- Albin Hennequin
- Athanase Gonelli
- Bernard Cunningham
- Denis Ward
- Edward Harrop
- Gerard O'Brien
- Henry Paul
- James Cronly
- John Cooper
- John Spiteri
- Julian Messina
- Lam Vu
- Leonard Busuttil
- Luciano Rocchi
- Paul Hanbridge
- Paul Winter
- Peter Hand
- Robert Stewart
- Romano Franchini
- Stanislaus Dawidowicz
- Tung Nguyen

BERNARD CUNNINGHAM, OFM Cap

I am the youngest of four children: Patricia, Marea, and Michael. We lived in Gladysdale in the Yarra Valley (Victoria) in the early fifties. I would say sincerely it was an idyllic childhood. We had fifty acres and bush behind the fence to explore. Beautiful ferns, valleys, sword grass. We also had cows, calves, and a sheepdog which we gave away as he was being wasted with us.

I loved horses from about 8 years old. I learnt to ride at 14 which included grooming etc. At Primary School I was good at reading and Religion. In secondary School I used to get 80 for history, algebra 12, Latin 45. During this time I had friends I would organise playing football in the holidays. Swimming every day in summer.

I failed form 2 twice. I can't recall being helped in certain areas nor praised for my good points. I suppose I was depressed when I failed twice. I think the school considered me a lost cause. My parents always supported me.

I started work at the supermarket at 15. That job lasted me nine years. I would work hard there, many hours for nothing. I had a fierce determination to keep the job. This was instilled in me by my parents.

When I was twenty my parents returned to Melbourne. I stayed on in Bendigo because of my job, friends, etc. I took up running at 18 and improved each year to run a marathon eventually. I lived at many places. Finally getting a whole house to myself- Mum and Dad helping with the deposit.

I always went to Mass. I belonged to the Y.C.W. since I was 16. In 1976 Fr. Nihill asked me if I would like to come to a charismatic prayer meeting. I came away from that meeting with a tremendous sense of being loved. Jesus was very real. No more competing to prove my worth. A nice Catholic girlfriend came along shortly after! I went to many meetings still retaining my non Charismatic friends. They could see I was changed.

The relationship with the girlfriend changed. In 1977 I remember standing in my backyard thinking I will become a monk or something. During this time I had the house to myself and would pray out loud a lot!

In 1978 I sold my car as I could not afford it with the house payments. I knew I was on the road to a new life and would not turn back. I was involved in the parish: reader, singer, counter, Legion of Mary. I answered a Capuchin Vocation advertisement in the Advocate. I visited many Orders but found them dry and bookish. I visited the Capuchins in Melbourne. I found them prayerful, mysterious but inviting, friendly. So I procrastinated for a time only, I took the plunge... I was accepted and am still here today.

I indeed have been fortunate.