Change is difficult because we know that not all change is good. A community that has only had two priests over the previous 36 years must be understandably nervous about welcoming a much younger priest (FYI 55 years old) from the same radical group that gave Pope Francis to the Church (the Society of Jesus). If that’s you, breathe deeply and relax J
Get to know me first before you judge me. I promise I will do the same for you.
I think I am a collaborative and consensus building leader. I listen. I listen a lot before coming to a decision. You will hear my musing on various policy and practical matters from the pulpit, during my home visits, and at PPC meetings. We will have the opportunity to listen and be listened to before big decisions are made. And then I will make the best decision possible for the body of the community. I am pretty sure that at some point in my time with you at St Martin’s I will inadvertently hurt or offend you. If I do I hope you will come to me personally so we can mend what is broken. Gossip and rumours are not a healthy way to resolve an issue, personal engagement is.
So after all of that, who am I? I was born in Durban in 1969, the middle child of three brothers. My oldest brother lives in the Seychelles and my youngest brother lives in London. I have one nephew, and he is studying physiotherapy at Stellenbosh. Both of my parents passed on within the last three years. Realising I was an adult orphan was a psychologically significant event.
After high school I went to Edgewood College of Education and qualified as a physical science teacher. I did a year of military service and then taught at Scottburgh High school for four years. I loved teaching, and still do. I then joined the Society of Jesus. For my priestly studies I did an MPhil at London University, an MDiv at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, and an MA in theology at St Augustine College in Johannesburg.
After ordination I worked at Holy Trinity, Braamfontein, assisting in the parish and university chaplaincy for four years. I then worked at St Martin de Porres in Soweto for 10 years, before returning to Holy Trinity as pastor, where I have been for the last 3 years. It is a large, vibrant, multi- cultural, multi-racial, multi-national parish in the heart of the city, with an outreach to the homeless which includes running a medical clinic twice a month. I was chaplain to 3 Catholic schools, two universities, two hospitals, and an old-age home.
For the past 6 years I have been the Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation for the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. My department is responsible, at one level or another, for the training of PPC’s and PFC’s in the archdiocese. We promote the education and formation of leaders through events such as the Archdiocesan Leadership Conference. We also have oversight of the groups and sodalities which function in the archdiocese.
I have also been involved in the formation of diocesan seminarians, having had 6 seminarians placed with me to do their 6-month internship, diaconate, or holiday work. Don’t be surprised if the archbishop decides to send seminarians or deacons to learn how to serve from the community of St Martin de Porres.
I look forward to getting to know you, and to serving you. Stay blessed.
