The SVD members who are ministering in the Queensland District gathered in Townsville recently for a week of reflection centred on spiritual renewal, strategic discussions and missionary collaboration.
A highlight of the gathering was a presentation by Fr Prakash Menezes SVD about his experience at the 19th General Chapter in Rome.
Fr Prakash and the Provincial of the SVD Australia Province, Fr Asaeli Rass SVD, are in the process of sharing their insights from the Chapter with all the confreres around the Province so that all are familiar with the Chapter’s outcomes and directions for the coming years.
The Queensland District gathering was held at Good Shepherd Parish, Kirwan and began with Mass celebrated by Fr Joseph Reddy SVD (parish priest) and Fr Joe Jacob SVD (assistant priest).
“This annual gathering provided a platform for reflection on the missions, sharing of future goals, and a celebration of the collective efforts of the missionaries in the region,” said Fr Joseph.
Following the opening Mass, the morning continued with a creative prayer led by Frs Jan Szweda and Gideon Awudi, followed by an engaging presentation by Mr Ross Horner on the history of the Catholic Church in Townsville.
“This presentation was a chance to reflect on the deep roots of Catholicism in the Townsville Diocese and Catholic Education’s evolving role in the community,” said Fr Joseph.
A key session of the first day addressed the practical aspects of missionary work, including finance and budgeting.
“Province Treasurer Fr Stephan Gerdes SVD facilitated this discussion, offering valuable insights into the financial sustainability of missionary activities in Queensland,” Fr Joseph said.
The day ended with Fr Prakash’s presentation on the 19th General Chapter of the Society of the Divine Word, held earlier this year in Rome, outlining the future vision for the SVD globally, followed by a social gathering and shared meal with the Holy Spirit Sisters, further fostering the Arnoldus family bonds.
The following day was spent exploring the natural beauty of North Queensland with a full-day tour of Townsville and surroundings.
Led by Fr Manh Le SVD, the group visited Wallaman Falls after celebrating Mass at Ingham Parish, which was presided over by Fr Mikhael Loke SVD, who was assistant priest in that parish for two years, 20 years ago.
The day’s activities included lunch at Fr Dave Lancini’s sugar cane farm (the previous long-serving parish priest of Kirwan). This was followed by an outdoor excursion where the missionaries enjoyed the lush landscape.
“On Thursday, the missionaries took part in ministry sharing sessions, where we reflected on our experiences and challenges in our pastoral work,” Fr Joseph said.
“These sessions were a chance for open discussion, where ideas were exchanged on how to better serve the needs of our communities in areas like Indigenous outreach, youth ministry and migrant support.”
The afternoon was spent exploring Magnetic Island, where the SVDs received a warm welcome from parishioners, who joined them for Mass and a barbecue.
“The trip to Magnetic Island not only provided a time of relaxation but also deepened the bonds between the missionaries and the people we serve,” Fr Joseph said.
Fr Joseph said the week’s activities balanced spiritual reflection, practical planning and community engagement.
“From Masses to ministry-sharing sessions, and from budget discussions to outings in nature, the gathering was a testament to the SVD’s commitment to its mission in Queensland,” he said.
“As our time together came to a close, most of us returned to our respective ministry places with renewed energy and a clearer vision for our future work. The bonds strengthened during this time of fellowship and shared purpose will undoubtedly inspire our missionary endeavours in the years to come.”
Fr Joe Jacob said the District Gathering was a time where confreres could share about their enriching experiences of the ministry entrusted by Jesus.
“It was a rare occasion where all confreres could feel the SVD-ness by having common meals and getting into the shoes of the other confreres to share in solidarity. We shall continue to cherish the good memories that we had together and keep up the same optimistic mind and heart to work for the kingdom of Jesus,” he said.
Fr Manh Le SVD, who is in ministry on Palm Island, said the confreres were “blessed to be surrounded by the beautiful nature and rich history of Townsville”.
He said Ross Horner’s historical knowledge and love for the land was evident from his presentation which began with acknowledging the presence of the First Nations peoples and then “zoomed in” on Townsville’s rich history.
“He shared so much hope and enthusiasm for the Townsville church with the challenge of missionary vision,” he said. “Fr Prakash refreshed us on the Chapter’s vision that being faithful and creative disciples of the Word is a way to shine into this wounded world. We are so grateful to be able to gather together in this busy lifestyle.”
Fr Jan Szweda who is ministering in the parish of St Francis Xavier in Townsville, said it was “wonderful to see our younger and young confreres working in Queensland”.
“I could not help but wonder how much the face of our Society has changed since the time I joined the SVD in 1972,” he said. “The joy of getting together, sharing our life and missionary commitment, the spirit of brotherhood and the enthusiasm generated during these days made me feel grateful and proud to be an SVD, and has strengthened my missionary spirit and filled me with hope that our SVD mission is carried into the future in these challenging times.”
The Provincial Coordinator for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation, Fr Jun Perez SVD, was also present and said the QLD District Gathering was a time for the confreres to share their missionary life.
“The Gathering was not only confined to sharing our missionary experiences, but also to exploring the hidden tourist destinations that Townsville can offer,” he said.
And Fr Prakash, who is Parish Priest in Alice Springs in Central Australia, said it was “a great privilege” to visit the Qld confreres at their District Gathering.
“I was honoured to experience the care and hospitality of each confrere who went out of their way to make our stay in Townsville a memorable one,” he said.
“It was quite eye-opening to see how the confreres are doing in their ministry and the joy of being in mission.
“My presentation of the General Chapter was very positively received, with lots of questions and clarifications by confreres along the way.
“I was pleased by how switched-on our confreres were to the woundedness of our world, as well as our own Society, and to the call to respond with the Light of Christ in our respective mission placements.”