Three young men who took their final vows as Divine Word Missionaries earlier this year and were ordained as deacons say their diaconate is teaching them how to love and serve God’s people as they prepare for priestly ordination in November.

Deacons Gusty Siga SVD, Khanh Nguyen SVD, and Krisna Papalesa SVD have been serving in various parishes around Australia.

Gusty, who is assigned to St Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Marsden, Brisbane, said he has been enjoying being fully immersed in parish life after many years of seminary study.

“It has allowed me to be more present and involved in the everyday life of the parish,” he said.

“I have had more time to be around, get to know people and take part in the everyday life of the parish. It has also given me the chance to experience a bit of everything; parish ministry, school and youth ministry, hospital visits, chaplaincy and volunteering activity with St Vinnies. I really enjoy being part of such a multicultural and vibrant parish.”

He said he was also grateful for the guidance of Parish Priest Fr John Quang SVD and resident priest Fr Nick de Groot SVD.

“They have been good mentors and confreres, and have given me the freedom to learn, especially in celebrating the sacraments, preparing and delivering homilies and responding to people’s different needs,” he said.

One of the challenges Gusty highlighted was learning how to work with people who have different needs and personalities.

“I have learned that I need to be flexible and meet people where they are, while also knowing when I need to follow the proper guidelines. I am still learning how to find that balance in pastoral ministry,” he said.

Gusty said the people of the parish have been “incredibly kind and supportive”.

“From the beginning, they made me feel welcome and at home, and over this year I have really come to love this community. I have been deeply touched by the love, generosity and care they have shown me. I feel very blessed to have been welcomed into their lives.

“I have had the opportunity to meet people from many different backgrounds and nationalities, and to be part of different parish committees, prayer groups and worship groups. Just being present with them and sharing in parish life has taught me so much.

“They have also given me honest and helpful feedback and advice, which has helped me grow. Above all, I am very grateful for their prayers and encouragement as I prepare for ordination. Knowing that many of them are praying for me, and that some are even planning to come to Melbourne for my ordination, has really touched my heart. I will always be grateful for the love they have shown me.”

Gusty said he believes that God is forming him through the people and the experiences he has each day.

“I am learning that missionary life is not only about going somewhere else, but about being present to the people God places around me. Through this diaconate year, God is slowly teaching me how to serve, how to be with people and how to share the love that I have received with others.”

Krisna, who is serving his diaconate at the twinned Melbourne parishes of St Monica's in Moonee Ponds and St Vincent de Paul in Strathmore under the guidance of Parish Priest Fr Nhân Le, said the primary joy he has experienced is having time to get to know the people.

“I’ve also enjoyed getting to know how busy the ministries in the parish are, such as giving Communion to people in three nursing homes, preparing homilies and undertaking some sacramental ministries, visiting people in their house for a Communion service, working with the Secretary, Treasurer and Pastoral Associates,” he said.

“It has enriched my experience and widened my perspective as a person and as a candidate for the priesthood.”

 Among the challenges he has faced are managing his rest and sleeping time and setting aside time to walk or do exercise, but the support of parishioners has brought him much joy.

“The people support my diaconate ministries in many ways,” he said. “Some of them are chosen by me and the parish priest to give me feedback every second week of the month for all aspects of my life from the homily that I share to the way I do my ministries.

“In all of this I see that God does not leave me alone. I feel so blessed because through the community that is with me I can maintain my prayer life.

“I have Rosary prayer with the parishioners. I have Bible Sharing on Wednesday, and I have time to participate in many prayers and activities.

“I think those programs lead me to understand that God does not leave me alone. God is present in every program that I am part of. This is also forming my character and my understanding about God‘s work through the SVD.”

Meanwhile, Khanh said that during his seven-month diaconate experience at Sacred Heart Parish, Preston, with Fr Aloysius Nato SVD, he has learned about and gained a practical understanding of the role of a deacon.

“I realised that I was ordained a deacon to serve the People of God through the Word of God, liturgy and charitable works,” he said.

“My joys during my time of ministry as a deacon have included becoming a messenger and announcer of the Gospel, and serving at the altar – I happily assist the priest in offering Mass to thank God.

“I am also finding deeper meaning in my vocation as I go forth as a servant of Christ—a deacon—to bring charity to those around me, especially the parishioners of Sacred Heart.

“This includes visiting the sick in hospitals or bringing Holy Communion to the elderly and infirm in their homes or nursing facilities.

“This time is also helping me feel confident and grow in love for my vocation when celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism or participating in funeral Masses.

“On the other hand, I recognise my own linguistic limitations, so I need to improve my public speaking skills.”

Khanh said the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish have welcomed him with love, respect and friendliness.

“They come from diverse nations, ethnicities, and cultures, yet they share a common faith in God,” he said.

“They all share a welcoming attitude, are always ready to assist me, and engage in warm conversation when attending Mass. I feel my vocation flourishing and growing through the support of the parishioners.

“I always strive to maintain an open and friendly attitude toward everyone. As a deacon, I feel my role in communion with the bishop, priests and community.”

Khanh said he appreciates the role of Fr Aloysius in continuing to guide his formation as a deacon and a missionary.

“I feel that God has blessed me with a parish priest, Fr Aloysius, who has constantly guided, encouraged, and inspired me in various aspects of parish life—from liturgy and administration to interacting with the faithful, as well as understanding the role and responsibilities of a priest toward the parish and its people,” he said.

“I feel that God has walked with me throughout my time as a deacon. Through this journey, I have seen my vocation flourish day by day, nurtured by God’s guidance, the support of others, and my own personal efforts.” 

PHOTOS

TOP RIGHT: Deacon Gusty Siga SVD with Fr Nick De Groot SVD and Fr John Quang SVD following Mass at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Marsden in Brisbane.

TOP LEFT: Deacon Gusty and parishioners in traditional dress for the parish Multicultural Sunday celebration.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Deacon Krisna Papalesa SVD (second from right) after Mass.

MIDDLE LEFT: Deacon Krisna celebrates his birthday with clergy and parishioners.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Deacon Khanh Nguyen SVD baptises a baby at Sacred Heart Parish, Preston.

BOTTOM LEFT:: Deacon Khanh centre with Fr Aloysius Nato SVD and parishioners at the Easter Vigil this year.