Staff and students at the SVD’s formation house, Dorish Maru College in Melbourne, have farewelled secretary Vicky Cheung, whose presence extended beyond her professional duties to encompass the roles of mentor, friend and mother-figure.

Vicky retired this month after 17 years in the job and her deep contribution to the lives of many young missionaries-in-training was honoured at an emotional farewell function.

Rector of Dorish Maru College (DMC), Fr Elmer Ibarra SVD, said Vicky’s role was integral to the formation of the students, who come from a range of different countries, and are far from the supports of home.

“Vicky was there at Dorish Maru every day and the students would interact with her every day, not just in her role as secretary, but really as administrator of the House,” he said.

“She was definitely seen as a mother figure for the students, and she was also a big help to me when I started in the role of Rector. In a way, Dorish Maru is home to Vicky too, and we told her she is always welcome here.”

Vicky started at DMC in 2009 after being shown the job advertisement by a friend who worked at Yarra Theological Union.

She said one of the most rewarding parts of her work was watching the growth of students who arrived at DMC from many different countries.

“Many come here shy and unable to speak English, but over time, they gain confidence, develop their language skills, mature into remarkable young men, and prepare themselves to spread the Good News of God throughout the world. Witnessing that transformation has been an incredible privilege,” she said.

Vicky said that like the students and staff, she too has a special attachment to Dorish Maru College.

“It is much more than a formation house – it is our home. It is a place where we are free to learn, to explore, to make mistakes, and to grow at our own pace. That is very different from the corporate world where I came from. Here, grace, forgiveness, compassion, and love are always present,” she said.

One of the standout attributes of Dorish Maru College, was that people from so many different backgrounds, cultures and life experiences, could live together so happily under one roof, Vicky said.

“The ability to accept, support and care for one another is truly one of the greatest gifts of the SVD community. The teamwork shown during Mission Day, ordinations, and so many other events is remarkable, and it is something that makes the entire SVD family very proud.”

Vicky said she was touched by the tributes to her at the farewell function, where some of the students and Fr Elmer spoke warmly about her contribution to life at DMC. She was also presented with a “beautiful” crystal butterfly as a gift.

“They had put together a power point presentation with lots of photos of my years at Dorish Maru. It was wonderful, and a big surprise,” she said. “It was very emotional, actually.”

Vicky said she had made many good friendships through her role at Dorish Maru College and there was a sadness in saying goodbye, but she was looking forward to her retirement which would include more travel with her husband Joseph, more golf and dancing, as well as ongoing education through U3A classes, and more time to visit and care for her mother.

“Working for the SVD has been both a blessing and a privilege. Every one of you has helped me grow – not only professionally but also personally. I have learned to see life from different perspectives and have become more open-minded, patient and understanding,” she said in her farewell speech.

“Thank you for making these past 17 years some of the happiest and most meaningful years of my life. I will miss you all very much.”

Also present at the function was Vicky’s successor, Swee Lou, who was warmly welcomed by the DMC community.

PHOTOS

TOP RIGHT: Rector of Dorish Maru College, Fr Elmer Ibarra SVD, gives thanks to Vicky Cheung at her retirement farewell function.

MIDDLE LEFT: Vicky and her husband Joseph during Mass.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Vicky, (back centre) surrounded by family, friends, and the Dorish Maru College community of SVD students and faculty.