Dear Friends,
The whole Church has recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, a day which was inaugurated by Pope Pius XI in 1926.
Pope Leo’s theme for this year’s World Mission Day message was ‘One in Christ, United in Mission’ and in it, he thanks missionaries who have left their home and their families to share the Good News. The reality of this was brought home to me on a recent visit to our SVD mission in Balgo, Western Australia.
The SVD mission in the predominantly Indigenous, remote parish of Balgo-Kutjungka in the Diocese of Broome, is widespread, taking in the main parish church and six outstations, with the furthest one being 10 hours drive away.
But despite the big distances involved, Parish Priest, Fr Paulo Vanuitu SVD, who is assisted by Fr Ronaldo Rodriguez SVD, says the mission is clear – to accompany the people in the daily challenges and joys of their lives and to share in their rich cultural and faith life.
Linked with both the Great Sandy Desert and the Tanami Desert, the 2021 census recorded Balgo’s population as 430. Balgo is a multicultural community of Aboriginal peoples, with seven other language groups besides the main language Kukatja represented.
I spent three days there with Fathers Paulo and Ronaldo, going around the parish with them, listening to their experience of missionary life there and simply being present with them.
During my visit, the parish celebrated, for the first time, their parish feast day, in honour of St Therese of the Child Jesus (St Therese of Lisieux). The community turned out in good numbers for the Mass, which was followed by a shared meal and celebration, with the meat having been provided (and butchered) by one of the parishioners. It was a joyful occasion, and I could see how much the people have accepted and welcomed Paulo and Ronaldo into their community life.
Paulo is from Fiji – his homeland is surrounded by water. And Ronaldo is from the Philippines, an archipelago of islands in south-east Asia. Here, in the desert country of the Kimberley, they are indeed a long way from home.
Their ministry is one of presence and accompaniment. They listen quietly to the stories of their parishioners and have taken the time to learn and respect the local cultural traditions and practices, especially in relation to funerals and shared mourning time with the people.
I came away not only impressed by their ministry but also very touched by it. My visit affirmed once again our Province’s decision to give priority to ministry with First Nations peoples, whether that be in Balgo, Central Australia, or the Tiwi Islands.
Of course, while I was in the Diocese of Broome, I also visited our confrere, Broome Bishop Tim Norton SVD. His ministry of pastoral leadership covers an enormously vast area, and brings with it both joys and many challenges. Our confreres in WA are truly living the spirit of Mission.
Let us keep them in our prayers and give thanks for all missionaries living in remote places, far from home, and sharing the love of Jesus in their local contexts.
Yours in the Word,
Fr Boni Buahendri SVD, Provincial.
PHOTO: Fr Boni, centre with Fr Paulo Vanuitu SVD (left) and Fr Ronaldo Rodriguez SVD (right) and parishioners at Balgo-Kutjungka Parish in the Diocese of Broome, Western Australia.