Over the next seven years the Carmel of Elijah nuns were joined by young vocations from the Riverina area, Canberra, and further afield across the nation.
This brought their number up to 12 - nine of whom are Australian.
The group has formed strong bonds with the local community and in turn is grateful for its support.
After years of planning and patience, and with assistance from Murray River Council, development approval has been received for a new monastery residence and classically designed chapel.
The construction process will commence with the breaking of ground by Cardinal Mykola Bychok, Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green and Mrs Colleen Jreissati on January 10.
And the public is invited to attend.
The nuns’ plans for their new monastery reflect their contemplative vocation – a life of poverty, simplicity, fraternal incorporating rammed earth walls, locally sourced stone and timber.
The Breaking of Ground ceremony is open to everyone, but for catering purposes the nuns would appreciate if you can register now.
Donations to cover the costs of the event will be gratefully received, with a $15 contribution suggested for those who are able.
For more information and to register your attendance, go to www.elijah.org.au.
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The days seem to be moving ahead in leaps and bounds, and Christmas is just around the corner.
But before it gets here there will be plenty of fun and games in the park with the annual Carols Night on December 7.
Make sure you mark that date on your calendar for a great night of fun.
As for Santa, it seems he’ll not have the local firies to assist him on his way again this year.
Last year many locals and visitors were upset that the fire brigade did not convey Santa on his usual trip through town and out to Picnic Point, delivering bags of lollies to local and visiting children.
What was not known at the time was that brigade members were not really in a position to carry out this annual activity.
I undertook to check the situation when Christmas was approaching this year to avoid disappointment again, but sadly the brigade is facing a similar situation.
Lets hope it will be ‘third time lucky’ for next year.
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After many years as your columnist, I have decided it’s time to pass the torch.
I intend to retire from writing the ‘Mathoura Diary’ column this month.
I would love for someone to take over from me, to ensure local news is provided to the Deniliquin Pastoral Times each week.
If you’d like to know more about what this entails, or would like to volunteer for the job, please contact me, or Pastoral Times content manager Zoe McMaugh at zoe.mcmaugh@denipt.com.au.
