FATHER Luan Le has always enjoyed trying new things.
“I’ve tried acapella singing in a choir, martial arts, and I once took up surfing,” he said
Now, the Capuchin Franciscan friar will embark on a new challenge – Australian Catholic University’s Banyo campus chaplain.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to evangelise and connect with staff and students,” Fr Le said.
“I’m really looking forward to being present and a part of this community.”
Fr Le grew up in Adelaide and pursued a degree in Medical Laboratory Science at the University of South Australia.
However in 2001, he left his hospital role and decided to join the Capuchin Franciscan Friars.
“I knew I was drawn to religious life, but priests often live individually,” Fr Le said.
“I am a community person, so I was seeking something a little different.”
After his initial formation in Sydney, Fr Le travelled to Melbourne for his theological studies.
He later journeyed to Rome to complete his Masters in moral theology and was ordained to the priesthood in 2010.
Fr Le cited his role as World Youth Day youth chaplain in 2011 and 2013 as one of his most “enjoyable experiences”.
“ Young people really want to experience things and have their own inspirations,” he said.
Another fresh face on campus was Maddie Luciani – the university’s new pastoral associate.
“My role involves being a support to students in their personal and faith life,” Ms Luciani said.
“I’m also here to help provide students with opportunities to help connect with each other and create a sense of community.”
As a previous NET Ministries supervisor, Ms Luciani was very experienced in mentoring students through their faith journeys.
She was currently serving as an Emmanuel Worship leader and had contributed to Evangelisation Brisbane’s Psalms Project.
“ It’s safe to say I couldn’t be doing the role that I’m doing now without the formation that I received from NET,” Ms Luciani said.
“I’m really excited to use what I have learned and share my gifts with the students here at ACU.”
Both Fr Le and Ms Luciani agreed the most rewarding part of working with young adults was their “energy and hunger”.
“In religious life , over the years you can sometimes become relaxed or settled , but young people can challenge and energise you,” Fr Le said.
Ms Luciani believed young people had a big part to play in the future of the Catholic Church.
“Young people are incredibly receptive, they’re so hungry and they want to know more and they are always asking questions,” she said.
“To be that person that sits with them, listens to their questions and guides them is a real privilege.”
