FR Neil Muir was installed as the new Holy Spirit Seminary rector at the seminary chapel yesterday.
All seven Queensland bishops were there for the installation.
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge blessed Fr Muir as well as the staff and students at the seminary.
Fr Muir said it was a great gathering of the province at the blessing and said he was privileged to serve the young men in his care as a priest and a rector.
“I’m in awe of the faith of these young guys and the energy and the love they have for the future they’re called to,” he said.
“I’m also really appreciative of the facility we have.
“It’s an amazing facility, far different to when I was a student – that’s a sign of support and investment by the bishops and people of the province.”
Fr Muir, who served in leadership roles in Cairns diocese for many years, said his priority for the first few weeks was getting to know the place and discerning more about his role.
He said it was a unique position for the seminary to be located within Australian Catholic University.
“That’s one of the things I appreciate is the close relationship between ourselves and the university,” he said.
“We’ve been hosted at the university a few times and we’ve hosted some of their leadership down here.”
Fr Muir said he had settled in well at the seminary since he stepped into the role at the start of the year.
“It’s a great bunch of students, very gifted young men,” he said.
“There are eight (students) in-house living in the seminary and seven out on pastoral placement, which includes two deacons.
“The staff have been more than welcoming and we have a very talented staff.
“I feel very welcomed here.”
