Corpus Christi Community Greenvale welcomed to the ‘VMCH family’ at Mass

The VMCH community was honoured to welcome Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli to a special Mass on 15 February celebrating the merger of its newest aged care residence.

Corpus Christi Community Greenvale (CCCG), situated around 20 kilometres north of Melbourne, provides accommodation and support for around 80 marginalised older men with a history of homelessness, complex health needs or addiction.

Originally founded in 1974 by Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity, CCCG was established as a refuge for men facing personal hardships. In 1977, the Missionaries of Charity entrusted the care of the home to the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

In January this year, VMCH officially merged with CCCG, securing the home’s long-term ability to support marginalised men for years to come.

A special welcoming Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Comensoli and co-celebrants Fr Dishan Candappa and Fr Michael Ryan SJ, and was attended by VMCH board chairman Julien O’Connell AO, VMCH CEO Sonya Smart, VMCH and CCCG board members past and present, friends of CCCG, local MPs, VMCH staff and residents.

Renouncing self and following Jesus; removing ourselves from the centre, and taking the path of the cross to resurrection—this is surely a good image of the purpose of Corpus Christi Community.

In his homily, Archbishop Comensoli spoke about the ‘intense discipleship training’ that we are called to by the gospel readings of the first few days of Lent, training that involves prayer, fasting and charity, and that requires us to deny ourselves and take up our cross.

‘Renouncing self, and following Jesus; removing ourselves from the centre and taking the path of the cross to resurrection—this is surely a good image of the purpose of Corpus Christi Community, and the aim of the work that is being done here. Getting ourselves out of the way, so that others might find what is needed in God, who gives new life.’

The Mass was a time of ‘giving thanks for what has been, and seeking divine help for what is to come’. In the end, though, ‘it is what happens here that matters,’ Archbishop Comensoli said. ‘May the discipleship that Jesus calls us to find fruitfulness here.’

‘We (VMCH and CCCG) share a common mission and values to deliver compassionate care for people in need, particularly the vulnerable and marginalised,’ said Mr O’Connell.

‘VMCH’s fantastic reach and resources within the aged, disability and affordable housing and community services sectors will be an asset to CCCG residents. As Australia’s housing crisis continues to grow, it’s vital CCCG’s specialist work continues.

‘We thank everyone for joining us here today, particularly Archbishop Comensoli, to celebrate the bright future of this important home.’

There was a lovely spirit through the Mass, with residents participating in the first reading and some of the prayers of the faithful.

VMCH chief mission officer Bridget O’Shannassy described the morning as a great way to welcome CCCG staff and residents to the VMCH family.

‘There was a lovely spirit through the Mass, with residents participating in the first reading and some of the prayers of the faithful.’

Resident Kenneth, 68, who moved to CCCG during the pandemic after a hip replacement, describes his experience as ‘extremely good’ and credits the home with restoring his fitness and ending his severe depression.