"Father John's long life of service to the Australian Church -- which showed his breadth of vision and a depth of spirituality inclusive of many beyond the reach of the Church of his time -- is the inspiration behind the Foundation," Sister Bernadette said. "A man of God who enthusiastically embraced the vision of Vatican II, his own vision was both practical and vast. He cared passionately about people and their lives, no matter who, or where, they were."
Sister Bernadette said that the Father John Wallis Foundation was expected to be launched on June 11, next year -- the day that would have been Father Wallis' 100th birthday. He died in August 2001.
Following individual consultation throughout the Province between Australian and Hong Kong Oblates and AORC Regional Councillor for the Asia Oceanie region, Fr Frederico Labaglay OMI, the Oblate Superior General, Fr Wilhelm Steckling OMI, formally announced the reappointment following the conclusion of the General Council meeting in Rome.
Fr Dyer is from St Mary's Parish in Newborough in the Sale Diocese. He has served in the parishes of St John Vianney's in Mulgrave, Victoria; St Paul's in Massey, New Zealand; Our Lady's in Sunshine, Victoria; St Eugene's in Burpengary, Queensland and Rosie's Street Outreach in Melbourne and the Gold Coast. He also has been a director of the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI).
Fr Dyer will serve as Provincial for a further three years from February 2010 after his new Provincial Council has been appointed in January 2010.
Born in Saigon in 1964, Fr Joseph is one of 11 children. He came to Australia as a refugee in 1983 and joined the Friars in 1989. Solemnly professed in 1995 he was ordained priest in 1996. He served on the Custodial Definitory (Council) in the previous three terms. This is his first time as Custos.
The Foundation, to be named in honour of the congregation's founder, will further the mission and charism of the Missionary Sisters of Service (MSS) during and beyond the life of the congregation. Following its recent Chapter, the launch will be in the hands of a new leadership team -- Sisters Bernadette Wallis MSS [re-elected as Congregational Leader], Stancea Vichie MSS and Corrie van den Bosch MSS, all of Melbourne. They will assume responsibility on Saturday, January 30, 2010, for three years.
Father Harry Dyer OMI has been reappointed for a second term as Oblate Provincial for the Australian Province and Hong Kong Delegation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
