Memories of Manly and future hope 

John Swann, an Adelaide priest celebrating his 60th ordination anniversary, preached this homily at the Manly Union Triennial Mass on 31 August 2017 in the Cerretti Chapel, Manly.[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]

I am sure we have all reflected on those words of Jesus in the opening passage of today’s Gospel:  ‘Stay awake because you do not know the day or the hour’. And as we get older, no doubt we will reflect on them more often.

Today we gather to give thanks to God for the gift of the priesthood, and the part that St Patrick’s College played in our formation and preparation for that great gift.

At reunions like this we reflect on the past – the memories of the people and the experiences that were part of our life here. Just standing here in the chapel brings to mind the memory of our rector James Madden addressing us, or Fr Mark with his fervorinos. And I just recalled – the first televised Mass was here in this chapel in late 1957. I remember it because I was the sub-deacon.

We will all have different memories, depending on what years we were here. Some may have memories like those recorded by Tom Keneally or Chris Geraghty. Others will have more sober or positive memories.

Having just celebrated sixty years of priesthood I have been reflecting on my experiences over those years. The world has changed so much – technology, communications, the media, etc. The Church too has changed considerably, especially after the Vatican II Council. In the light of all those changes we might do well to ask ourselves: How have I changed?

The style and nature of ministry today is so different to what it was in the 50’s and 60’s.

Added to that we in the priesthood today have such a poor public image – highlighted by the Royal Commission findings. Our numbers are declining and we are an ageing priesthood – apart from our imports from Africa, India, the Philippines etc. Some like to paint a depressing picture of the future of the Church, and even of Christianity. Certainly the Royal Commission findings give us cause to worry.

But we are called to be people of faith, people of hope. Like St Paul in our first Reading today: ‘Our faith should be a great comfort to us in the midst of our troubles and sorrows – we are to hold firm in the Lord’. As Vincent Long reminded us yesterday, Pope Francis wants priests who can imbue hope in our people.

Some of you may have read the article in the last Weekend Australian by Greg Shanahan entitled ‘Is God Dead?’  It paints a pretty dismal picture of today’s society with its materialistic culture and anti-Christian sentiment. But he ends up saying that both Faith and Christianity are important for the survival of our culture. It was a challenging article but on the other hand somewhat encouraging.

We as priests need to focus on the positive – to be people of hope as Pope Francis says, and not be overwhelmed by the negative.

One of the positive elements of our time is Pope Francis in his efforts to bring new life into our Church. His exhortation, ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ presents many challenges to the Church, and to each of us personally. He calls on not only bishops, but also clergy and laity to be involved in the renewal of the Church – to work together collaboratively and to take to heart his frequent calls for a synodal church. Here
in Australia we look forward our Plenary Council planned for 2020. From past experience no doubt some dioceses will prepare much more intensely than others. I think we all need to be part of it.

In addition we will have the recommendations from the Royal Commission which we will all have to ‘own’ and not ignore, for the good of
our Church.

In the words of our Gospel today:
– we need to be awake and open to the challenges that face us,
– we need to be faithful and wise enough to give proper nourishment to our people,
– may we be happy servants doing the master’s work in our local church.

And in the words of the opening prayer for today’s liturgy,
– may we be united in purpose amid the uncertainties of our world,
– may we be united with Pope Francis in his efforts to renew the church,
– may we be always faithful ministers of the Gospel.[/s2If]