When and where were you born?

Sydney, NSW, at the Mater Hospital. I first lived in Marsfield, then in the St George area, and more recently in the Sutherland Shire.

Memories of your childhood/family/upbringing/schooling?

I was born to parents of Maltese descent, who were married in Fremantle in the 50s, who moved to Sydney in the 60s. I have an older sister, Brenda, and an older brother, Darren. I first attended a government primary school, before entering the Catholic system from 5th grade onwards. I went to Marist College Kogarah, completed my HSC in 1994. My main interests at school were music, debating and public speaking.

When/why did you decide to enter the seminary?

After studying for a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology at the University of Sydney from 1995 until 1999, while completing 5 years in the Psychology Corps of the Army Reserve, I spent a while removed from the practice of the faith, which quickly resulted in an empty feeling, so I decided to return to the practice of the faith, and after 18 months, I spoke to my parish priest, feeling called by God to the priesthood, and so I decided to enter the Seminary to combine my passion for helping people with my faith.

Memories of seminary life?

My first year in the Seminary was under Cardinal Clancy and the rectorship of Father Michael Foster (RIP), but from second year onwards, I was formed under Cardinal Pell and Bishop Julian Porteous. Seminary life involved journeying with the 40 or so other young men in the Seminary, praying the Divine Office in common, completing a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology at the Catholic Institute of Sydney, and one of my interests was the running of the Seminary Schola for a number of years. Seminary formation focused in particular on the development and nurturing of the spirituality of the Diocesan Priest and learning about the Christian Virtues. Seminary formation encompasses the four areas of formation as set out in Pastores Dabo Vobis, namely human, spiritual, pastoral and intellectual formation, together with an emphasis on mission and evangelisation.

When and where were you ordained?

I was ordained by Cardinal Pell at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, on the 22nd of September 2007, together with a classmate, Danai Penollar. There are two other members of my class yet to be ordained Priests, and hopefully they will be before too long!

What areas of ministry have you worked in since ordination?

I am a member of the Cardinal’s Commission for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations; I have completed a Diploma in Tribunal Practice and have been working as an auditor/case monitor and now advocate for the Marriage Tribunal in the Archdiocese of Sydney; I am about to head overseas for three years to complete a JCL (Licentiate in Canon Law) at the Pontifical Gregorian University; I was the Official Spokesperson for WYD for the Archdiocese of Sydney in 2008.

What have been the highlights of your ministry to date?

Working in the studio with Ray Martin and Katrina Lee during televised events of WYD08, having the opportunity to dialogue with other Christian faiths and other faiths in my role on the Commission for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations, meeting the PM Kevin Rudd on ANZAC Eve in 2008 (above), helping to bring healing to the lives of people who have experienced the pain and brokenness of a failed marriage through my work in the Marriage Tribunal.

What challenges have you faced in your ministry and how have these been overcome (if at all)?

The realisation that even as a 31 year-old, it is so hard to understand the needs of the youth in our parishes and school communities. You would think that a 31 year old would understand the way teenagers operate, but I have realised there is a very large generation gap and I am slowly putting the pieces together to be able to more effectively minister to this group.

What is the best advice you would pass on to future seminarians?

Focus on developing good relationships with the priests whom you will one day be working and living with; focus on developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

What are your personal hopes for the future?

To return from Rome, having completed by JCL, and to be appointed to a small parish close to the city while attending to my ‘canonical duties’ a few days a week in the Chancery in Sydney.

What are your personal hopes for the future of the Church in Australia?

An increase in priestly vocations; that young men who are called to the priesthood will respond to the call with generosity and commitment; that more young people will return to the practice of the faith.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

I’d have to be biased here and say my mother and father; they’ve taught me to always strive to achieve the best, and to face situations with openness and honesty.

What was the last book you read or movie you saw?

I don’t go to the cinemas very often, I have a short attention span, so I much rather watch episodes of television shows, especially by the BBC – Dr Who and Allo Allo are two of my favourites. The last book I read was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Your favourite travel destination?

Lord Howe Island – close by, tranquil, and close to God.

What hobbies/pastimes are important to you?

Good coffee with good friends, dinners with friends, gardening, looking after pets.

A bit of fun – what would you like to the inscription on your headstone to read?

A man who lived for the family he loved.