Monday 26 July 2010

Fr Tom Murtagh has spent most of his priesthood in teaching and professorial roles.  He taught  chemistry, physics, mathematics at senior levels in Padua College, Kedron, Brisbane for several years.   Later he gained a Doctorate in Theology from the Melbourne College of Divinity.  His thesis dealt with the work of medieval Franciscan Peter Olivi.   Though not well known, Peter Olivi was born in France in 1248, studied under St Bonaventure in Paris and taught theology.   Though a controversial figure because of his stance on strict poverty, he was exhonorated and the Franciscan Minister General commissioned him to teach student-friars.   Tom said he worked on Olivi’s writings because “nobody else had done it “.

Fr Tom  helped  fraternities of the Secular Franciscan Order as Spiritual Assistant.
Meanwhile he was also lecturing at Yarra Theological College.  Sadly, all of this fine work came to an abrupt halt when he was struck by a debilitating stroke in 2004. He is  now confined to a wheelchair

Fr Arthur Boland  was ordained on the same day as Tom.   His priestly energy has been spent on missionary work in much pioneering in Aitape Mission, PNG.   Over almost all of his 50 years as a priest, he had roles in various parts of the now expanded Aitape Diocese.  Presently he is in Port Moresby holding an important position in formation of young indigenous Franciscans.   As did Tom, Arthur had the joy of having family come from several states of Australia for the jubilee.

After the Mass, a delightful social repast was provided.  During the meal memories  and anecdotes  mingled with meetings after long years of absence.   The Franciscan family rejoice that Frs Tom and Arthur have been such valuable contributors to the mission of the church as well as to the great benefit of the wider society.