MGL founder Fr Ken Barker re-elected

Fr Ken Barker

The Missionaries of God’s Love priests and brothers have re-elected their founder, Fr Ken Barker, to guide them for another four years.

Fr Barker, together with three young men, founded the MGL in Canberra in 1986. Today, the order has more than 30 priests and perpetually vowed brothers and almost 30 young men in formation.

Having just turned 70, Fr Barker graciously accepted the task, while reminding his brethren that the next four years would be his last term of office. His reappointment was announced last week during the order’s Convocation in Canberra, which continues until November 27.

Among the items for discussion at the Convocation was discernment about how the charism of the MGL could be most effective in the Church today.

“After having had a few years of experience in mission, we need to revisit our missionary charism and evaluate the strategies we are using,” Fr Barker said.

“Our missionary charism is to evangelise under the grace of the new Pentecost experience which has erupted in the Church, especially through the charismatic renewal, over the last 50 years.”

The rapidly growing order is well-known for working with young people in Australia and now has missions in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Darwin. It is also present in Indonesia and the Philippines.

“We work best in today’s world when we are having close, personal contact with people who are hungry for God,” Fr Barker said.

“This can be in a parish setting, but also in mission centres, youth ministry situations and outreaches to the poor and abandoned.

“The structures we put in place for evangelisation are only as good as our personal journey with people, making friends with the needy, listening to their needs, and offering new hope through the Good News of Jesus.”

Source: ACBC Media Blog