A GATHERING at the Emmaus complex at Nudgee, Brisbane, recently served the dual purposes of formally welcoming the Christian Brothers to the site and celebrating the renewal of the brothers’ lease on the original Emmaus building.
When the Christian Brothers’ congregation consolidated its provincial administrations to form the Oceania Province at the end of 2007, the new leadership team began its quest for appropriate accommodation for its headquarters.
At that time, the Sisters of Mercy were pleased to invite them to consider taking up residence in the Nudgee facility vacated by them when their new purpose-built, state-of-the-art aged-care complex was completed.
After a tour of the complex, Mercy Aged Care Services governing board chair Sr Madonna Josey hosted a lunch for the brother’s leadership team, former board chair Ted Howard and other guests.
The brothers’ provincial leader Br Vince Duggan responded on the brothers’ behalf, thanking the Sisters of Mercy for their hospitality and for the courtesy and kindness extended to the brothers since their arrival on the site.
A board spokesperson said the co-location of the two congregations, which have been so prominent in meeting the needs of the Catholic and wider communities for more than 150 years, served as a powerful symbol of the significant role both have played in the life of the Church in Queensland and beyond.