Father Bob Maguire and the SDC

When researching the history of the SDC in Australia, leading up to the 50th Anniversary, I came across a students’ publication, dated 21 August 1957 called, Theologians’ Literary Society Journal, edited by Father Joseph Abela. He was the first Delegate of the Superior General of the SDC in Australia. This was an in-house journal for seminarians who were studying at Corpus Christi College, Werribee.

One of the articles was written by, Robert Maguire, a seminarian friend of Joseph Abela. This led me to contact Robert who we now know as Father Bob Maguire. Fr Bob has been parish priest of Ss Peter and Paul, South Melbourne since 1973. We are familiar with Fr Bob’s work with the marginalized as well as being a ‘media’ priest. In the 2005 Australian of the Year Awards, he was awarded with the Victorian Local Hero Award.

Fr Bob recalled his days in the seminary and said there was great enthusiasm and creativity among the students at Corpus Christi. Joe Abela, was a poet and a seeker of knowledge and Fr Bob recalls that as he had a sharp and creative mind, he was elected by the students to edit the journal. From 1959 until 1969, as the leader of the SDC, we also benefited from Joe’s creativity, as he led us with many innovative ideas.

Fr Bob recalls that Joe Abela involved the seminarians in the life of the SDC from the very beginning. The first Incorporation of Members in Australia was in fact held at Corpus Christi College, Werribee on 29 December 1957. Fr Bob also remembers attending the opening of Preca House, North Sunshine on 28 December 1961. It was opened by Monsignor L Moran, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. During his address, the Vicar General said: “People from many nations were bringing to Australia their countries’ best traditions and greatest glories, not only to share with others, but to give them to others.” (Advocate 4.1.62).

Fr Bob agrees that this was the strength of the Maltese from the very beginning. He noted in the early Members – the combination of traditions, devotions and their commitment to the church in Australia, which he referred to as ‘the most secular country in the world’. He said the early Members were not afraid to show this commitment and he was particularly impressed with the Members’ attitude in ‘shunning what the world values’.

He also noted that while the early Members were often misunderstood, they were brave and soldiered on convinced of their mandate to evangelise everywhere. He said this was emblematic of the Maltese character who struggled under foreign rule for most of its history. But there was never any excuse for apostasy or despair; there was always hope.

Archbishop Daniel Mannix was the Archbishop of Melbourne when Fr Bob and Joseph Abela studied for the priestly ministry. Fr Bob admired Daniel Mannix who provided leadership and example in developing both a just 'civil' society and church. Joe Abela set out after the example of Daniel Mannix, to form in the mind of the early Members, an awareness of church amidst a scene of ‘Aussie’ secularism and cultural prejudices. Fr Bob says that even more today, this mindset is required of the SDC Members – to live and minister in a world driven by greed and power through instructing God's people in the way of truth and justice.

Fr Bob runs an on-line diary at http://www.fatherbob.com.au. He also provides reflections on the Sunday readings which can be found on http://home.vicnet.net.au/~sspp.

Peter Judge