Photos: Maha Shawky
One of the greatest privileges of working with St Columbans Mission Society is witnessing the Gospel lived out in quiet and often unseen ways. The story of our benefactor, Chris Kleine, is one such example.
As we journey through life, there comes a time for many when independence begins to fade. Decisions that once seemed simple become overwhelming, especially when there is no family to lean on. For Chris, that moment came when he realised it was time to leave his unit at the retirement village and move into residential aged care. It was one of the most difficult decisions he had ever faced.
Chris had no immediate family to accompany him through this transition. Instead, he placed his trust in the Columbans. When Chris was growing up as a child his family lived opposite the Columban house in Essendon, Melbourne. He knew many Columban priests in his lifetime.
I vividly remember visiting Chris with Columban Fr Patrick McInerney as we discussed his move to Mercy Place Rice Village. Like anyone facing such a significant change, he was anxious about what lay ahead. There were many practical matters to resolve, but beneath them all was a deeper question: Who will walk with me?
As we spoke with Chris and assured him that the Columbans would remain by his side, an enormous sense of relief came over him. He realised he would not be making this journey alone. From that moment, a relationship built on trust continued to grow.
Chris remained part of the Columban family. Our priests regularly visited him, celebrated with him, listened to him and ensured he was well cared for. These visits were not simply pastoral obligations; they were expressions of friendship, compassion and the Gospel's call to accompany one another.
I was also privileged, together with Columban Fr Trevor Trotter, to visit Chris on the day he passed into eternal life. It was a deeply moving experience to be present during his final hours and to commend him to God's loving embrace.
We are profoundly grateful to the wonderful staff at Mercy Place Rice Village, whose dedication and kindness made Chris feel safe, respected and at home. In a special way, we thank Sr Aileen Moloney RSM, who remained faithfully by Chris's side until his final breath. Her gentle presence and compassionate care reflected Christ's love in a profound way. Sr Aileen, a Sister of Mercy, is a younger sister of Columban Fr Maurice Moloney RIP who worked as a missionary in Japan for most of his missionary life.
We also acknowledge the faithful friendship of Columban Fr Peter O'Neill, the Society Vicar, who visited Chris whenever he returned to Australia from Hong Kong. Their relationship became one of genuine affection. Chris often spoke of Fr Peter with the love of a father, treating him as though he were his own son. Those visits brought him immense comfort and joy.
Chris's story reminds us that family is not always defined by blood. Sometimes it is found in those who choose to walk beside us with love, faith and compassion.
At St Columbans, we often speak about mission as accompaniment - being present with people, especially in times of vulnerability. Chris's life beautifully illustrates what that accompaniment can mean. It is not simply about providing practical assistance, it is about offering friendship, dignity and hope.
Chris entrusted the Columbans with his final journey and we were honoured to walk alongside him. In doing so, he also gave us a precious reminder that the Gospel is often proclaimed most powerfully through quiet acts of presence and faithful companionship.
As we remember Chris with gratitude, we give thanks for the trust he placed in us and for the many benefactors who, like him, become part of the Columban family. May he now rest in the eternal peace of the God whom he trusted throughout his life.
"I was with you." Sometimes, those four simple words are the greatest expression of God's love we can offer another person.
Maha Shawky is the Oceania Regional Business Manager.
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