Saint John the Baptist and Saint Joseph in Clifton Hill and Collingwood

By Afia Enosa SDB

Melbourne, Australia, 22 April 2024 -- On 21 April 2024, a momentous occasion took place at Saint John the Baptist Parish in Clifton Hill and Collingwood as Father Cassius Correya SDB was officially installed as the new Parish Priest. The ceremony was conducted by His Grace, Bishop Terence Curtin (Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne), and was attended by a full house of faithful parishioners, families, friends, and visitors from other parishes who came to show their support and participate in the solemn event.

Father Peter Hoang (Provincial), along with his council members and fellow Salesian priests, concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration, bringing together the community in prayer and fellowship. The choir from both the Vietnamese and Samoan communities added a special touch to the celebration with their beautiful hymns and liturgical preparations. The Parish Council Committee was also recognized for their tireless efforts in planning and organizing the event, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and flawlessly.

Bishop Curtin then presented Father Cassius with the key to the Parish, symbolizing the trust and responsibility that had been bestowed upon him. With the support of Father Peter Varengo SDB (Assistant Parish Priest), his Parish Council Members, and the blessings and words of encouragement from Bishop Curtin.

During the homily, Bishop Terence invoked the words of Saint John Bosco, emphasizing the importance of laying down one's life for the young people and for the faith of God's people. He reminded the congregation that as the parish priest, Father Cassius would be called to work alongside the community in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all faithful people. Challenges may arise, but with fidelity and cooperation, they can be overcome, strengthening the parish as a whole.

In his words of gratitude, Father Cassius thanked Father Anthony Nguyen Dung (Rector) and the Salesian community, as well as the Provincial and his council, for their unwavering support in both the parish and mission activities for young people. He expressed his heartfelt thanks to the congregation and the parish council committee, for accepting him as their parish priest and promised to serve them to the best of his abilities. Lastly, he acknowledged his family, siblings, and relatives for standing by him through thick and thin, acknowledging that their support had been a source of strength and inspiration for him.

The celebration was rounded off with a delicious lunch prepared by the various communities within the parish, including the English, Italian, Samoan, and Vietnamese communities. It was a time of joy, fellowship, and unity as everyone came together to celebrate this new chapter in the life of the Parish.

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