CTS Song

In the Gospels of Sts Matthew and Mark there is related the story of St. Peter and the Apostles caught in a storm on the lake. They feared for their survival and their safety until they saw Jesus walk towards them on the water. He stretched out his hand to assist and save Peter. This is the background of our song of welcome.

O, the night was dark and dreary, and the seas were at their height,
And our boat was taking water; who would help us in our plight?

We needed on to guide us, to give us standing in the Church;
For the teaching of St. Thomas is a treasure beyond worth.

And the doctrine of St. Thomas we have tried for years to teach
As explained by dear Doc. Woodbury, concerning truths beyond our reach.

And the hand that stretched to help us came from the Legionaries of Christ
For this gracious affirmation Father*, we welcome you to-night.

For the teaching of St. Thomas what higher praise could be
Than the Master from His Cross, say: "You have written well of me."

As the darkness 'round us thickens, like the barque on Galilee
Come steer our vessel for us, keep us with the Holy See.

The above song written and performed for the Centre for Thomistic Studies, Sydney, Australia

'Reality' Video Highlights Australian Priests' Lives
Cameras Follow Pair as They Serve Their Flock

GEELONG, Australia, OCT. 2, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Father Kevin Dillon and Father Max Vodola have become movie stars of sorts due to the popularity of the video "Priests 24/7."

The two men are not actors, but were serving at St. Mary of the Angles Parish when a video production crew tagged along with them as they were on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Father Vodola is now parish priest of St. Joseph the Worker in North Reservoir in the Melbourne Archdiocese.

John Santamaria, executive producer, wanted to do this project in order to counter adverse media coverage of priests in Australia and highlight the good works done every day by thousands of men who were dedicated to their vocation.

The video portrays Fathers Dillon and Vodola as leaders, teachers, counselors, preachers and celebrants as they visit schools, hospitals and local parishioners.

The film also captures them as men of public and private prayer -- praying alone, preparing homilies and celebrating Mass and the sacraments of marriage and baptism.

Demand has exceeded the expectations of the producers, as more than 300 videos and DVDs have been ordered for schools or parishes. Director Peter Thomas noted, "This is equivalent to a gold record in the music industry."

Santamaria and Father Dillon have made appearances on television and radio, and the independent firm Albert Street Productions is negotiating to secure broadcast rights with an Australian network.
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