Inner North Parishes unite to embrace Blessed Sacrament Order

Inner North Catholic Community priests pictured with Archbishop Prowse after the Liturgical Inauguration at Holy Rosary Watson, from left: Fr Renoir Oliver SSS, moderator Fr Anthony Riosa SSS and Fr Sebastian Luistro SSS,

In a significant moment for the Inner North Catholic Community, parishioners gathered last Thursday evening to participate in the liturgical inauguration of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, marking the beginning of a new collaborative chapter.

Representatives from four parishes—St Thomas More (Campbell), St Joseph’s (O’Connor), Canberra Central (St Brigid’s Dickson and St Patrick’s Braddon), and Blackfriars (Holy Rosary Church, Watson)—joined together, demonstrating their commitment to unity and shared mission in the archdiocese.

Archbishop Prowse led the Mass, highlighting the unique charism mission of the Blessed Sacrament order.

“Together in the Eucharist, we become one in Christ,” he declared, fostering a spirit of togetherness among the diverse congregation.

His message resonated as a reminder that the Catholic Church’s identity lies not in sociological trends but in a theological community led by the Holy Spirit.

Reflecting on the recent integration of Filipino priests into the archdiocese, Archbishop Prowse emphasised the vibrancy brought forth by this diversity.

Archbishop Prowse prayers over the Inner North Blessed Sacrament Fathers

“There’s still a lot of work to be done, but there’s a lot of goodwill amongst you. There are huge opportunities now for evangelisation in these parishes.”

“However, we must define our parishes by the Eucharist, not geography,” he asserted, urging the community to evolve into a “vibrant, Eucharistic garden”.

“Wisdom says if you define your parishes just by geography, you’re going to go up a dead-end street, but if you defined the years ahead by the Eucharist, then we’re on the winner.”

The Archbishop promised to return in a year to assess the impact of this collaborative effort on the community’s growth in Eucharistic holiness.

“This is a crucial time for unity and outreach,” he said, underscoring the call to evangelisation as encouraged by Pope Francis.

Father Anthony Riosa, the moderator, echoed the Archbishop’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for community support and acknowledging key contributors to the event’s success.

“Thank you for coming together to honour our shared mission,” he said, recognising the involvement and support of individuals and organisations, including Her Excellency Ma Hellen B. De La Vega the ambassador of the Philippines to Australia.

The Mass concluded with the presentation and blessing of five framed pictures of Saint Peter Julian Eymard, which will be displayed at the five Inner North centres.

“There’s a great readiness to get behind this new religious order,” Archbishop Prowse said, “and to support them as they lead us into a real springtime of Hope.”