By Fr Niran Veigas SVD

There is a beautiful song often sung by the Tiwi people: “Holy Spirit in this land, reach out and touch us as you can, from the high, high mountains to the deep, deep valley, Holy Spirit in this land.”

These words truly capture my experience of God’s presence in the sacred land of the Tiwi Islands. Over the past three and a half years of my ministry, I have been deeply blessed to witness the love of God alive among the Tiwi people and to experience how the Spirit moves gently yet powerfully in their lives, in simplicity and sincerity.

I arrived in the Tiwi Islands in November 2022. This new beginning was filled with surprises and accompanied by its own challenges. Entering any rural community requires openness and resilience, but coming into a land rich in culture, tradition, and language is especially a profound learning experience. As a newly appointed priest—and the first parish priest from the Society of the Divine Word (SVD)—I carried a significant responsibility. I followed in the footsteps of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), who had faithfully served the islands for over 112 years. Living up to such a remarkable legacy required commitment, humility, and teamwork.

At the request of the Bishop of Darwin, we, the Divine Word Missionaries, took up the responsibility of this parish. The early days were not easy, but those very challenges strengthened us to take each day as it came. Learning the Tiwi culture, traditions, and language was both overwhelming and enriching. The Tiwi people, with their open hearts, generously shared their heritage, making every missionary feel welcomed into their land.

In the initial stages, I learned the importance of listening—listening deeply to the people, being present with them, and participating in community life. This helped me understand the rhythm and dynamism of the Tiwi community. The Tiwi people are expressive storytellers; they cherish sharing their stories, and through them, they teach patience—“to be still and to wait,” not to rush life. Whether it is the wind, the water, the sky, bush foods, or traditional paintings, each carries a story. At the heart of these stories lies a deep sense of the Divine. Listening to elders and children alike became the foundation for building meaningful relationships.

A significant part of our mission was to strengthen local leadership and foster a sense that the Church truly belongs to the Tiwi people. Together, we established a Tiwi-led Parish Council, where decisions were made collaboratively. Meeting regularly and listening to local leaders nurtured a sense of ownership, mutual respect, and trust. It became clear that the Church flourishes when it walks hand in hand with the people.

With the support of Tiwi leaders, we initiated several pastoral activities: visiting the sick regularly, celebrating outdoor Masses in the parks, forming choir and liturgy groups, Eucharistic ministers and establishing a children’s club. Discernment was always done together, ensuring that our journey remained a shared one.

One of the highlights was the preparation and celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Eucharistic procession on the Tiwi streets was a powerful witness to the deep faith of the Tiwi people and their enduring love for the Church. Similarly, the Stations of the Cross through the community on Good Friday reflected their sincere search for God. The sacraments—Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Anointing of the Sick—are deeply cherished and actively sought in their lives.

Among the many memorable moments, one stands out vividly: my installation as parish priest. The Tiwi people honoured me with traditional face painting and placed a headband upon me—a sign of acceptance into their community. This profound gesture affirmed that I was no longer a stranger but part of their family. I was also given a Tiwi name by the elders, “Wurrumiyanganila,” meaning “a man from Wurrumiyanga (Bathurst Island).” Such moments left an indelible mark on my heart and deepened my sense of belonging.

Now, after three and a half years, as I prepare to say goodbye to this beautiful community, my heart is filled with emotion and gratitude. I came as a stranger, but the Tiwi people welcomed me warmly. I came to serve, but they taught me so much more. As I leave, I carry with me countless cherished memories.

The Tiwi people understand the missionary vocation well. Having experienced the presence of missionaries for over a century, they know that we are called to move on—to proclaim the Gospel in new places. Though it is a moment of sadness, they have generously sent me forth with their blessings to serve in Central Australia among the Arrernte people in Alice Springs. As a Divine Word Missionary, I remain open to learning a new culture and continuing the mission entrusted to me.

To be a missionary is a privilege—a privilege to encounter the profound faith and wisdom of First Nations people, and to walk alongside them in their journey. We are never alone in this mission; the Holy Spirit guides and sustains us. In our own contexts, each of us is called to be a missionary, bearing witness to God’s love wherever we are.

PHOTOS

TOP RIGHT: Fr Niran Veigas SVD is welcomed to the parish of Our Lady of Peace and St. Therese - Wurrumiyanga, Tiwi Islands at the Installation Mass.

MIDDLE LEFT: Fr Niran with parishioners and religious sisters. 

BOTTOM RIGHT: Fr Niran and Fr Hung SVD celebrate an outdoor Mass with the people.