Seminary life…sweet memories of theological formation, fresh after the second Vatican council with all its sincerity and honest approach towards a new understanding of Scripture, mission , approach to other World Religions and Ecumenism.

Be prayerful. Be happy with what you can do rather than getting overcome with problems. Face problems – don’t wish them away or bury them as they will come back to bite you big time. Love yourself, your people and what you do with them.

I was prepared to enter the Seminary when I finished Grade 12, but perhaps the best thing I did was work for five years before beginning in 1992. I saw the Seminary, and Priesthood as an extension of the foundation of a liberal, but focussed Catholic upbringing.

What are your personal hopes for the future of the Church in Australia?
So often there are divisions in the hierarchy of the church, between dioceses or even within parishes. My hope would be that we can be open with each other even in our differences and to be able to be open to other Christian faiths as well to bring the Gospel to all. We don’t have to be all the same – Unity in Diversity.

What challenges have you faced in your ministry and how have these been overcome (if at all)?
Going from being “bullet proof”, then coping with cancer and treatment, slowing down because of this and aging, Allowing God and people into my life and ministry.

I was born in 1968 on the northern island of Fiji on a remote village called Koroivonu, pronounced as co-row-ee-vo-noo, which means, a refuge of drifting turtles. Unfortunately my people have not lived up to this title, every salt water turtle that drifts in ends up in a pot! My village faces the Pacific Ocean and situated alongside a river which pours down from the mountainous tropical rain forest. Coconut trees and white sandy beaches fringe the coastlines of the village. I greet you with the famous Fijian greeting, “Bula!” (Hello! Happy Life!)

I was educated by the Dominican Sisters at Kapunda up until Year 10, and then went to Christian Brothers Rostrevor College to complete my secondary education. My parents were very involved in the Church and various church activities, and I became a regular server at Mass, including weekdays. I vividly recall riding my bike to Mass on cold windy mornings for 7.00 Mass, then home for breakfast and back to school.

What have been the highlights of your ministry to date? The various parishes that I have served in, particularly one which was in a housing commission area. Three years in Rome at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute, San Anselmo. Teaching liturgy and being involved in seminary formation. Also the opportunity to minister to the Italian community in Hobart as their chaplain.

I have loved being a part of the communities in which I have lived. For seven years at La Grange Mission and eight at Balgo I was involved in every aspect of the life of the community, from the joyous times to those that left me near despair. It has been a real experience, and I have always felt that I was in the right place.

What is the best advice you would pass on to future seminarians? Your baptism was the greatest day of your life. Never forget you are a member of the Assembly and are called by ordination to serve that Assembly.