WHEN Ian Bonaccorso began researching the life and pastoral legacy of the first parish priest of Stanthorpe from its foundation in 1874, he reconnected not only with his familial roots but also credited the Holy Spirit as the “driving force” behind the project. “Stanthorpe’s very dear to me,” Ian, who was baptised Ignatius, said of the parish, now in Toowoomba ... Read More »
ROCHEDALE parish is working on the assumption that God’s love shouldn’t be hidden inside the church. For the past few months, the parish has welcomed Muslims and Anglicans through their solid timber-and-brick church, following the footsteps of the great missionary St Francis Xavier. The connection with the Muslim community grew out of one of the worst tragedies of 2019. ... Read More »
BOTH the Mass of Thanksgiving and the concert for Father John Daly’s retirement as parish priest of Bundaberg highlighted the traits of love and kindness, which this humble, non-judgemental man of God brought into the lives of all he knew. Despite heavy rain on the night, hundreds of parishioners gathered at Holy Rosary Church to thank Fr Daly for his ... Read More »
RETIRING priest Fr Frank Lourigan has many accomplishments under his belt, but serving the people of God for 48 years is his proudest achievement. Quoting from a 1907 song by Billy Murray, Fr Lourigan said the people in parishes and communities completed his priestly ministry. “As the old song says, ‘A man without a woman is like a ship without ... Read More »
GATTON’S newest parish priest didn’t expect to find India in the Lockyer Valley. Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Father Noyichan Mamoottil, officially installed this month as the pastor for the Gatton-Laidley parish, believes his new parishioners have a similar character to Catholics in Kerala, India. “I think it’s because most of (the parishioners) are not formal, they are very ... Read More »
MISSIONARY Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Father Regimon Gervasis has thanked the people of Surfers Paradise for their prayers, friendship and smiling faces as he left the parish. Fr Gervasis has been appointed parish priest of Hervey Bay. More than 600 people attended a farewell Mass and morning tea on August 28. Parish priest and South Coast dean Fr Tim ... Read More »
The Catholic Leader Keeping Faith with You
