Father Patrick Fox, CM

Father Patrick Fox, CM had a deep and enduring connection with the Holy Cross Seminary, where he spent nearly two years in residence before returning to his Vincentian community. His bond with the seminary remained strong, as he frequently visited for important events, offering his unwavering support and encouragement to the seminarians. His presence was especially cherished because of his genuine love for community life and the liturgy, which resonated deeply with those around him.

Father Fox proudly proclaimed that he had never celebrated the New Mass, reflecting his commitment to the traditional Latin Mass throughout his nearly 40-year ministry. His dedication was finally validated when the Motu proprio, a papal document, was published, declaring that the traditional Mass had never been revoked and was always legitimate to celebrate. This moment of vindication was significant for Father Fox, who had steadfastly adhered to the old liturgical practices despite facing opposition and hardship over the years.

His passing marked a poignant moment for the seminary and the community he loved so dearly. A Solemn High Requiem Mass was celebrated in his honor on Saturday, July 28, at the Church of the Infant Jesus and St. Joseph in Rockdale. The Mass was led by Father Michael Delsorte, with assistance from Fathers Scott, Ortiz, MacDonald, and Elias of the Society of Saint Pius X, along with several other priests from his own Vincentian order. The ceremony was attended by around 300 faithful, a testament to the many lives he had touched through his dedication to his faith and his commitment to the traditional liturgy.

Later that afternoon, Father Fox's interment took place at the cemetery of Holy Cross Seminary, a fitting resting place for a man so closely connected to the seminary's mission and community. The Rector presided over the service, joined by the entire seminary community and around 100 faithful who came to pay their final respects. The solemn occasion was marked by a deep sense of reverence and gratitude for Father Fox's life and legacy.

Remarkably, this was the second interment at Holy Cross Seminary in the same week. Just two days earlier, on Thursday, July 26, Mrs. Jean Hernon had been laid to rest, further underscoring the seminary's role as a spiritual home and final resting place for those deeply connected to its community.

Father Fox's life was characterized by his unwavering faith, his commitment to the traditional practices of the Church, and his deep connection to the seminary and its community. His death, marked by a solemn celebration of the very liturgy he had devoted his life to preserving, was a fitting tribute to a man who had endured decades of adversity to see his beliefs ultimately affirmed by the Church he served. His memory lives on in the hearts of the seminarians, priests, and faithful who knew him, providing inspiration and strength to those who continue to uphold the traditions he so dearly loved.

Holy Cross Seminary: Training Ground for Catholic Priesthood

On August 4, 1987, the Maroochy Shire Council approved the establishment of the Holy Cross Seminary. This seminary became the sixth seminary of the Society worldwide. However, as Father Esposito explained, it was the only one to encounter objections from the local community. Father Esposito clarified that a seminary is fundamentally a place of intensive study, prayer, and reflection, a sacred space designed to foster closeness to God. Unlike other educational institutions, the purpose of a seminary is spiritual, not merely academic.

Addressing specific concerns about noise, Father Esposito emphasized that a seminary, as a house of prayer and study, maintains a very quiet environment. This is in stark contrast to the site's current approved use as a school, where the activities naturally generate more noise and commotion. The seminary’s purpose, by its very nature, ensures a serene and peaceful atmosphere suitable for spiritual reflection and growth.

The present building on the seminary site

 

The new seminary site is situated on forty acres of land "outback in the bush," a vast and picturesque property sixty miles northeast of Canberra. Formerly known as St. Michael's Agricultural College, the site is located in a locality called Inveralochy. The property was owned by the Diocese of Canberra-Goulburn and operated by the Christian Brothers before it was sold to a drug rehabilitation group. However, the Society was fortunate to have their offer of $370,000 (USD 300,000) accepted, allowing them to acquire the site for the seminary.

The property itself is ideal for a seminary, boasting a large building complex designed to accommodate seventy-five to one hundred seminarians, brothers, and priests. It includes workshops, farm buildings, and recreational facilities such as basketball and tennis courts, making it well-suited for a community focused on both spiritual and physical development. The setting is idyllic, with expansive grounds that provide both seclusion and a natural environment conducive to prayer and reflection.

The main building on the property is a historic three-story Victorian-style mansion, which forms the central part of the complex. Originally constructed by the Christian Brothers, the mansion later underwent expansions, with additional wings added to transform it into a fully functional college. After World War II, a chapel was built to accommodate 200 people, further enhancing the site's suitability as a seminary.

In late November, the Society completed a long, one-thousand-mile journey from Queensland to Inveralochy to take possession of the new property. On December 8, 1988, Bishop Williamson conducted the tonsure ceremony for the seminarians in the newly acquired chapel, formally dedicating the site to its new purpose as a seminary. This ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Holy Cross Seminary, affirming its mission as a place of prayer, study, and spiritual growth.

Father Esposito's remarks highlighted both the unique objections faced by the seminary and its distinct purpose. Unlike a typical school, the seminary's role is to provide a quiet, reflective environment where seminarians, brothers, and priests can deepen their spiritual lives. The picturesque setting and the carefully planned facilities at Inveralochy make it a perfect location for such a purpose, ensuring that the seminary can fulfill its mission of fostering spiritual formation and closeness to God.