Priest’s story, from Shasi to Heathcote

WITH the blessing of her late friend Father Paul Kuang Yao Ly, Sue Bier has written a book about his fascinating life.

Father Ly came to Heathcote in 1980 and brought with him a wealth of exotic changes and little idiosyncrasies not previously experienced by his parishioners.

“Father Ly was parish priest in Heathcote for 28 years and on his retirement lived here until his death in 2011,” Ms Bier said.

“I worked closely with Father Ly as the parish secretary and on parish committees during his time here and cared for him as a very dear friend.

“With his blessing, I have written a book about his life.”

Ms Bier says researching and writing Father Ly’s story has been a privilege.

“I have finally written his story based on his memories of his home in China and his journey from Rome to Australia as well as the more than 30 years he spent in Heathcote,” she said.

“The book includes many photos of his life in Rome, his ordination and his life in Australia.

“It features some of Father Ly’s personal writings and memories and tributes from his parish family as well as others who shared his Christian faith.”

Father Ly wrote extensively about his childhood in China and the time he and other priesthood students fled from the armies of Chairman Mao to Rome for sanctuary.

“Father Ly came to Australia, as a refugee in 1956 from Rome, Italy. He was born in China but fled to Rome with others studying for the Catholic priesthood to escape persecution by the Communist government of Chairman Mao,” Ms Bier said.

“I worked with Father Ly in many capacities during his 28 years as parish priest and into his retirement.

“I have included many of the personal memories Father Ly wrote about, which inspired me to write the rest of the story.

“It took the death of my husband and my retirement to find the time to do so.

“I consider it an honour and a privilege to be entrusted with this endeavour by Father Ly. I hope his interesting story is enjoyed by both those who knew him and others who did not.”

Ms Bier was born in Kyneton, trained as a nurse at Wangaratta, married Anthony Bier in 1972 and moved to Heathcote. They have four children and one grandson.

She has been involved in community work over a long period of time.

She was awarded the Australia Day Citizen of the Year in 1995 and was made a life governor of the Heathcote Hospital in 2009.

Ms Bier has always had an interest in writing and poetry, but it took retirement for her to find the time to develop the skills and confidence to undertake grander projects such as this book.

While she was helping him settle into retirement, Father Ly gave Ms Bier his early life story to read, and she was inspired to record the remainder of his life for posterity.

She has been well supported by her friends in the Heathcote U3A Creative Writing Group as well as the parishioners of St Mary’s Parish Heathcote in the project.

For a copy, contact [email protected]