Welcome to St Clement’s, a contemporary, Redemptorist retreat and conference centre set on 800 acres in a tranquil, picturesque setting in rural New South Wales, Australia. The Redemptorists are a religious congregation of priests and brothers within the Catholic Church who live in community for the sake of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, especially among people on the margins of society and church.

info@stclement.com.au
www.stclement.com.au
Tel:02 6380 5222

ABOVE: Fr Pat O'Neill CSsR (left) who joined the St Clement's community this year, with twin brother Fr John O'Neill CSsR.

Redemptorist twin makes Galong home

The year 1932 was an important year for Australia and for the Redemptorists in Australia.

That year two boys each just one month old attended the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The O’Neill twins, John and Pat, went on to join the Redemptorists.

Now, 84 years later, the younger of the twins, Fr Pat, has come to St Clement’s to join new rector, Fr John Airey, from New Zealand.

The O’Neill family had left their Bungonia farm, settled in Goulburn and grown to four, two boys and two girls, before the twins came along. They were followed by two more girls to complete the eight children.

In 1937 John and Pat began their schooling with the Sisters of Mercy at St. Brigid’s, Goulburn, and continued with the Christian Brothers at St Patrick’s Technical School 1940- 1943 and St Patrick’s College 1944-1946.

Then followed four years at St Clement’s juvenate 1947-1950, a year’s novitiate at Pennant Hills, profession there in 1952 and seven years study at the Redemptorist seminary in Wendouree (Ballarat). This culminated in ordination there in 1958. Both went on to Rome for higher studies, where their paths parted.

To read more about their journey, click HERE.

Pope Francis brings a voice to what so many Catholics have believed for years, that with the changing face of the modern family it is a Catholic's role to care for, rather than condemn, all those whose lives do not reflect the teaching of the Church. Click HERE to access a digital resource kit that we hope will help you celebrate the Joy of Love.

Year of Mercy - Why Mercy, why now?

From city to
countryside

Every three or four years the Redemptorist Congregation makes new appointments and people shift from religious house to religious house, and often from city to city.

In my case, it has been from country to country and from city to countryside.

I was for many years in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, which is a fast growing metropolis.

My appointment now is to our Retreat and Conference Centre in Galong, NSW.

It's a sleepy country district where houses are far between and the problem of kangaroos has replaced the problem of city traffic. A change of life style and a change of pace.

I arrived at the beginning of February and since that time I have been learning much about a retreat and conference centre.

While quiet at times, more often this centre is bustling with activity.

I have found a good program of retreats, conferences and gatherings for most of the year.

Obviously I will find much to keep me occupied, but do hope to find time to enjoy the wonderful location and healthy climate.

John Airey CSsR

Rector
April 2016

Six-day guided retreat

Fr Glenn de Cruz CSsR came to a life as a Redemptorist in an unusual way.

After school he became a zookeeper, but a visit to the famed Redemptorist “Novena Church” led him in a new direction.

He will lead a six-day retreat at St Clement's on 18 to 25 July.