‘A hopeful and grace-filled time together’: Under 10’s priest gathering

Eleven priests of the Archdiocese who have been ordained for less than ten years came together on 23-24 July for the annual ‘Under 10 Year Priests Seminar’ at the Cathedral Centre in Hobart.

Archbishop Tony led the time of reflection and priestly fraternity as they shared meals together, spent time catching up, and prayed together.

“It was an opportunity for me to get to know and strengthen my relationships with my priestly brothers in the Archdiocese,” said Fr Kasun Dananjaya, Assistant Priest of the Bellerive-Lindisfarne Parish.

“Listening to them and sharing meals with them. We shared lots of laughter and many joyful moments together.”

Archbishop Tony addressed the priests on the topics of ‘Conversations in the Spirit’ and ‘The Synodal Process’.

Presentations were also given by Archdiocesan Executive Director Chris Ryan, who spoke to the priests about the relationship between priests and parish committees, Safe Communities Coordinator Diane Kelly, who provided an update on safeguarding in the Archdiocese, and Director of People and Culture Jo Rainbird, who spoke on the topic of managing staff. Communications Manager and Editor of the Catholic Standard, Catherine Sheehan, provided an overview of the work carried out by the Archdiocese’s Media and Communications Office.

“I found the Seminar to be a really positive experience,” commented Fr Ashan Peiris, Assistant Priest at Mersey-Leven. “It was well organised, refreshing, and a much-needed change from our usual routine.

“It was beneficial for me personally as it gave me time to reflect, renew my energy, and gain new insights into my ministry,” Fr Ashan added.

Fr John Joseph of the Little Eucharistic Brothers said he was particularly moved by the times of prayer spent together with his fellow priests.

“I was struck by the power of the small moments of silent prayer in-between the discussions,” Fr John Joseph said.

“We were asked to pray for each other. In terms of the sharing, it’s important to take those times to speak on a deeper level with one’s fellow priests, it builds fraternity, friendship, sympathy.”

Fr Kasun described the Seminar as “a hopeful and grace-filled time together”.

“It is wonderful to see how each person brings a unique flavour to the mission and ministry here in the Archdiocese,” he said.

“I am sincerely grateful to Archbishop Tony for his gentle and friendly presence among us. In particular, his sharing on the topic of priesthood, drawing on experiences from his own life, was eye-opening and inspiring for many of us.

“The gathering strengthened my vocation and also opened my heart and mind to reflect more deeply on my vocational journey.”