St Paschal Baylon (1540-1592)
The Church was named after the Franciscan brother, Paschal Baylon whose feast day is celebrated on 17 May. The new statue of St Paschal was commissioned in Italy as part of the renovations in 2013.
In Paschal’s lifetime, the Spanish empire in the New World was at the height of its power, though France and England were soon to reduce its influence. The 16th century has been called the Golden Age of the Church in Spain, for it gave birth to Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, Francis Solano and Salvator of Horta.
Paschal’s Spanish parents were poor and pious. Between the ages of seven and 24 he worked as a shepherd and began a life of mortification. He was able to pray on the job and was especially attentive to the church bell which rang at the Elevation during Mass. Paschal had a very honest streak in him. He once offered to pay owners of crops for any damage his animals caused!
In 1564, Paschal joined the Friars Minor and gave himself wholeheartedly to a life of penance. Though he was urged to study for the priest-hood, he chose to be a brother. At various times he served as porter, cook, gardener and official beggar.
Paschal was careful to observe the vow of poverty. He would never waste any food, or anything given for the use of the friars. When he was porter and took care of the poor coming to the door, he developed a reputation for great generosity. The friars sometimes tried to moderate his liberality!
Paschal spent his spare moments praying before the Blessed Sacrament. In time, many people sought his wise counsel. People flocked to his tomb immediately after his burial; miracles were reported promptly. Paschal was canonised in 1690 and was named patron of eucharistic congresses and societies in 1897.
St Paschal Baylon
30 Warraba Avenue, Wavell Heights
The Church of St Paschal Baylon is situated at 30 Warraba Avenue, Wavell Heights, and is easily accessible by public transport (Bus 320 from Pfingst Road or in walking distance of the 599 Great Circle Bus).
The original church was opened and blessed by Archbishop James Duhig on 8 August 1937. The Franciscan Fathers from Kedron gave wonderful spiritual guidance to the community until the mid 1940’s. An independent parish was established in 1946 with Rev Dr Geoffrey O’Donoghue being the first Parish Priest.
As the original church became too small for the growing community, a new building was built to house the church on the lower floor and a school above. This opened in January 1950 and the Franciscan influence continued with the naming of the school, “Our Lady of the Angels”. The Presentation Sisters arrived to run the school and commenced their long association with the Parish (until the mid-1990’s).
The original church was moved to the western boundary and had many uses over the years, including school and meeting rooms, as a hall and pre-school centre. However, in 1978, it was destroyed by fire.
The Present Convent building was opened in 1953. Since the sisters left, the building has been used by the Seminary and in 2014, was converted to The Loft, a residential facility for students and young workers. It is now used by Outside School Hours Care.
The current church was opened and blessed in July 1961 as a War Memorial Church. The Presbytery was built in 1967 and extended later when Bishop John Gerry became Parish Priest following the retirement of Fr Michael O’Connell. The inside of the church was altered over the years with the Altar being moved forward in response to Vatican II. The Tabernacle was moved to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel on the west side of the church. Later the sanctuary was extended into the body of the church and the Altar was shortened and moved with the Lectern to the new platform.
During 2013, Fr Gerard McMorrow renovated the church, reversing some of these changes. The beautifully refurbished church was dedicated by Archbishop Mark Coleridge on 17 October 2014.
Recently, since Fr Paul’s appointment as Parish Priest of OLA, Chermside, the piety stall has been relocated to St Gerard’s Church, Chermside West. The room, previously used as the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and later the Piety Stall, has been refurbished into a catering area, with a brand-new coffee machine and outside seating, fully sponsored by parishioners, to provide morning tea after the 9.30 am Mass. The contribution of the Parish Youth in supporting the morning tea and community functions is special for our parish.
List of Parish Priests who have served at St Paschal’s Church
Prior to becoming a separate Parish:
1937 Fr Fidelis Griffin OFM (Kedron)
1942 Fr Coleman O’Connor OFM (died in car accident before arrival
Fr Francis Ryan OFM (PP Kedron)
1943 Fr Louis McDonnell OFM (Curate Kedron responsible for StP
Wavell Heights Parish
1946 - 1953 Rev G Raymond O’Donoghue, DD, PP
1953 - 1975 Rev Michael G O’Connell
1976 Fr H Bliss (Administrator)
1978 Fr R J Wilson (Administrator)
1982 Fr R J Wilson PP
1990 - 1999 Fr Wrex Woolnough PP
2000 Fr John McGrath (Administrator - from Cairns Diocese)
2001 - 2003 Fr Gerry Kalinowski (Administrator)
2003 - 2004 Fr Michael McCarthy (Administrator)
2004 - 2007 Fr Gerry Kalinowski (Administrator)
2007 - 2010 Fr Joseph McGeehan (Administrator)
2010 - 2013 Fr Gerard McMorrow (Administrator)
OLA Parish (formed by amalgamation with St Gerard’s on 1/8/2013)
2013 - 2020 Fr Gerard McMorrow PP
2020 - Fr Paul Chackanikunnel CMI PP