AUSTRALIA can be grateful to the many pioneering priests from other countries and cultures who helped to mould this nation.
They went to the far reaches of the continent to preach the Word of God, often living in tough conditions they would never have expected to encounter when they left their home country. These missionary priests are now part of Australian history.
Today, Australia is facing a new shortage of priests.
Nevertheless, it seems unfair to bring priests from overseas to make up the numbers in this country when so many other places in the world are far needier of their services.
The answer to Australia’s clergy shortage has to be addressed in other ways. Ultimately, the Church will be guided by the Holy Spirit in its response to this issue.
