Fr Hilary Rotich brings joy to West Wyalong

In the remote country town of West Wyalong, Fr Hilary Rotich throws back his head to let out a booming laugh and those around him break into sudden smiles.

“He has a very open and friendly nature,” parishioner and acolyte Cassie Geddes said.

“That big smile and a big laugh. It’s very warm and relaxed.”

Although the West Wyalong parish priest has only been in his new role for a couple of months, his infectious sense of joy has already made an impact in the community.

“People just find him very easy to come up to and talk to,” Ann Mangelsdorf said.

“He has made quite an impression on the town.”

The African priest, previously assistant priest in Goulburn, said he felt an amazing sense of community in West Wyalong.

“I am still new in the area, but luckily, I have been warmly welcomed by the people here,” he said.

“I will guide them, and they will also guide me. We share the same faith, and I am so proud of them.”

“We like to make people feel part of the town,” Cassie said.

“We are a pretty special town, and we are proud of where we live. The parish has been part of that for a long, long time.”

The St Mary’s Church building, in fact, will mark its centenary this year.

“There has obviously been a strong Catholic presence in this area for a long time, right from when gold was first discovered,” Cassie said.

“There is a lot of long-term faith here.”

Ann said the local school children have also been delighted with Fr Rotich’s engaging manner, declaring him “cool.”

“Every morning I go across to the school to play with them and do morning prayer, and it is very fun,” Fr Rotich said.

“When I walk around town, the kids will come and say hello. We always have a good relationship, and this helps the school become more a part of our community.”

The bond between parish and school has strengthened in recent years, something Ann sees as vital.

“It’s important for the kids to see the parish priest and tie that in with the fact that Mass happens every Sunday, not just for special occasions,” she said.

“They can see how older parishioners have carried their faith for a long time. It’s important to build that bond.”

St Mary’s War Memorial School Principal Damien Collins agreed, noting the children felt welcome and included in the parish.

“He is really keen to get to know people and learn their stories,” he said.

“The kids see him around and then feel comfortable coming to church and helping out with the readings and singing.”

Adjusting to the Australian climate and the vast distances has been the real challenge, Fr Rotich said, jokingly tugging at his collar and admitting it’s “a bit warmer” than he’s used to.

“This morning, I got up at 5am – I came out from Lake Cargelligo, then 75km to Ungarie to say Mass there, and I know they are waiting for me here in West Wyalong as well,” he said.

“But the people are warm, and that is the most beautiful thing. They are waiting for their Mass, and that makes it easy to serve them.”