plans were slightly stalled when Archbishop Mannix proclaimed that all clergy were banned from attending race meetings. A directive pointed squarely at O'Brien. - Patrick Bartley, The Age (click below for full article)

http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/building-the-best-spire-is-a-sure-bet-for-priest/2009/01/12/1231608618215.html

 

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Gospel Verse for 31 July 2010
...though [Herod] wanted to put [John] to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. [Matthew 14:5]

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