A ministry of presence, accompaniment, dialogue, cultural exchange and mutual respect underpins parish life at St Francis Xavier Parish in the remote Daly River region of the Northern Territory.

Daly River, or Nauiyu, is situated 230km south of Darwin and 250km north-west of Katherine. The parish takes in a number of Aboriginal communities at Adelaide River, Emu Point, Nemarluk, Merrepen, and Woodyculpadiya, with visits to some of those communities being a four-hour round-trip on rough roads.

There are also three Catholic schools in the parish, in Daly River, Emu Point and Wudicapity.

The communities are comprised of a range of different Aboriginal clans, each with their own identity.

Parish Priest Fr Daniel Polla SVD and assistant priest Fr Rius Salu SVD, who are both originally from Indonesia, were installed at Daly River by Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci in December 2023.

Fr Daniel says the parish is located in beautiful surroundings, but also faces many challenges, including alcohol and social issues, a lack of basic necessities, and inter-clan fighting among the young men and boys.

“The presbytery is surrounded by a beautiful panorama and is very close to the river,” he says. “Both the church and the presbytery are located in the heart of the Daly River community.

“Daly River Parish is an old community, but many people are unaware of the treasures of the Church. From the beginning, we have been teaching, showing, and guiding people with patience. Being patient with the people is essential to enrich our inner selves and make our lives a model of faith and patience.”

While church attendance is often low, Fr Daniel says there are signs of faith among the people.

“Many people come to the presbytery asking for holy water, holy oil, rosaries, and prayers. This is a significant sign that the people need priests and wish to continue following Jesus,” he says.

Fr Daniel says one of the richest cultural aspects of Daly River is its language diversity.

“There are nine languages spoken by nine tribes. This diversity is challenging and requires patience in serving the people and learning from them,” he says. “While English is widely accepted and used to connect with the community, understanding their languages would further enhance our ministry.”

The natural landscape can also present challenges, with the Daly River regularly flooding during the wet season, cutting off access to communities and making travel on local roads impossible. There is also a lack of mobile phone connectivity to surrounding areas.

“To address this, I send messages a week in advance for scheduled Masses or discuss upcoming activities with local leaders after Mass in their communities,” he says.

Despite the difficulties, Fr Daniel says that sharing the Light of Christ in Daly River comes from listening, patience and mutual respect.

“Many people here do not have Bibles or knowledge about the Church, so our presence becomes the Church for them,” he says.

“People often share their struggles and long for a peaceful life free from fighting, break-ins, alcohol, and drugs. Patience and understanding are essential in spreading our light and accompanying the local people to become lights for one another.

“Our approach is primarily through presence rather than excessive talking, allowing our actions to convey the message of faith and love.”

One way Fr Daniel and Fr Rius have engaged in the ministry of presence is to be regular visitors to the three schools in the parish.

“I visit the local Catholic school in Daly regularly to speak with the principal, teacher and students,” Fr Daniel says.

“Sometimes in the afternoon, I go to the school to play basketball with the students.

“And, in the area of Liturgy, we are doing very well. Sometimes I go to the school to teach catechism in the classroom, and we have a school Mass every Friday, where, with the help of some of the teachers we are doing some catechesis about the Eucharist and the other Sacraments.

“The fruit of these activities last year was that the students received their First Holy Communion and they brought their parents to join the Mass.

“We did the same thing at the other schools at Emu Point and Wudicapity, where we’ve worked with the teachers to organise a Mass or catechesis at the school or in the community.”

Teachers at the local schools also sometimes assist in the celebration of the Eucharist in the community by being readers.

Assistant Priest, Fr Rius says that when he and Fr Daniel were assigned to Daly River they received a simple instruction about how to undertake their mission among the people: “Love them.”

“The people in this community are certainly different from me in many aspects. They have a distinct culture, their own perspectives, unique mindsets, their own language, and various other differences. Acceptance and recognition are essential here,” he says.

“These can be demonstrated by incorporating their cultural elements, such as paintings and pictures, into the church, as we do in this parish. Additionally, creating alternative plans when one does not work optimally—especially in managing time— can reflect the beauty of acceptance and recognition. From such small gestures, a spirit of collaboration can emerge, enabling us to journey together in the spirit of synodality.”

Fr Rius says that by understanding the many serious challenges faced by the people of Daly River, and working together, shared decisions can be made for a better future.

“Some simple actions we have taken include going out to invite people to participate in church activities and collaborating with other parties to provide necessities such as clothing and sarongs,” he says.

“In doing so, we manifest our identity as a sign and means of salvation for them.”

Fr Rius says that in Daly River, problems and challenges are a constant reality but the community is resilient.

“Despite these hardships, the community does not give up. Although they may express complaints, they strive to make peace with their circumstances. They seek ways to maintain their dignity, request prayers from us as pastoral agents, ask for spiritual items and request blessings.

“Their resilience strengthens their hope. This hope is nurtured through small acts, such as visiting them, despite long travel distances, providing rosaries and other spiritual items, and offering short catechesis during homilies or after Eucharistic celebrations.”

Fr Daniel says the ministry of presence includes spending time speaking with members of the community as they go about their daily lives.

“Sometimes I meet them playing cards or doing their shopping and that is a good time to say hello,” he says.

“By doing this, I try to make them realise that I am here, I’m a priest living with you in your community.

“The fruit of this kind of approach is that more people come to church. Before Mass starts, some people will come to the church and talk with us or pray the rosary together.

“Our presence is not only in the presbytery of the church, but more than that, it is approaching them in their house or any place where we can meet them

“They know that we are here to help, and we are learning much about them and their ancient culture.

“Listening to the people shows them that they are important in this mission and allows us to walk together in the way of Jesus.”