SAINT MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT

Founder of the Marist Brothers in 1817

1789 - 1840

SEE BEREAVMENT POST FOR DRUSILLIANS WHO HAVE DIED

(MOVED FROM PORTRAIT GALLIERY)

Bainbridge. Br Maurie	Hornsby, Br Des	O’Brien, Peter
Baylon, Br	Hurley, Br Augustus	O’Regan, Greg
Bertinus, Br	Irwin, Kevin	Osmond, Br Redden
Blay, Br David	Kavanagh, Luke	Philp, Brian
Bodey, Kevin	Kelly, Ambrose	Quinlan, John
Bugg, Br Stephen	Kelly, Jack	Ryan, James
Callixtus, Br	Kenny, Br Nilus	Ryan, John
Casey, Br Red	Kyne, Kevin	Scott, Bernard
Crandles, Diarmund	Lane, Kevin	Scott, Vin
Dwyer, Br Eugene	Lock, Eugene	Smith, Br Aidan
Faci, Br Nello	Mahar, Br Tom	Spain, Br Richard
Flynn, Brian	Marius, Br	Stephen, Br Austin
Fogarty, Br Ronald	McGrath, Br Brian	Toohey, Br Laurie
Hassett, John	O’Brien, Br Tex	Welch, Anthony

PETER ALEXANDERSON

Drusilla 48

One of the original Drusillians from 1948.

Peter's wife Elaine died 29 Jul 2017, much adored and missed.

Celebrated his 83rd birthday recently.

Is living at Arrunga Aged Care Facility (Sydney, NSW)

Acknowledgement: Karen, Peter's daughter: photo and information

Posted: February 2018

TONY ALONCO

Drusilla 53

Married to Therese

Tony Alonco

REMO BIANCO

Drusilla 52

Married to Naomi

Remo Bianco

MICK BROWN

Drusilla 50

Married to Belinda

Mick Brown

ERNIE BURROWS

Drusilla 49

Married to Ann

JOHN DATE

Drusilla 50

Married to Jenny

John Date
Awarded a Papal Knighthood in 2019
for legal services rendered to religious orders (their schools and hospitals)
over many years

{See Reflections and News 2)

MIKE DOHERTY

Drusilla 51

Married to Pat

Mike Doherty

JOHN EMERY

Drusilla 51

Married to Mary (RIP)
See Bereavements

John Emery

BRIAN FITZGERALD

Drusilla 50

Photo 2000

BROTHER PAUL GILCHRIST

Drusilla 70

Brother Paul Gilchrist

BRIAN GREAVES

Drusilla 49

Married to Jan

Brian Greaves

FRANK GREEN

Drusilla 51

Photo 2010

BROTHER JUSTIN GUTHRIE

Drusilla 60

Br Justin Guthrie

BARRY HANSEN

Drusilla 51

Married to Marj

Barry Hansen

BROTHER MICHAEL HERRY

Drusilla 63

Br Michael Herry

BROTHER NOEL (JEROME) HICKEY

Drusilla 52 - staff

Br Noel Hickey

"I always tried my best"

Australian Marist Brother Noel Hickey
Celebrated 100th Birthday Perth, February 8, 2025.

On February 8 2025, Br Noel Hickey celebrated an extraordinary milestone - his 100th birthday. As he reaches this remarkable century, he becomes only the second Marist Brother in the Star of the Province to do so, following in the footsteps of Br Vincent Shekleton. Br Noel’s life is a testament to resilience, humility, and unwavering dedication to faith and education.

Born in 1925 in Western Australia, he grew up during the Great Depression, a time that shaped his pragmatic yet good-humoured outlook on life. At just 17, he felt the call to serve and joined the Marist Brothers in 1942, setting out on a journey that would take him across Australia and beyond.

For more than 80 years,
Br Noel has been a teacher, mentor, and guide, educating generations of students in Victoria, Western Australia, and later in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. His early years were spent in the classroom, teaching science, mathematics, and even French.

But perhaps his most challenging and rewarding years were spent in the Pacific, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of ethnic tensions and civil unrest. In both Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Br Noel continued his mission, ensuring that young people had access to education even in the most turbulent times.

His ability to adapt and serve where he was needed most became the hallmark of his long career.

After nearly two decades abroad, Br Noel returned to Australia, continuing his service in quieter ways. He took on volunteer work at the Head Trauma Unit in Perth, offering companionship to patients recovering from life-altering injuries. Later, he turned his sharp mind to archival work, meticulously preserving the history of the Marist Brothers and the stories of those who came before him.

Now in his retirement, Br Noel enjoys the simple pleasures of life - solving crosswords, chatting with visitors, and spending time with his large extended family, including 20 grandnieces and grandnephews.

Reflecting on a century of life, Br Noel remains as humble as ever. “I always tried to give my best,” he says simply. When asked about his advice to young Brothers and educators, he emphasises honesty and open communication, “Discuss everything openly - don’t hide anything. Everyone faces difficulties, but it’s important to talk about them.”
As he reaches this extraordinary milestone, Br Noel’s legacy is evident in the thousands of lives he has touched.

His century-long journey is one of faith, service, and quiet but profound influence. His journey is a reminder that a life of purpose, lived in service to others, is a life truly well lived.

Acknowledgements: