1979 – 1989

Fr Pat Fahey

1980 Patrick Fahey OSA becomes the first Australian Augustinian appointed to teach at the Augustinianum, the OSA theological faculty in Rome.

1982 First plenary assembly of all Province members was held at Brookvale, Sydney.

1982 Kevin Burman OSA elected Provincial.

1985 Two Australian Augustinians together with two Augustinians from the Province of England – Scotland left for Korea to establish the presence of the Order in Korea. John Sullivan OSA joined them in 1988. This was the first mission of the Australian Province of the Order. The ministries of the Korean region include parish work, retreats and a social justice project focussed on the needs of disadvantaged youth.

An Augustinian based In his Korean homeland.

1987 Augustinians took on responsibility for the new parish of Redland Bay (Brisbane Archdiocese) Michael and Sean McMahon of Echuca accompanied by Fr Senan Ward OSA participated at the first International Augustinian Youth Festival held in Lecceto. Australians participated regularly in successive festivals held at Lecceto (no.2), La Vid, Dungarvan, Munnestadt (1998), Rome (2000) and Madrid (2003), Sydney (2008) and London (2010).

1988 Sesquicentenary of the presence of Augustinians in Australia. At the conclusion of the mid-Chapter a celebratory Mass was celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney at which all Augustinians in Australia were present. Presider – Bishop David Cremin. Present were friends and supporters of the Order together with dignitaries including Sir Ninian Stephen, Governor-General of Australia.

The first Australian Augustinian youth festival took place at Elanora, Sydney. Over the years others took place – 2. Richmond, NSW (1991) 3. Springbrook, Qld.. (1992) 4. Garapine , Qld. (1995) 5. Tinaroo, Qld. (1997) 6. Kurrajong, NSW (1998). 7. Harrietville, Vic(2001). The festival at Kurrajong was also the 2nd Asia – Pacific Augustinian Conference (APAC) festival and as such was attended by young people from countries in the Asia – Pacific region where Augustinians minister. The first APAC youth festival was held in the Philippines (1996) and was attended by Australians.

1988 The introduction of a co-ordinated program of Pastoral Planning in the Province.

1989 Opening of a new community (spirituality and outreach ministry) in Newcastle, NSW.