FILL THEIR MINDS, GOOD JESUS, WITH ALL THAT IS TRUE, NOBLE, RIGHT, PURE AND HONOURABLE IN YOUR SIGHT.
- 2014
Rev Deacon Peter Brogan
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Ordained for Diocese of Darwin.
Peter Brogan was born at Papungala near Port Keats in 1929 and grew up there until he was about 5 years old. From there he was taken to the Alice Springs Bungalow and this is where he went to school. He was then taken to Kahlin Compound in Darwin. In 1941, when he turned 12, he was taken to Garden Point Mission on Melville Island. When Peter completed his schooling on the mission, his first job was working with Fr John Flynn as a mechanic. Later on he worked in the market garden with Br John Barrett. He also worked on the tobacco plantation. Peter was also the skipper of the Quail, a boat left by the Americans as a gift to the Mission.
Peter met Thecla on the Mission at Garden Point. They married in 1950 at the old church and established a village called St Anne's where other married couples lived.
Peter was ordained Deacon by Bishop Ted Collins MSC on Saturday July 7 1990 at Our Lady of Victories Church at Garden Point. He was the first person from the Tiwi Islands to be ordained by the Catholic Church. That day was significant for Peter but also for his wife and family, the Tiwi Islands Communities, and indeed for the Catholic Church. Thecla was very much part of the liturgy, clothing him with his Dalmatic, symbolizing her vital role in his journey and ministry. Peter would go on to be a faithful Catholic Aboriginal leader, representing the Church on many occasions and at different events.
Peter developed a real pastoral heart. He visited many people especially the sick, providing them with Holy Communion and the support of his prayers. He instructed many parents as they prepared for their children's baptisms. He prepared a number of couples for marriage too. His love, care and responsibility for the Church was constant. He took seriously his vocation to care for the people and for God's house. When Peter was around you could be confident that things would get done. He also had a strong devotion to Mary, carrying his Rosary beads with him and often praying the Rosary.
In his last days back at the Hospice he was surrounded by his loving family and friends. After one of the prayer times he calmly and confidently said “I think it's my time.” Peter was as rock solid in his faith, hope and love during his final days of suffering and death as he was during his whole life.
Well done good and faithful servant, come and share your master's happiness!
- 1858
Rev Timothy Lucas Launceston, Tas; Bathurst, NSW
- 1871
Rev William P Nagle East Melbourne, Castlemaine, Vic
- 1908
Rev James J Flynn Lambton, etc, NSW
- 1944
Rev Patrick John Beasley CM Malvern, Vic
- 1947
Rev Timothy O'Brien Sale dioc, Vic
- 1967
Rev Carthage Neil Sharkey OFM Sydney, etc
- 1972
Rev Mgr Adrian Martin Elwood, Camberwell, etc, Vic
- 1978
Rev Mgr John Joseph Mulheren Pymble, Neutral Bay, Lewisham, West Wollongong, etc, NSW
- 1981
Rev William P Nagle Melbourne dioc
- 1982
Rev Honoratus Galea SSP Melbourne
- 1987
Rev George Cullen Stanley, Invermay, Ulverstone, Latrobe, Devonport, Tas
- 1995
Rev Kevin John Smith East Brunswick, Footscray, East Melbourne, Kyneton, Williamstown, Vic (April 30?)
- 2002
Rev Daniel Ormonde OSA Cairns, Innisfail, Gordonvale, Qld; Manly Vale, NSW
- 2005
Rev Brooks Patterson Townsville, Ayr, Cranbrook, Charters Towers, Ingham, Mt. Isa, Hughenden, Winton, Whitsunday, Mundingburra, Qld