By Marg Watson
The 150th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of St Liborius’ church was celebrated at Eaglehawk on Sunday, July 29, with Mass concelebrated by Bishop Les Tomlinson, Fr Antony Joseph, Fr Dennis Crameri, Fr Jake Mudge, Fr Junjun Amaya and Fr Nick Lucas OFM. Seminarians Jackson Saunders, Adi Indra and Adonis Pena were also present.
We were happy to welcome representatives of the Religious Orders who have served at Eaglehawk – the Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of St Joseph and the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood. Sr Maureen Howley RSM and Sr Kathleen Crameri RSJ were present, both had been educated at St Liborius School.
Young parishioners Deanna Duane and Connor McGowan were readers and two of our primary school children, Charlize Clarke and Bridget McGowan read the Prayers of Intercession. Music was shared between the parish choir with Mrs Mary Haugh on the organ and Sharyn McGowan as cantor, and the school choir with Frasier Holden on keyboard.
Mass was followed by tours through the school, and in the adjacent Liborius Centre there was a large display of historical photos, documents and objects. These were much admired by the large crowd of almost 300.
The MC, Mr Seamus Haugh, welcomed guests and invited Bishop Les to say grace to start the luncheon, prepared by the school parents.
During the afternoon, an anniversary cake was cut by Mrs Win Daniel, Mrs Mary Haugh and Mrs Peggy Singe. These three ladies are well known for their many years of faithful service to our parish.
Fr Dennis Crameri, whose family connections in Eaglehawk go back to the days of the goldrush, then launched a history book: St Liborius Catholic Church Eaglehawk, Celebrating 150 Years 1868-2018, written by Aylene Kirkwood OAM.
The book is a wonderful record of life in the Eaglehawk parish from 1868 onwards and includes sections on our other churches: St Augustine’s Myers Flat, St Stephen’s Raywood and the now closed St Thomas’ Huntly.
The various sodalities that were such a part of parish life in the years gone by, such as the Holy Name Society and the Children of Mary are all covered by Mrs Kirkwood. Copies of the book can be purchased for $25 from the parish office, phone 5446 8235, or from the author, phone 5446 9528. Books to be posted will cost an additional $8.
Our celebration of the 150th anniversary of our cherished St Liborius Church will be long remembered as a tribute to those who have gone before us. They built not only a church, but a strong foundation of faith in Eaglehawk and leave a challenge for the current parishioners, led by Fr Antony, to carry that faith forward towards the next 150 years of our parish.
Photos: courtesy of Simon Fitzpatrick
