MISSIONARY Society of the Blessed Sacrament priests from three Queensland dioceses gathered in Townsville to commemorate the foundation of their order 88 years ago on May 17.
Fr Shilbin Kurian, associate priest in the local parishes of Mary MacKillop, St Brigid’s and Holy Family, said the gathering was an important occasion because when they gathered it was a time of final profession and also a chance to celebrate jubilees for priests.
“Last year we were unable to gather due to COVID-19 restrictions, but this year we invited our brother Priests from Brisbane and Toowoomba to come to Townsville,” Fr Kurian said.
During the gathering, the priests spent time in prayer and also conversation about their individual ministries and also took time to share their experience in the Australian Church.
“It was important for us to gather during these times to talk about the joys and challenges of our ministry especially as we are unable to return home and see family and friends” Fr Kurian said.
“We are very lucky in this time to have the technology that allows us to connect digitally with those we are separated from back home.”
Townsville Bishop Tim Harris celebrated a Mass for the priests gathered and shared his prayers and encouragement for their ministry in the diocese and Australia.
He also thanked the MCBS superior general Fr Joseph Maleparambil, and provincials for the gift of the MCBS priests in Australia.
“We were lucky to receive a special message from our superior general during our meeting which gave us encouragement and prayers for our ministry,” Fr Kuran said.
During their time in the diocese they took time out to explore what Townsville had on offer including a trip to the scenic Paluma and Mount Spec area.
Praying for India in time of need
Another special Mass was offered for the people of India at a time when COVID-19 had reportedly infected almost 30 million people.
Townsville diocese gathered to pray for those affected and those isolated from family and friends back home.
“Mass tonight is in fact for anyone, anywhere that is suffering or dying as a consequence of this terrible virus,” Bishop Harris said in his homily.
“The people of India are on our minds, and it is good that we can gather together in solidarity at this time to pray for them and surround them with love, even from a distance, our prayers will be heard.”
With well over 1,400 Indian nationals living in Townsville and ten priests ministering in the diocese from India, this virus has touched so many people locally.
“We especially remember those 370,000 who have lost their lives because of COVID-19 as well as the families they leave behind,” Bishop Harris said.
“People’s lives have changed and may never return to the way they were before.”
Since the pandemic travel restrictions have been in place, all the overseas priests that work in the diocese have been unable to return to visit families and friends.
Many of these have been touched and some have even lost loved ones due to being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Bishop Harris encouraged those gathered and the wider diocesan community to step up and receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
“This COVID-19 Pandemic has taught us to be more attentive to one another,” he said.
“This means that every one of us should be preparing to receive this COVID-19 Jab.
“For we are risking others if we choose to delay or not receive this lifesaving vaccine.
“The coronavirus, while shocking does not mean that our God and Jesus Christ has abandoned us, God is best in the messiness of our lives, including in the messiness of death.
“The task has been and continues to be enormous, caring for one another in their hour of need is what Christianity is all about. Christians accompany the dying; we do not give up on them.”
Bishop Harris offered a prayer for those gathered from parish communities across Townsville as well as the Syro-Malabar Parish community.
“We gather with one another this evening to pray for all people who are dealing with this virus,” he said.
