The Divine Word Missionaries have taken up the pastoral care of communities in Daly River in the Northern Territory and Balgo in Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region, in a move which further demonstrates the SVD’s commitment to ministry with indigenous peoples.
Two SVD priests were installed by Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci this month at Daly River in the Northern Territory, while another arrived at Balgo. He will be joined by a second priest in the New Year.
Daly River, or Nauiyu, is situated 230km south of Darwin and 250km north-west of Katherine.
Provincial, Fr Asaeli Rass SVD, said that despite the challenges of working in remote communities, he is excited about the new ministries.
“The great thing is that we are not starting from scratch,” he said.
“In Daly River, we are building on the legacies of the Jesuits who were there since 1882, as well as the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and the Malak Malak people themselves.
“We know it’s not going to be easy, and there are ongoing social issues in the community, but we will be working together with the people and with Bishop Charles and the Diocese of Darwin, the Catholic school principal and civil leaders of the community.
“We are going in hoping to work synodally, using that way of co-responsibility, out of respect for what has taken place there already and working with the people to effect change in their own lives.”
The two priests appointed to Daly River are both from Indonesia. Fr Daniel Polla SVD and Fr Rius Baku Salu SVD have prepared for their new assignment by undertaking interculturality programs both with the SVD and the Diocese of Darwin.
Fr Rass said part of their job would be not just to concentrate on the spiritual sphere, but also to work on the social and material aspects of their lives.
“I have asked them simply to get to know the people, respect them and love the people, whatever is happening,” he said.
“You just have to open your eyes to see the many blessings of this community. The elders know all about their cultural history and spirituality and our job is to listen and learn.
“I’m excited about it. I’ve got a strong feeling that this is where the Holy Spirit is calling us to assist at this time.”
Fr Daniel was installed as parish priest at St Francis Xavier Parish Daly River on December 10, along with assistant priest Rius Baku Salu in a Mass celebrated by Bishop Charles.
Fr Daniel comes from West Timor, Indonesia, and spent many years of mission in Paraguay.
“I believe that in Daly River, l will do my best, in consideration of Bishop Charles’ words to try, bit by bit, to gain the trust of the people, be patient with them and work with them,” he said.
“Working with Aboriginal people is a first experience for me, so l can't have high expectations, except to say that l believe in this mission that Jesus has begun for me, so I can invite more people to know His way.”
Fr Rius, who was ordained in his home country of Indonesia three years ago, said he and Fr Daniel have received a warm welcome from the Daly River community and he is looking forward to what lies ahead.
“There are two things that adorn my heart and mind about this new mission and first assignment, namely the trust I have gained and the responsibilities that need to be fulfilled,” he said.
“From these things, two human feelings were born, which are of course closely linked to this mission journey – happiness and anxiety. However, we always have hope, and, in this Advent time, where we await the birth of Jesus the Saviour, I hope that with God’s presence, something good will be born in this new mission journey.”
In a Facebook post announcing the installation of the two SVD priests at Daly River, Bishop Charles thanked them for their “generosity in accepting this call”.
“God bless you! Let’s keep them in our prayers,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Balgo, in the Broome Diocese, Fr Paulo Vanuitu SVD has arrived to take up the pastoral care of the parish and he will soon by joined by Fr Ronaldo Rodriguez SVD.
Following a recent visit to Balgo, Fr Rass said the community has long captured the interest and imagination of both missionaries and tourists because of the beauty of the land.
“It’s almost a spiritual exercise just to be there in the desert, with a sky full of bright stars. It’s a different world and a wonderful experience,” he said. “But there is also a harshness and of course, the remoteness.”
The Balgo mission was started by the Pallotine German missionaries in 1939 and has, over the years, been home to the Jesuits, St John of God Sisters, Sisters of Mercy and Lasallian Brothers. Along with the parish, there is a Catholic bilingual school.
Linked with both the Great Sandy Desert and the Tanami Desert, the 2021 census recorded Balgo's population as 430. Balgo is a multicultural community of Aboriginal peoples, with seven other language groups besides the main language Kukatja represented. There are: Ngardi, Djaru, Warlpiri, Walmajarri, Wangkajunga, Pintupi and Ngaatjatjarra residents.
Fr Rass said that when he arrived with Fr Paulo and an SVD seminarian, the welcome was memorable.
“It was one of the warmest welcomes we’ve ever received,” he said. “There was a smoking ceremony and big smiles. It was really heartwarming.”
Fr Paulo said he has been busy since his arrival getting out to the meet the people in the various parts of the wide-spread parish.
“I’ve just come back from one of the out-stations which is 300km away,” he said. There are six outstations, all with schools.
Fr Paulo, who hails from Fiji and has previously served the SVD in the Philippines, said he is looking forward to getting to know the people.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s been an interesting experience from Day One. I’ve enjoyed meeting the elders, seeing the school and some of the important parts of the cultural landscape. I’ve certainly received a warm welcome. It’s been good.”
PHOTOS
TOP RIGHT: Bishop Charles Gauci with Fr Daniel Polla SVD (far left) and Fr Rius Salu SVD and parishioners at Daly River in the Northern Territory.
MIDDLE LEFT: Fr Daniel is installed as parish priest at St Francis Xavier parish, Daly River.
MIDDLE RIGHT: Fr Paulo Vatunitu SVD arrives for the smoking ceremony as he begins his ministry in Balgo, Western Australia.
BOTTOM LEFT: Parishioners entering St Theresa's church in Balgo.