2009

Media Release

Wednesday 14 January 2009

Overseas Catholic Priests Arrive in the Hunter

Two international priests have arrived at the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle to help ease a shortage of local clergy.

Fathers Albert D'Souza and Maurice Mascarenhas are amongst a group of eight priests from India and Vietnam who will arrive as part of the diocese's Workers for the Harvest Initiative . Both are from the Belgaum Diocese near Goa , on the West Coast of India.

Adamstown will be home to Father Maurice Mascarenhas who will be appointed to the Blackbutt Pastoral Region of the diocese. Cessnock residents will be able to welcome Father Albert D'Souza to the Vineyards Region.

Bishop Michael Malone, who first travelled to India in 2007 to investigate the international recruitment possibilities, said the arrival of the eight priests will inject a new dimension into the Church.

“Parishioners were open to the idea of priests from overseas ministering in our diocese. Local priests have been stretched to the limit as the diocese has experienced a shortage of clergy. Not only are they overworked but they are under pressure to delay their retirement.” Bishop Michael said.

“These international visitors will be a welcome boost to the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and we will provide them with as much support as possible to ensure they adjust to the Australian way of life, including our language, customs and culture.”

“There will be challenges for us and for them and I hope the parishes will offer a warm welcome to help ease the transition. We are excited by the possibilities this will offer us in a growing multicultural society as it could even lead to further exchange opportunities within our agencies, volunteer and school systems.” Bishop Michael said.

The remaining six overseas priests will continue to arrive over the next few months, and it's expected all eight will be here by July. They will be appointed to the diocese for the next four years.

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