SVD - Celebrating 100 Years

14 In 1956, another initiative was taken to start a minor seminary at Lavington, near Albury, New South Wales where boys would reside and attend the local high school while familiarising themselves with life as a religious. This however did not attract many candidates and was closed in 1966. At the 1985 Provincial Chapter it was decided that the Marburg property was not financially viable, inspite of the efforts of the SVD Brothers who tried to raise funds to keep the place going. The novitiate program continued there until the property was finally sold in December 1986. First generation of Australian confreres at Marburg 1946 SVD Formation S t. Vincent’s Missionary Seminary 1945—1986 Fr. William van Baar, SVD Superior, purchased ‘Woodlands’, Marburg near Brisbane, as a rest home for evacuees from Papua New Guinea. The acquisition of this property in Marburg was to become the first mission seminary in Queensland. The first class of novices to enter the new seminary in 1946 was sent to Techny, USA, in 1948 to complete their studies. This was the first generation of Australian confreres. In 1967 this practice was changed and the SVD joined with the Marist Fathers in Sydney to study Philosophy for two years with further Theological studies undertaken in various countries. In 1978 it was decided to move the bulk of the education program back to Australia.