AUGUSTINIANS IN AUSTRALIA - HISTORY

From 1948 to 1978

1948 Opening of Villanova College in Whinstanes, Brisbane. This marked the movement of the Order into the specific ministry of education and into a capital city. In 1954 the College moved to its present site at Coorparoo.

1950 Establishment of first Augustinian novitiate in Australia at Whinstanes, Brisbane. First novice master was David Brimson and the first two novices were Gerald Dullard and Patrick Fahey.

Villanova College in 1955.

1952 The Australian Province of the Augustinians was established under the patronage of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel. Thomas Hunt was elected first Provincial.

Augustinians assume pastoral responsibility for St James' Parish, Coorparoo. Together with the parish was the chaplaincy for what became the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane. Augustinians served in this chaplaincy until 2000.

The first foundation of the Order in Sydney - St Kieran's Parish, Manly Vale, Sydney

1955 Transfer of novitiate to Rochester, Victoria

(L to R): Thomas Hunt OSA, Cardinal Gilroy and David Brimson OSA at Brookvale in 1956.

1956 Foundation of Saint Augustine's College, Brookvale, Sydney

1958 Richard Benignus (Ben) O'Donnell osa elected Provincial.

1964 John Louis Hanrahan osa elected Provincial.

1969 Augustinian College, Clayfield was established as a residential house of studies. From here Augustinian candidates pursued secular studies and philosophical studies. Theological studies took place overseas.

1970 John Barry osa was the first Australian born Augustinian to be elected as Provincial.

Brian Fitzpatrick osa became the first Australian Augustinian whose ordination took place in Australia. Brian was ordained in his home parish of Echuca, Victoria.

1976 The Augustinians took pastoral responsibility for the parish of St Joseph's, South Yarra. Thus the Order made a commitment to the Archdiocese (Melbourne) of which James Goold osa was the first bishop. Together with the parish was the chaplaincy of the Alfred Hospital.

1977 No 60 Federal Parade Brookvale (attached to St Augustine's Priory) was established as a novitiate and formation house.

1978 Ralph Cameron osa elected Provincial.

Nineteenth Century | 1900-1948 | 1948-1978 | 1979-1989 | 1990 to Present