8/9/1938 - 22/6/2024
Peer Year 1957
In loving memory of Fr Barry Ryan, a man whose life was deeply rooted in faith, nature, and the joy of teaching. Growing up on a coastal farm near Warrnambool, Barry developed a boundless curiosity for the natural world. This early appreciation of nature stayed with him as he committed to a life in the priesthood.
During missionary work in Papua New Guinea, Barry witnessed the devastating impact of large-scale mining and saw firsthand how the poverty of the people mirrored the exploitation of the land. This experience ignited his passion for environmental justice, a cause he would champion for the rest of his life, long before it became widely recognised. He communicated these issues through the lens of faith, connecting real-world challenges with the teachings of the gospel.
After being appointed Director of Religious Education for the Ballarat Diocese, Barry’s influence grew. His innovative approach, shaped by his studies in New York and inspired by the second Vatican Council saw the support for, and development of religious education teachers in the Diocese thrive. His belief that education was not about absorbing facts, but challenging assumptions, left a profound impact on those who learned from him.
In 2015, Barry celebrated his Jubilee year, marking 50 years of devoted service to the Church, including nine years as Vicar General in Ballarat North and many years serving in parishes across Victoria. In 2019 he was recognised by Emmanuel College as an Inspiring Alumni.
In retirement, he enjoyed fishing, golf, and cheering on his beloved Geelong Football Club. Though he is no longer with us, Barry’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those he taught, guided, and loved.
25/10/1931 - 27/6/2024
Peer Year 1949
We remember the life of Kathleen Therese Gleeson, known to our community as Sr Cecilia. She is remembered as a woman who shared her many gifts in
music, education and social justice.
In her early life as a Sister of Mercy, Cecilia’s concern with the situation at the time in Indonesia and Timor, lead her to complete tertiary studies in Indonesian. She added these learnings to her toolkit, and became a teacher of Indonesian and a wonderful support to refugee families that became part of the various school communities.
Her ministry saw her serving at a number of schools over the years, where she was known as an excellent teacher, both feared and loved by students and staff. During her time at Emmanuel, she held the role of a teacher’s aide, now better known as a Learning Diversity Assistant.
Beyond the classroom, she connected to people through music, and as an accomplished violinist, shared her gift with many classes and church groups. Cecilia’s memory will forever be a source of inspiration to all those who knew her.
