It is my honour to inform you that four new men have joined our five seminarians in the Diocese of Lismore in 2017.
Deacon Vitalis Nyongesa continues his ministry as deacon in the parish of Ballina. Our four other seminarians are approaching a call to the Diaconate in 2017.
Emmanuel Okparanaku has finished seminary studies and has a pastoral placement for this year in the parish of the Macleay Valley.
Anselm Okeke has a placement in the parish of Lismore until the end of June when he will return to Vianney College to complete his studies.
Wilbur Tobe, who has just completed his Clinical Pastoral Education course in Brisbane at the Prince Charles Hospital Chermside, returns to Vianney College for the full academic year.
Roger Delmonte, who has had his parish placement in Murwillimbah, returns to Vianney College for the full academic year.
During 2016, Bishop Jarrett accepted as candidates for the Sacred Priesthood in the Diocese of Lismore, namely, Prodencio Bognay, Francis Mbithi, Damien Locke, and Anthony Gawlu. They will commence their seminary formation this year.
Prodencio Bognay was born in Benguet province, Philippines, in 1983. He trained as a seminarian for the Diocese of Baguio, completing degrees in philosophy and theology. He will join the other seminarians at Vianney College, Wagga Wagga.
Francis Mbithi was born in Kenya in 1991. As a member of the Camillian Congregation, he completed a degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies. He will join the other seminarians at Vianney College.
Damien Locke was born in Armidale in 1977 and was educated in Uralla and in Canberra. He has a degree in Asian Studies specialising in Indonesian. Based in Dubai for the last 15 years, he has been a personnel manager with Emirates. In September he will commence studies at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome. In the meantime, he will have placements in various parishes in the Diocese.
Anthony Gawlu was born in Myanmar, in 1988. Together with his family, he was forced to leave his homeland, and after years in Thailand and Malaysia, were welcomed to Australia in 2012. They have settled here with permanent residency in Coffs Harbour. He will commence seminary studies at Vianney College.
Let us pray for them.