Building Varroville Priory: Suunday, 5 February

The weather was not kind to us this week. We had rain on Thursday when the verandahs were poured. This explains the extraordinary means in the absence of downpipes to keep the water from the roof off the new concrete. It rained heavily on Friday as well. A complete washout of a day.

We now have verandahs

Now that we have the verandahs around the entry of the building, the meeting room and the library we can move ahead with the external works and landscaping which will include the driveway and walkway to the retreat centre.

The oratory this week

The oratory has been slowed for the brickies as the did not have the blocks they needed to finish the windows. It is also detailed time consuming work. However the special blocks arrived on Friday and it will be a busy week this week. If, that is, it doesn't rain us out again.

The roof line takes shape

The Courtyard

The courtyard is now taking shape as well. This week the brickies have start on the first accommodation block to the left of the picture above. It should be easier going than the entry block.

During the week the Carmelites from around Australia gathered for our bi-annual assembly. This was worthwhile in a number of ways. We discussed the completion of the priory and the refurbishment of the retreat centre. When these are complete it will be something of a new beginning for our life and ministry here in Varroville. We also discussed our life together and how to improve it. It was a full two days and we were glad to have finish by Wednesday evening.

During the meeting we also celebrated the silver jubilee of profession of Frs Greg Homeming and Shane Kelleher. As well, Fr Gabriel will celebrate his 70th birthday in February and in March his 50th anniversary of profession while Fr Johny will celebrate his 40th anniversary of profession and 60th birthday (100 years of Johny) in March. We celebrated the jubilarians with special Eucharists and at a festive meal. At this meal we also asked God's blessing on Greg Chee as he takes time out from the community. Here are some snaps from the festive meal. There are no action shots of our discussion.