Issue 816

Shaggy Dog Comments...

The Echo is read around the world. This week we had an email from a chap who found gardening writer Julia Hancock during a websearch. He's a cousin delighted to find his long lost relative. Last week we had a sadder email from Shirley Morris, who asked us to pass on a message. We'll let Shirley take over: 'I am in Canada and I was unable to get a flight back to Lismore in time for my grandmother's funeral. Her name is Theresa Campbell of Casino. Nan, may you rest in peace. I know you are with the angels, you were the grand lady of the family, and your patty cakes were the best in town. You are in Gods hands now. Love you Nan, Shirley'.

The appropriately named Lifeline provides free 24 hour telephone counselling for people in need. The Lismore office is looking for new telephone counsellors and will run a training course from May 7. The counsellors are a mixed group - from the young to retired people. They come from all walks of life, but share the common desire to help others and listen to people in their hour of need. It's enormously rewarding and the training is recognised for its ability to develop valuable communication skills. If you're interested in taking part, contact Janet at Lifeline Lismore on 6622 4133.

If it seems like a lot of people are wandering around town this week with a look of peace and bliss on the faces, allow us to explain why. It's not every day a saint passes by, let alone a real Saint, but that's what happened in Lismore on Monday. The relics (ie mortal remains) of St Therese of Lisieux (pictured) have made a pilgrimage around Australia for the last month. The 19th century Carmelite nun was canonised in 1925, having died in 1897, aged 24, from tuberculosis. Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, was published a year after her death. It offered an insight into Divine tenderness and has been translated into more than 50 different languages and sold millions of copies. St Therese loved flowers and referred to herself as 'the little white flower' and she had a habit of strewing rose petals on the crucifix.

That is why her reliquary often has rose petals scattered on top. In 1997, the centenary of her death, Pope John Paul II, declared St Therese a Doctor of the Church, one of only three female saints awarded the honour. 'Her spiritual path is so mature and ardent, the intuitions of faith present in her writings are so vast and profound as to have earned her a place among the great masters of the spirit,' the Pope said. St Therese is the Patron Saint of Missions, and most appropriately for Anzac Day, the soldiers' saint. Stories of her presence comforting soldiers in the trenches of WWI abounded. Pilots baptised their planes in her name and entire regiments were dedicated to her. An estimated 5000 Catholics from this region took the chance to pay homage to the relics of St Therese, which were in St Carthages Cathedral on Monday, then the Carmelite Monastery overnight. It was the first time the remains of a saint had visited Australia.

Speaking of religious icons, the head of Buddhism, the 14th Dalai Lama, is following in the footsteps of Elton John during a visit to Australia next month. The Dalai Lama is speaking at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. For $28.50, you can hear the monk talk about 'The Four Noble Truths' for two hours on May 26. It gets even more pop in the evening with a special tribute concert at the Sydney Opera House that night. For details, visit www.dalailama.org.au

Of course religion has played a part in the suffering in the Middle East, but the humanitarian organisation the Red Cross is above politics and religious tensions and simply wants to help people suffering in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. They're sending $40 'family packages' containing blankets, sugar, tea, washing powder and personal hygiene items to people whose homes have been destroyed. If you want to make a tax deductible donation, go to www.redcross.org.au

Many Golden Days

Ossie and Aileen Miller on their wedding day, and more recently, after 50 years of life together

Ossie and Aileen Miller on their wedding day, and more recently, after 50 years of life together.

A surprise Golden wedding anniversary celebration for Ossie and Aileen Miller, formerly of Lismore Heights and Goonellabah, was held in Lismore recently.

Ossie and Aileen were married at Narrabri on April 26, 1952.

Ossie was a well-respected push bike road racer and at that time, was the youngest competitor to complete the arduous Sydney to Goulburn bike race. He was also a member of the prestigious 'League of Wheelmen'.

Aileen was prominent in raising funds for the first swimming baths constructed in Narrabri and for her work in the local marching band. After they married the Millers moved to Mortdale in Sydney where they had four children, Robert, Peter, Kim and Keith. In 1965 they moved from Sydney to Coraki and ran a dairy farm for around three years. Then they moved to Lismore, where the family owned and operated a pie and cake shop at North Lismore and later, a uniform shop in central Lismore.

Subsequently, Ossie was employed in the mining industry as a carpenter for 10 years and then pursued a successful business as a builder, constructing a number of homes on the North Coast. In 1995, they moved to Medowie, near Newcastle. The couple recently retired to a small property at Crossmaglen, south of Coffs Harbour.

Aileen is best known for her work with sporting bodies on the North Coast. She was the President of the Lismore and District Netball Association for nine years and remains a Life Member of the Association. She was the Founding President of the Pink Panthers Netball Club in Lismore and held a State Umpiring qualification. Aileen is also thought to have been the first woman President of a senior rugby league football club in Australia when she was elected as Foundation President of the Mid Richmond Senior Rugby League Football Club in 1974.

Mrs Miller was also a long time member of the Lismore Sports Trust and has been active in the Quota Club on the Far North Coast over many years and was President for two years.

The surprise anniversary celebration held in Lismore included their friends and family. Letters of congratulations were received from the Prime Minister, the Premier, the Governor and Governor-General, and the Leader of the National Party. They have seven grandchildren.