Fr Charles O’Mahony (Charlie) was proud to be a Columban missionary priest and proud of all things Columban. He died in his sleep in his 95th year at Caritas Christi Hospice, Kew on February 10, 2013. A few months earlier Fr Charles had written the story of his vocation and priesthood. This is his story. He was 94 years of age.
My vocation story
In 1937 I was a young man, 18 years old, employed in the Taxation Office of the Victorian Public Service. I was content in my job, but I became aware that God was inviting me to the priesthood. It was clear that I ought to commence training for the priesthood, but I did not know how to choose between the various options - diocesan priest, or one of the Orders. I knew something about Jesuits, Franciscans and Blessed Sacrament Fathers but I did not think they were for me.
One day, it must have been a public holiday, a group of four Tax Collectors went for a bike ride to a picnic spot on the outskirts of Melbourne. There was Frank and I, Lorna and Nancy. On the way we climbed a hill in Woodland Street, Essendon and paused for breath outside St Columbans Mission. Lorna said, "I know a boy who came here to become a priest. His name is Bernie Way. Today he is a missionary in Burma". That caught my attention, "Missionary in Burma!" I think I'd like that. We continued on and enjoyed our barbecue on the bank of the Maribyrnong River.
When I got home to my boarding house I wrote a letter to St Columbans saying that I was interested in joining the priesthood. In reply I received an invitation to pay them a visit. One night I rode my bike and was received by Fr Luke Mullany, the then Director of the Society of St Columban. He told me that he had been a priest of Melbourne Archdiocese when two priests arrived from Ireland in 1920 speaking about the new missionary society (St Columbans Mission) that sent missionaries to China. Fr Luke Mullany became interested and asked permission from Archbishop Mannix of Melbourne to leave the Archdiocese and joined this new mission society that he heard of. He joined the Columbans and was appointed to China.
On the way home I thought about this. "Gosh, you'd have to learn Chinese, I thought. Is that possible? Well, evidently Fr Mullany had done it. So can I."
In March 1938 I was one of a group of seven new students commencing studies for priesthood. We spent a total of seven and a half years in study, three and a half in Essendon, followed by four years in Omaha, Nebraska, the Headquarters of St Columbans in the United States. By this time World War II had ended and we had to find shipping for our return to Australia. I found a British cargo vessel ready to sail from Newport News, Virginia through the Panama Canal, then direct to Sydney, arriving in early October.
After a brief holiday at home in Geelong I reported for duty to St Columbans, Essendon and was appointed to the Formation team with a special interest in our first year students. I was to remain in Formation for the next 15 years, including three years in Rome to gain qualification allowing me to teach in a seminary.
In 1961 a new career opened for me, this time in Administration, where I would spend the rest of my life. I suppose my Public Service background had some influence on these appointments. I came to Essendon, where I became Region Bursar for five years, then Office Manager for five.
Next came Regional Director for six years, 1970-1976. In 1980 I was asked if I would like to go to Rome as Manager of Collegio San Colombano. This is not a teaching institution, it is a residence for priests studying in one of the Roman Universities. The Rector's job was in management. I said "yes, I would like that," and spent seven years in Rome and enjoyed every minute of it.
Back in Australia I discovered that there was a vacancy for a Bursar in St Columbans College, Turramurra (near Sydney) where I spent seven years. By this time I was aged 75 and announced that I was retiring. A replacement Bursar was found, but I was invited by the Columbans in Fiji to go there as manager of their new Central House.
I was glad to accept this invitation. I thought I could stay for one or two years. Maybe even three. As it turned out I stayed 12 until I was 88-years-old. In 2006 the Columban Superior in Fiji said he thought it was time I went home. I could only agree with him.
I'm fully retired now at St Columbans Mission in Essendon. I have a nice room, with a big window looking out on Woodland Street.
Just out there somewhere is the spot where it all began. I was never appointed to Burma, nor to China, as my boyhood fancy had envisaged but I played my part in the work of St Columbans Mission Society.
The priesthood has never been a disappointment. Rather it has called forth all the talents I was given, and others that I never knew I had.
I wait now to hear the closing words of the New Testament: Amen, Come, Lord Jesus.
May he rest in peace.
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