Notre Dame acknowledges and celebrates Year for Priests
Document Type
Media Release
Publication Date
Winter 2-6-2010
Publisher Name
The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle Campus
Publication Place
Fremantle
Abstract
To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests worldwide, Pope Benedict XVI launched the inaugural Year for Priests in June 2009.
To acknowledge the special year and to honour their significant contribution, Vice Chancellor Professor Celia Hammond invited all Western Australian priests to a day of celebration on the Fremantle Campus on 2 June 2010.
Priests joined staff for morning tea and then had the opportunity to participate in a range of seminars held throughout the morning, finishing with Midday Prayer and lunch.
“As a Catholic lay led organisation, we want to give back something to all priests who have dedicated their lives to their vocation,” said the Vice Chancellor.
In her welcome she explained the purpose of the day: “We are the recipients of the gift of your vocation, so we are trying, in our own way, to say thanks and give something back to you. After much discussion, we decided to offer you a day in which you could relax, be sociable with others, and hopefully get something out of the practical seminars we are offering today.”
The seminars on offer included the Dean of Philosophy and Theology, Professor Matthew Ogilvy presenting on The role of the priest in a Christ Centred Community; Professor Tom Brett spoke about Men’s Health Issues and also included was an environmental theme with Dr Shane Lavery presenting On Holy Ground – Environmental Sensibilities’.
“It was a privilege for us to be able to acknowledge your tireless commitment to our community,” concluded Professor Hammond.
“I pray that you may continue to have the strength, the fidelity and the devotion to continue to do so.”
The year will close officially on 19 June 2010 with Pope Benedict presiding at a ‘World Meeting of Priests’ in St Peter's Square.
Media contact:
Michelle Ebbs 08 9433 0610, 0408 959 138
Recommended Citation
Ebbs, Michelle, "Notre Dame acknowledges and celebrates Year for Priests" (2010). Media Release Archive. 89.
https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/media_release/89