7 Volume 33 No. 2 | Winter 2023 Society Matters Fr Niran says he felt at home in the SVD Australia Province from when he first arrived and is grateful to the Province for welcoming him here. “Secondly, I am grateful to the SVD Australia Province for taking up the ministry in the Tiwi Islands,” he says. After first arriving in Sydney, Fr Niran spent time with the SVD Aboriginal Chaplaincy in Central Australia, receiving orientation for his new mission and ministry with the Indigenous people of the Tiwi Islands. Fr Niran says his arrival on the Tiwi Islands in November last year was an unforgettable experience. “The journey lasted almost two-and-a-half hours, taking me from Darwin to Bathurst Island (Wurrumiyanga) on the Tiwi Islands,” he says. “Throughout the journey, I was reminded of the voyage undertaken by our SVD first missionary, St. Joseph Freinademetz (1852-1908), who travelled from the Netherlands (Steyl) to Hong Kong. His journey was long and challenging, taking five weeks to complete.” As soon as he arrived at the Bathurst Island (Wurrumiyanga) community, Fr Niran attended a funeral service, which proved to be “a unique and deeply moving experience”. “The Tiwi people come together as a family to support one another and honour their loved ones during funerals. The funeral ceremonies could last for a whole day, encompassing a Holy Mass and traditional songs and dances around the coffin. This is their way of showing respect for the deceased and giving them a fitting farewell. It was a remarkable and emotional experience that left a lasting impression on me.” Over the following days, he spent time listening to the Tiwi people and learning more about their culture. “I discovered that they have a rich and varied heritage, expressed with great eloquence. I also observed that they hold deep respect for the priests, which was possible through the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart’s immense contribution to this mission for over 100 years. Being with the Tiwi people is a constant learning experience for me. “During my five months on the Tiwi Islands, I have learned about various aspects of the Tiwi culture. For instance, I discovered their unique style of painting, which reflects their way of life and culture. The Tiwi people also have a strong connection to the land and sea, as reflected in their hunting and fishing practices. Additionally, I learned about their unique language and dialects, which have been preserved over the years and are still spoken today. “During my last five months, I have experienced the Tiwi people’s warm welcome, and I have come to appreciate how deeply their traditions and customs are rooted in their way of life. As a Divine Word Missionary (SVD), I feel it is fitting for our charism to work with First Nations people. Our missionary approach should be rooted in their culture. “Though there may be many challenges, we, the Divine Word Missionaries, are here to walk alongside others and contribute to this mission. I am reminded of the words of St Arnold Janssen, ‘Bring the Gospel to all, communicate it to all. It is not just for a few people or a limited period of time.’ Let St Arnold Janssen bless our mission.” Fr Niran with university students in Russia Fr Niran with parishioners in Russia
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