By: Hoang Dinh
On Thursday 13th of February 2020, the newly refurbished St George’s Hall was officially blessed and opened by the Very Reverend Joe Caddy, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Present for this special occasion were members of the seminary community: the Rector, staff and students.
A short ceremony of blessing took place, with prayers, Scripture readings and a reflection by the Vicar General. The Scripture reading spoke about a people sojourning for an extended period of time that would eventually finally find their purpose, direction and a permanent dwelling place. Such a reading prompts the listener to recall and reflect upon the earliest examples of sojourners in the Scriptures found in the figures of Abraham, Moses and the events of the Babylonian occupation and exile. In many ways, land and property are not only one’s livelihood; they also represent one’s identity and history. As fellow sojourners and pilgrims on earth, our destination lies in the Father’s House- something we remember as we, gathered from many places and sojourners once, live in one same place and now make use of one same hall.
Fr. Joe Caddy also recalled his time as a neighbour to the college. His former place of residence, the Ministry to Priests, sits parallel to the hall separated by a shared car park. The history of the hall dates back many past generations. Construction of the hall first began during the years following the parish establishment in 1881 and was completed in 1884. The hall now enters a new chapter in its 136th year. Prior to the property’s refurbishment the space was used sparingly by seminarians and guests for various activities. Now the space will be utilised for summer school programs, presentations, conferences, and meetings. The hall is specifically designed and configured to meet the needs of these gatherings. The blessing of the new hall was also an acknowledgement of all those who contributed to and collaborated in the project with its funding, planning and building.
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in Whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God." (Ephesians 2:19-22) Thanks be to God!