In November, two priests of the Rogationist Fathers of the Heart of Jesus will establish a community at St Mel’s Parish, Shepparton South and will also serve St Malachy’s Parish, Nagambie.
In an announcement last week, Bishop Shane said he was delighted that the Rogationist Fathers have agreed to establish a community of their priests in Sandhurst, and he is grateful to Fr Peter Taylor and Fr Tony Hill for generously facilitating this new arrangement by concluding their own ministry in the Parishes of Shepparton South and Nagambie.
The Sandhurst Community of Rogationists will be led by Fr Rene Ramirez RCJ, who has just concluded an appointment as Parish Priest of West Footscray, Maidstone and Braybrook. Fr Rene will be assisted by Fr Ruel Desamparado RCJ, who is preparing to travel to Australia from the Philippines. Their appointments will come into effect on Saturday 4 November.
The Rogationists were founded in Italy by St Hannibal Di Francia in 1897. They are dedicated to nurturing vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and to spreading greater awareness for all vocations in the Church. They are involved in parish ministry, education of youth, and social assistance, especially for children, orphans and the poor.
The St Matthew Province of the Rogationists is based in the Philippines and also has communities in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, South Korea and Vietnam. They have been present for nearly ten years in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, caring for the Parish of West Footscray, Maidstone and Braybrook, and recently also for the parishes of Melton South and Bacchus Marsh.
“As we prepare to welcome the Rogationists to our Diocese, we look forward to being inspired by their dedication to the Rogate command of Jesus: ‘Pray (Rogate) therefore to the Lord of the harvest so that he may send out labourers into his harvest’ [Mt 9:37-38; Lk. 10:2],” wrote Bishop Shane in his announcement.
Note: The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning "to ask", which reflects the beseeching of God for protection from calamities.
Image (above) features Fr Rene Ramirez RCJ.
