THE OPENING OF THE EXTENSIONS TO ST. BERNARD’S
Reference: Clairvaux Vol. 1 No. 2 1955
Two dates must forever stand pre-eminent in the archives of St Bernard’s – Firstly 1st July 1940 when the College was officially opened and blessed by Most Rev. D. Mannix, D. D., LLD. On that day the Brothers looked to the future with hope. Secondly the eighth of May, 1955, fourteen years later, when the Official Blessing and Opening of the first Extensions of the Monastery and School were performed by the Right Rev. Monsignor J. Hannan. Then the Brothers could look on the past with pride and to the future, with confidence.
To welcome Monsignor Hannan, a Guard of Honour was formed by the students of the college under the guidance of the prefects. It stretched from Mt. Alexander Road to the entrance of the College. The Prelates car slowly drove between rows of saluting boys standing respectfully with their caps on their chests. Then followed the simple dignified ceremony of the blessing.
Mr. K. Tobin was chairman, and he introduced each speaker. Short introductory speeches were given by Father Willis, Parish Priest of Moonee Ponds, and the Mayor of Essendon, Councillor Thompson. The presence of the Mayor and Mayoress is an outward token of the pleasing co-operation existing between St Bernard’s and the Council, which permits the lower grades to play in the park * during recess.
Brother Murphy, in his speech, complimented the architects and builders, and it was pleasing to see how the new building blended with the old. Brother Murphy told of the need for the extensions, as St. Bernard’s is the only Christian Brothers Secondary College in the Northern districts of Melbourne. He also mentioned the amount of the debt – Forty Thousand Pounds.
After this statement, Father Ken Morrison, Parish Priest of Kilmore, launched the appeal. He was a past pupil of St. Monica’s which he attended in its first year. He spoke reminiscently and awakened memories of thirty years ago. His eloquence contributed much to the success of the appeal.
Then followed the inspiring address by the Right. Rev. Monsignor Hannan, who stressed the importance of religious education. But he stated that the requirements for all Catholic buildings are “grace, grit and greenbacks” each of which must be contributed in part by all.
Thus concluded a very memorable day in the history of St. Bernard’s.
*Queens Park
