By Emilie Ng
UNIVERSITY of Queensland’s first official student society has been instrumental in shaping Catholic and non-Catholic students for the past 100 years.
UQ’s Newman Catholic Society, named after Catholic convert Cardinal John Henry Newman, is the longest-running society at the university, celebrating 100 years this year.
Newman’s president Edsel Parke said the society’s centenary showed the university’s Catholic presence was “strong after all these years”.
“I think it’s a sign, being the first society founded at UQ, of our continual Catholic presence all these years,” Mr Parke said.
“These modern days or era at UQ is very secular, but despite this, there is still room to express the faith.
“I believe it will still continue for 100 years more.”
Mr Parke said the society executive was hoping to clarify their mission statement and become more missionary in focus.
The Catholic society battled a year-long probation sentence in 2008 after presenting anti-abortion material at the St Lucia campus.
The student union banned the Newman Society from promoting any pro-life stance, and even material for World Youth Day in Sydney, on campus.
Despite the censorship and ban, Catholic students were determined not to compromise their faith and instead present the reality of abortion and all available options for women.
Former UQ law student Jean Seah attended the university at the time of the society’s ban.
Miss Seah, who is originally from Singapore, said the society was “a gift”.
“I am Singaporean and the Catholic Church here was a second home to me,” Miss Seah said.
Miss Seah said while not all students know about the Newman Society, its small presence was making a big difference in student life on campus.
“People react to us, and I know non-Catholics and atheists have signed up to the society because they wonder what makes us different to other Christian groups,” Miss Seah said.
Miss Seah is now studying a liberal arts degree at Campion College in Sydney’s north-west.
Former 2013 Newman Society president Kachi Ngai said the Catholic student society was the reason he became a Catholic.
“I called myself a Catholic when I was younger, but when I came to Newman, that’s when I learned about the faith,” Mr Ngai said.
Mr Ngai said he joined the Newman Society because he was “looking for people who believe in God”.
“I believe in the idea of God, but He put me on the path of growing more in the faith, and through Newman, I began to see that the Catholic Church was true,” Mr Ngai said.
Past and present society members and friends will return to 1914 at the Newman Centenary Ball on November 1 from 6pm at Riverside Receptions, 50 Oxlade Drive, New Farm.
Tickets for the Newman Centenary Ball cost $70 and include a two course meal
For more information or to RSVP for the Ball, contact Edsel Parke on 0431 691 749.
