Our First Australian Saint, Mary Mackillop of the Cross once said, “We are but travellers here”. On the 24 December 2024, Pope Francis decreed that the Holy Door of St. Peter Basilica in the Vatican will be opened, thus inaugurating the Ordinary Jubilee. When I was ordained in 1994 by Bishop Peter Quinn, I embraced these guiding words: “I will go, Lord, wherever you want me to go.” These events, both in the church and on a personal level indicate a journey in life, faith and ministry.
I was warmly welcomed by Busselton Parishioners when the new assignments for Priests was announced after Christmas last year. Interestingly, Busselton Parish (with Dunsborough then) was my first Parish assignment when I came to the Diocese after my Ordination in 1994. An initial immersion to Australian Parish Life, Ministry and Mission as newly ordained priest was exciting and amazing with the help of Fr. Leon Russell and Parishioners.
I moved to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in January 1995 as a curate up to 1997. My first appointment as Parish Priest was in 1998, with a new structure, looking after two Parishes: Katanning and Kojonup with two centres – Broomhill and Tambellup. In 2001, I took the post In Harvey and Waroona- Yarloop, initiating again the new structure: Priest, leading/serving two Parishes. After 16 months, Bishop Gerard Holohan appointed me as Cathedral Administrator in May 2002 until 2012. In 2013, my next post was Leschenault Parish and in 2019, I moved to Harvey and Brunswick. Looking back on my 30 years of priesthood, I have profoundly experienced the abiding and guiding presence of our God with the Blessed Mother Mary my companion on the journey. I have been enriched with the faith and life stories of the people whom I’ve met, served with and walked with. I am full of gratitude to our Lord Jesus for His Divine graces and blessings as I continue to serve God’s people from all walks of life.
As you welcome me as your new Parish Priest, I too welcome you and invite you to be companions in the journey, to be a witness of God’s goodness and kindness through Life, Ministry and Mission of our Parish. Let us welcome wholeheartedly, Bishop-Elect George Kolodziej, SDS and looking forward to witness his ordination on the 19 March as the fifth bishop of Bunbury. Let us pray for him as he will lead us as the new shepherd of our Diocese. And let us pray for one another.
Let us keep reminding each other, we are all pilgrims of hope; we are all companions in the journey and we are all but travellers here.Yours Fraternally in Christ,FR. JESS SARGADO NAVARRA
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