Vincent Lenehan
Time of Death:
In recent weeks Vincent had been experiencing bouts of weakness that were put down to a general slowing down as he approached his much looked forward to 90th birthday due in July. As a result of a fall just before Christmas, Vincent was admitted to hospital for routine tests and it was discovered that he had advanced cancer. This was quite unexpected and even with the best of treatment he deteriorated rapidly. He was anointed and he passed away within eight days of admission on December 29.
At the time of his death Vincent was 89 years of age and in the 71st year of his religious life.
Family Details:
Date of Birth: July 17, 1924.
Place of Birth: Griffith in NSW, Australia.
Schooling and Initial Formation:
School Attended: St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown.
Postulancy: January 1, 1943 – July 1, 1943.
Novitiate: July 2, 1943 – July 1, 1944.
Vows:
First Vows: July 2, 1944: At Mittagong to Br Andrew Power.
Perpetual Vows: December 24, 1949: At Mittagong to Br Andrew Power.
Stability:January 9, 1964: At Hunters Hill to Br Quentin Duffy.
Ongoing Education and Formation:
Vincent moved into teaching immediately after taking his first vows and spent the rest of his ministry life in the classroom. Although he did not have any professional teacher training, he had a particular gift for working with those students who struggled with their studies and he was an excellent sports coach. It was his working life as a Brother and his wonderful engagement with people that formed him.
Community and Ministry Appointments.
Wherever he was appointed, Vincent was a tireless worker, looking for ways to meet the needs of his students and those with whom he lived and worked. Even in ‘retirement’ he gardened and cultivated beautiful pot plants for decorating the offices and rooms of the College. It was also a way for him to continue to engage with those about him. What was quite outstanding, if not unique within our Province, was that once appointed to St Joseph’s College at the beginning of 1962, Vincent remained with that community until his death – 51 years. He was a wonderful example of ageing gracefully and adapting his life and work to his circumstances. It is now time for him to take his rest – may he rest in peace.
Br Anthony Robinson
Province Secretary
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Vale Br Vincent Lenehan
It is with a deep sense of loss for our community the College shares news of the passing of Br Vincent Lenehan – 'Vinnie' as we fondly new him. Br Vincent has been a member of the Brothers Community at Hunters Hill since joining the College staff in 1962, serving 51 years at St Joseph's College.
Br Vincent passed away in the morning of 29 December, having been in hospital for a week. As you may know Br Vincent has been ageing gracefully over the past few years but not without his constant presence at the College doing whatever his health would allow him to do during this time. For the past few years he has brought the beauty of the College gardens to us in our staff rooms, offices and generally throughout the College. In recent years his own brother, Br Richard Lenehan, has assisted Vinnie and cared for him in every possible way both at the College and in the Brothers Community.
As a teacher at St Joseph’s, Br Vincent was very devoted in his care of the boys, teaching Mathematics, English and Religious Education. He became well-known as one who always gave special attention to boys who struggled in their studies. For many decades, also, he was a dormitory master, and many Old Boys gratefully remember his care for them.
Br Vincent coached a variety of sports at the College, but especially rowing,
where he looked after GPS Fours and Junior crews for some 27 years down at the boatshed. His most famous success was with the 1966 First IV who won the Yaralla Cup at the Head of the River by four lengths after leading all the way.
At a College assembly this year, when we celebrated Br Vincent's 70 years as a Brother, I said the following to the boys:
"Br Vincent has been very much one of those Brothers whose life gives living witness to the Marist values and charism intended for the Brothers by St Marcellin Champagnat. Marist phrases such as 'hidden and 'unknown' and 'humility, simplicity and modesty' spring to mind when one thinks of Br Vincent."
As we keep Br Vincent in our prayers we offer to his brother, Richard, other members of the Lenehan family and the Brothers Community our deepest sympathy on the passing of Br Vincent.
May he rest in peace.
Mr Ross Tarlinton
Headmaster
Br Vincent's funeral will be celebrated in the College Chapel on Thursday 2 January 2014 at 10.30am.