WiIliam Leo Connell
Time of Death:
In recent months Bill has been at MAPAC in Manila assisting the Brothers there with their post-novitiate studies. Last evening [Sunday October 13] Bill was discovered dead in his room at about 7pm. His death seems to have been heart related and was totally unexpected.
At the time of his death, Bill was 72 years of age and in the 54th year of his religious life.
Family Details:
Date of Birth: June 30, 1941.
Place of Birth: Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
Schooling and Initial Formation:
School Attended: St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown.
Postulancy: January 1, 1959 – July 1, 1959.
Novitiate: July 2, 1959 – July 1, 1960.
Vows:
First Vows: July 2, 1960: At Hunters Hill to Br Hilary Conroy.
Perpetual Vows: January 1, 1966: At Hunters Hill to Br Othmar Weldon.
Ongoing Education and Formation
Bill attended to his ongoing formation throughout his life as a Brother, to better equip him for what was being asked of him by the Order. He began with a BA in Agricultural Science and followed that up with a BA in Psychology. Then followed a Masters in Education Administration and a Graduate Diploma in Religious Studies. For his renewal he completed a Masters in Theological Studies at the Franciscan School of Theology in the US and then later attended the Catholic University of America to complete a PhD in Theology.
Community and Ministry Appointments
Most of Bill’s school ministry was spent in the secondary area and at various times he was Principal and Superior. He loved being with and working with the Brothers and it was not surprising when he was elected to the Provincial Council in the late 80’s. It was at that time that he was asked by the Provincial to prepare himself to move into the tertiary sector. This led to a number of tertiary appointments including the Edith Cowan University and Notre Dame University in Western Australia and then the Broken Bay Institute in Sydney.
Although unexpected, it is now time for him to rest in peace.
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Br Anthony Robinson – Province Secretary