By Emilie Ng
INDIAN priests are a “great gift” to the Brisbane archdiocese and especially archdiocesan priests, according to vicar for clergy and bishop-elect for Rockhampton Fr Michael McCarthy.
Fr McCarthy, vicar general Monsignor Peter Meneely and Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge recently met with four priests from India’s Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament to welcome their order’s superior general Fr George Kizhakkemury to Brisbane.
During his visit, Fr Kizhakkemury blessed the first Australian mission house for MCBS priests which was officially opened on February 23.
He also presided at Fr Jacob Chacko’s installation to Rochedale parish.
MCBS priests have been in the archdiocese since 2009.
There are two in Toowoomba and six in Brisbane.
Fr McCarthy said the archdiocese was “grateful for the generosity of MCBS for providing priests for Brisbane”.
“What a great gift they have been to us, supporting our archdiocesan priests,” he said.
“Our Indian brothers have been very generous to many dioceses around Australia.
“We certainly cherish their work in Australia, not just MCBS, but all religious orders from India.”
The bishop-elect of Rockhampton said he would wait to see if MCBS priests would be appointed to work in his new diocese.
