KCP - Catholic Diocese of Broome

A significant anniversary was celebrated at Bidyadanga when La Grange Mission had its 50th birthday on 26th June. Parish Priest, Fr Emil said, “It was a good day for everyone. We talked about the celebration for quite some time in preparation for the day. People were anxious to celebrate what the Mission has done for them since its foundation”.

Bishop Saunders, in his homily at Mass, recalled the early days in 1955 when La Grange was a Government Feeding Station. “When the first Missionaries arrived here there was much sickness and disease. A sense of hopelessness and a lack of self-esteem had arisen from the poor health conditions. The Missionaries set about to heal the bodies of the local people and then heal the spirit too. The Mission became a protectorate for local Aboriginal people, shielding them from the exploitation of the local pearlers who lived in camps along the coast. Misery and oppression were the enemies of the Aboriginal people along with Government apathy and neglect. The Missionaries were sensible practitioners of the Gospel who not only preached but they rolled their sleeves up and their work made a positive difference to people’s lives”.

Later while reflecting on the day and contemplating the historical records of the Mission, the Bishop added, “Fr Kevin McKelson’s work was legendary, in the field of language and culture. Brother Richard Besenfelder battled the bush to establish a cattle station to feed the people. Sr Margot Toohey worked the long hours to set up a health regime that healed common illnesses. Colin Arburthnott, a Lay Missionary, worked constantly to establish a liveable village while training local men as welders and builders. There were many others who also added to the story including the generations of locals who worked so hard. This was a labour of love which today is the foundation of what is a viable community. This is what we celebrate today and for which we give thanks to almighty God.”