Today, 3 August, marks 25 years since the death of Fr John Corcoran Wallis, visionary founder of the Missionary Sisters of Service, pastoral priest, spiritual guide and friend to generations of people whose lives he touched.
To mark the anniversary, the Missionary Sisters of Service (MSS), together with family, friends and parishioners of St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Blackburn, gathered yesterday to give thanks for Fr John’s remarkable life. The celebration included Mass, celebrated by Bishop Mark Freeman of the Diocese of Ballarat, followed by a luncheon and time of shared memories in the parish hall.
Concelebrating the Mass were Fr Brian Nichols, Fr Bruce Duncan CSsR and one of the priests from the parish, Fr Chris McPhee MSC. Among those present were Missionary Sisters of Service, members of the MSS Stewardship Council, some of Fr John’s nieces and nephews, including Bernadette Wallis MSS, and many friends whose lives had been shaped by his ministry.
Welcoming everyone, Stancea Vichie MSS reflected on the joy of gathering together within a parish where several sisters worship. She described Fr John as ‘a remarkable man’ who spent his life in ‘love and service’ of people across Tasmania, Australia and beyond. ‘He lived the spirit of the Gospels and the vision of Vatican II,’ she said. ‘He really lived it to the full.’
Fr John Corcoran Wallis was a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Hobart, visionary founder of the Missionary Sisters of Service, and a gifted spiritual director whose ministry profoundly influenced generations of priests, religious and lay people. Ahead of his time in pastoral outreach following the Second Vatican Council, he encouraged the Church to ‘go to people wherever they are’, living his conviction that the Gospel was to be found not only within church walls but out in the ‘highways and byways’ of Australia.
In his homily, Bishop Mark reflected on Fr John’s extraordinary faith and the way he responded wholeheartedly to God’s invitation throughout his life. Drawing on the Scriptures of the day, Bishop Mark said Fr John heard God’s call to ‘come’, ‘listen’ and ‘give them something to eat yourselves’. That invitation led him to found the Missionary Sisters of Service so that isolated families might encounter the Gospel and ‘come to the fullness of life’.
Bishop Mark also spoke movingly of visiting Fr John during a difficult period late in life, recalling that even in the depths of suffering, ‘nothing could come between him and the love of God made visible in Christ’. Reflecting on one of Fr John’s best-known expressions, he said that for Fr John, mystery was ‘not a problem that has to be solved, but rather a deep encounter to be entered into’. He concluded simply with Fr John’s familiar words: ‘Mystery, mystery, mystery.’
Following Mass, guests gathered in the school hall for lunch, where a slideshow of photographs traced Fr John’s life and ministry alongside many of his well-loved sayings. The afternoon became a rich tapestry of memories as those who knew him shared stories that revealed not only his wisdom and spirituality, but also his warmth, humour and deep humanity.
Corrie van den Bosch MSS reflected on Fr John’s remarkable capacity to keep growing throughout his life. She remembered his lifelong love of reading, often encouraging others to ‘choose wisely what you read, and read well what you choose.’ She also spoke of the freedom and humanity he embraced in later life, recalling his love of bushwalking, photography and writing personal letters, observing that Fr John ‘was very human’ and continued growing throughout his life.
Fr Brian Nichols spoke of Fr John’s profound influence on his own priesthood, describing him as a deeply spiritual man who wholeheartedly embraced the vision of the Second Vatican Council. He remembered Fr John’s encouragement to remain open to the movement of the Holy Spirit and to keep Christ and the Gospel at the centre of life and ministry. Reflecting on his own vocation, Fr Brian said one of Fr John’s greatest gifts was teaching him that ‘every day is another opportunity to recommit ourselves to the Gospel.’
Patricia ní Ivor shared how, as a young woman wrestling with faith, she once confided in Fr John that she no longer believed in God. Rather than rebuking her, he smiled gently and simply replied, ‘You’re coming along nicely.’ It was a response that transformed her understanding of faith. Looking back, Patricia said it was Fr John’s conviction that ‘God is love’, together with his lifelong practice of ‘gratitude, gratitude, gratitude’, that continues to shape her life today.
Fr John’s nieces and nephew offered warm and often humorous reflections that revealed the uncle they knew and loved. Jane remembered his kindness, generosity and gentle humour, saying he had ‘a remarkable gift for making people feel valued’ and that ‘the world was undoubtedly a brighter place because he was in it’. Another niece recalled his reassuring wisdom as a young parent, encouraging her that life’s detours helped people think for themselves and grow. His nephew Chris drew laughter from the room with his affectionate recollection of Fr John’s famously indecipherable handwriting.
Bringing the afternoon of reflections to a close, Bernadette Wallis MSS reflected tenderly on accompanying her uncle during the final weeks of his life. She recalled the beautiful winter sunrise streaming through his room on the morning of his death, a moment that has remained with her ever since. She also reflected on Fr John’s lifelong commitment to the Archdiocese of Hobart, his devotion to the MSS, and the countless stories, writings and memories that continue to reveal ‘the mystery of the man’. Looking ahead, she expressed the hope that one day a full biography might capture more deeply the richness of his life and legacy. She concluded by offering Fr John’s own blessing: ‘May Mary’s mantle shield you and may the grace of God be yours.’
The anniversary was marked with gratitude, laughter, storytelling and deeper connection—qualities that reflected the spirit of Fr John himself. More than two decades after his death, his vision continues to shape the MSS and inspire countless people whose lives have been touched by his wisdom, compassion and deep faith. As Corrie van den Bosch reflected after the celebration, ‘His spirit pervaded it all, from the Mass to the gathering in the hall. I think he would have enjoyed it, and he probably did from where he is now.’
Photography courtesy Fiona Basile
