TOOWONG parish priest Fr Wrex Woolnough celebrated his golden jubilee at a Mass at St Ignatius parish on Sunday, July 24.
Brisbane auxiliary Bishop Ken Howell joined Fr Woolnough at the church for his anniversary.
At the Mass, Fr Woolnough said it was touching to see so many people show up for his golden jubilee.
“I thank you all for the presence you’ve been in my life because it has been significant and it’s left a significant mark on who I am and how I think and the way in which I act and I’m very grateful for that,” he said.
“None of us carry our own journey, we basically carry the journey that we make with others and recognising those companions on the journey and the richness of that is very important.”
He said he had not travelled as much as some other priests in 50 years – he was posted first to Aspley for two years, then spent three years in England, returned to the seminary for 13 years, nine years at Wavell Heights, 17 years at Caboolture-Bribie and four years in Toowong.
He said thinking back on those years, each parish had given him a unique gift and he was grateful for each one.
In his homily, Bishop Howell said the quest of every priest was to make the Gospel alive and able to be appreciated by the people entrusted to their pastoral care.
“From what I know of Fr Wrex, he has always been able to put the Gospel message in simple, straight forward ways that brings it alive and makes it accessible,” he said.
He said this was only the case when the core of the message was alive in the heart of the priest who preaches.
“This is what we salute today,” he said.
He said the message of Christ found a place deep in Fr Woolnough’s heart and “we have seen and admired this Life of Christ within him”.
He thanked Fr Woolnough for his years of ministry and teaching by the example of his life.
St Ignatius School Principal Duncan Maitland said Fr Woolnough was an important part of the parish and school community.
“Fr Wrex was ordained a priest for the Brisbane Archdiocese on 9th August 1972, and our school community is so proud to be able to share in the celebration of Fr Wrex’s Golden Jubilee on St Ignatius Day which will be the perfect way to conclude Catholic Education Week,” he said.
“We are blessed to have Fr Wrex as our parish priest in the St Ignatius School community.
“We think it is amazing to have our own church leader being recognised for his commitment and passion of 50 years.
“Father Wrex is a common face in the playground, and he is always generous with his smiles and hi fives.
“He has touched so many people’s lives in so many ways.
“We value his generosity, kindness, joy, ability to have a good laugh and of course, the enthusiasm he shows for the learning happening at St Ignatius.
“It is amazing to think that he has been part of the Brisbane Archdiocese for 50 years, and the way he shares his spirituality ignites the light of faith in our school and beyond.
“Congratulations Fr Wrex on your Golden Jubilee.”
