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.

God is good. Looking over my life as a priest, there have been difficult times of course (as happens to everyone) but good times have far outweighed them. I can recall piloting aircraft over a long period of time, building an aircraft, ecumenical contacts and friendships, experiences in many exotic places of Australia as well as overseas and exciting insights, especially as a result of expanding my tertiary qualifications.

Remember that Jesus first loved us, and so grow in love for him through the good people around you and through prayer, word and sacrament. It is only with Christ who lives within us that we will be able to love and minister to God’s people.

Keep focused on the bigger picture of life and accept people at where they are on their own personal journey of faith. Support them and encourage them – the rewards will be great.

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.

What is the best advice you would pass on to future seminarians? See where you can serve, equip yourself for it, take risks and take responsibility for your journey in faith and service.