Br Bill Selden

Where have the last forty years gone? Who would have believed all the different experiences, places, relationships that we have all had during that time. Vatican II looked like a huge international conduit for change in the world in the sixties, but who would have thought of moon-landings, mobile phones, the internet and i-pods? And, we’ve all gone our different ways whether as Brothers or others. To be honest, after Mittagong, I did not think that I would last too long in the Order, but here I be after all those years and I have to be honest, yet again, and say that I have really enjoyed my life up to the present, in spite of (or because of?) many personal trials, disappointments etc.

I have taught subjects that I enjoyed at Pagewood, Canberra, Dundas and Hamilton; been a Principal at Dundas (not the most enjoyable job, but a good place!) and have now been a Community Leader (Superior) for over twenty years at a number of places.
I have found the most rewarding experiences being those in which giving is more obvious than receiving. Working with disadvantaged kids at Marist Education Centre Blacktown (preparing the way there for Jack Penny) and Champagnat House at Eastwood, have given me an understanding of the need for “good fathers” in our world and while not having been a biological father (as far as I know!) I hope I have assisted some needy kids in their emotional and social development.

With the decline in the number of Religious vocations and the increasing number of aged members of the Order, I find myself the Superior of the Randwick community, which is a group of twenty Brothers, the youngest being 48 and myself second youngest. While looking after elderly and infirm people can be challenging, I must say that I have been very privileged to have accompanied some very good Marist Brothers during their final years and months in this world. It is always encouraging to see that during these times the most important aspects of life are the most precious, namely family and true friends; all the possessions in the world are completely insignificant.

I have been a member of the Provincial Council for the past eight years and Vice-Provincial for the past five years – interesting and challenging times. I don’t feel discouraged by the lack of interest in Religious Life at present; times change and now we have a very strong commitment from lay men and women to Champagnat’s vision – his vision of following the Gospel is as strong as it ever was in many more people than the days when only the Brothers held that privilege. Much of the foundation for the present strong spirit of belonging to the Marist way came, and still comes, from the ex-members of the Order who became the dedicated, good Christian lay teachers in the schools. Our group has made a huge contribution in this way. Well done guys!

Bill Selden.