By Jackson Saunders
DJ Suguitan of the Sandhurst Diocese and Jude Johnson of the Melbourne Archdiocese have been awarded this year's Holy Land scholarships.
The fifth-year seminarians were announced as the scholarship recipients at the annual Knights of the Southern Cross Priests and Education Support Fund luncheon at the seminary on Sunday, May 20.
The scholarship means that DJ and Jude will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus by traveling to the Holy Land for six-weeks at the end of this year. The pilgrimage later this year has been made possible by the Knights of the Southern Cross Priests Support and Education Fund 'Walter P Martin Memorial Holy Land Scholarship,' and the 'Cardinal John Foley Scholarship' established by John and Barbara Ralph.
The announcements were made during a special luncheon with about 30 guests from the Knights of the Southern Cross. This followed Sunday Mass to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost in Sacred Heart Church, Carlton.
Click on the pictures above to see the slideshow. Guests and seminarians at the Priests Support and Education Fund luncheon at the seminary May 20. Pictures by Andrew Vaccaro.
Rector, Fr Denis Stanley, welcomed guests from the Knights of the Southern Cross for the occasion.
"It is a delight to see our student dining room- or Cluny, as we call it- full and buzzing with guests and students," Fr Denis said in his welcoming address.
"The two most important and constantly used public spaces in the seminary are the chapel and the dining room.
"It is no coincidence that at the centre of both is a table where hospitality is offered and a meal is shared. In both places the lord is in our midst, encouraging and creating community and mutual concern; in both places we listen and share our stories – both – Chapel and Cluny – are holy places."
Fr Denis said that he was pleased that the seminary was able to offer hospitality to its guests.
"I am glad we can extend our hospitality to you, not simply because doing so is a good thing in itself, but also because good things happen when we encounter others face to face – when we pray together, share a meal, chat, ask questions and listen to each other," he said.
Fr Denis thanked the Knights of the Southern Cross and supporters of the Priests Support and Education Fund for their continued support in the formation of future priests.
"The seminary is a house of formation in leadership," he said.
"No community can flourish without good leadership; and good priestly leadership is not about being a “lone ranger” – it’s a shared task. Priests and people together, sensitive to each other’s calling and all focused on the good news of the kingdom.
"The establishment a number of years ago of the priests support and education fund is a practical example of what being partners in the gospel looks like and how that partnership can be effective. It’s good to see that partnership coming to life today in our time together."
At the luncheon the 2018 Archbishop's Dinner hosted by the Knights of the Southern Cross was also launched. This year's dinner will be held on Friday, August 24, at Moonee Valley Racecourse.