St Brendan's Shepparton has a new statue of St Francis of Assisi thanks to the generosity of longtime St Joseph's Undera parishioners, the late Cath and John Hogan. The statue was blessed by Fr Joe Taylor in the presence of Cath and John's family and friends. Sheila Griffin spoke about these generous parishioners at the unveiling and blessing ceremony.

By Sheila Griffin

On behalf of John and Cath’s family we thank Fr Joe and Saint Brendan’s Parish for recognising John and Cath’s generosity with the purchase of this statue of St Francis of Assisi. They would both feel very humbled and honoured to have this beautiful statue named in their honour.

I was reading about St Francis and discovered that his given name at birth was John. I thought, how coincidental it was as John Hogan’s Christian names were John Francis.
I’d just like to share a little about the life of Cath and John.

They were siblings and had worked and lived all their lives on the family property at St Germains or, as some would say, Undera. The property had been in the Hogan name for over 100 years until it was recently sold when John passed away.

Cath and John both left school at an early age. Along with their parents, Mary and Patrick, they worked on the family farm. Their property was easily recognised by all as it had a beautiful dam on the corner and ducks would glide upon the waters. It was predominantly a sheep and wheat farm; however, like St Francis, Cath and John tended to a variety of animals. From sheep, cattle, ducks, pigs, dogs and, of course, their pet budgie, rosella and galah [which outlived them both].

In the early days, John rode around the farm on a pushbike but later progressed to a motor bike.

Life was very simple for Cath and John. They loved their farm life, and both were involved in the local tennis club and, of course, their church – St Joseph’s, Undera. Cath served as sacristan right up to the days she became ill. She was a catechist at the local primary school, led the Children of Mary Guild and of course tended to her beautiful ducks, chooks and lambs. After her parents died, Cath cared for John.

John was a Tigers supporter and loved the Trots. Both Cath and John attended trotting meetings in Shepparton, Echuca and sometimes ventured to Bendigo. When Cath died in 2013, we wondered how John would cope by himself. However, being the independent person he was, John managed to care for himself until he too took ill.

John was a member of the Holy Name Society, he read at Mass, and took up the collection. Cath and John were faith-filled people and when St Joseph’s Church closed, John continued to attend Mass regularly at St Mary’s, Mooroopna, where he became well known.

Cath and John were both well known throughout the area and had connections with many people locally and from afar. Their generous hospitality was evident. When people called in, there was always a cuppa and something to eat. Neither John nor Cath needed all the mod cons of this day. They were content with what they had and shared their generosity with many.

Two generous faith-filled people will be remembered through the naming of this beautiful statue in their honour.

Thank you!