ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ

Death of Fr Elio Proietto

The passing of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ’s foundation Principal.

We received the sad news on Tuesday night from the Salesian Provincial House in Melbourne, that Fr Elio Proietto SDB, our first Principal of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ had passed away.

Fr Elio had been frail and unwell for a number of years and was in care.

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ is deeply indebted to Fr Elio for his vision, dedication, commitment and great love of young people in forging how ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ was established and what we have become.

Fr Elio has been described by many old scholars this week, as gifted, energetic, and hands on. He is fondly remembered as a great Italian and French teacher with a wonderful sense of humour.

Fr Elio Proietto – a true Salesian

Fr Elio was a priest who genuinely cared about others and was well known for how he knew everyone’s name in the community. Known as ‘Fr Pro’, old scholars remember his kindness, visits to their homes and family when they were in hospital. He was said to be “not just a teacher but a true friend.�

Fr Elio was born in Sicily, Italy on 1 July 1934 and joined the Salesians there. He was professed in 1950, came to Australia in 1951 and ordained in 1960. His family came to Australia, too. Fr Elio ministered in Salesian schools and parishes, in Adelaide, Samoa and Melbourne, as well as Glenorchy.

Fr Elio served the College in our Boys Town days as a Salesian brother from 1954-55. He returned to us when we had become Savio College and taught our boys from 1961-68. In 1972 he was appointed as Rector and became Principal, serving from 1973-77. Mr Tony Webb, Chairman of our Dominic Old Scholars Association (DOSA) Committee, recalls that “he was great as a Salesian and as an inspirational teacher and leader in the College when I was a student.�

I am personally terribly sad at Fr Elio’s passing; he was a giant for us and we would not be who we are today without him and the other Salesian Principals after him who visioned an amazing Salesian and Dominican school community.

Requiem Mass in Glenorchy

We want to honour Fr Elio and his legacy and we offer prayers of thanksgiving for his life and love. Fr Lawrie Moate, SDB has initiated a Mass of thanksgiving for the life or Fr Elio on this coming Tuesday evening, 1 March at 7.30pm at St John’s Parish Church, Bowden Street, Glenorchy.

All in our community are welcome to join us in honouring, remembering and praying for the repose of Fr Elio’s soul. It is our hope and prayer that Fr Elio is at peace in the arms of our loving God after a wonderful life of service in the name of Jesus and his servant St John Bosco. Fr Elio’s funeral will be held in Brunswick next week and he will be buried at Salesian College Rupertswood.
Ms Beth Gilligan - ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ Principal