Catholic Outlook Magazine Lent & Easter Edition 2022

Faith journeys
Their mothers have played an important role
in their journey to priesthood. “I owe my faith
to my mum,” says Fr Shinto, explaining that
as well as handling the logistics of getting him
and his three brothers to altar service, she also
prays for their faith.
“It wasn’t the externals alone that supported
my faith journey, like taking me to Mass and
confession, altar-serving practices, even carrosaries,”
says David. “It was her hospitality,
welcoming friends and strangers alike into our
home. That showed me the faith in action.”
Victor’s mother is Anglican (his father is
Catholic), and is his biggest, and at one time
sole, supporter for becoming a Catholic priest.
When the rest of the family were trying to
convince Victor to look at other life careers, his
mother stood by him. “My son, there is nothing
you can offer to God than to lay down your life
for Him and His people. Go for it, if that is what
your heart wants,” she told him.
Mary
May is also the time we particularly think about
Mary. All three explain the significant role she
has played in their lives.
“Mary has played such a big role in my own
personal faith journey because she leads me to
her Son,” says David. “In moments of hardship
and temptation, the rosary has brought me such
great peace. Totus Tuus.” David continues,
“So often our society promotes getting a name
for yourself, pursuing power and status, and
yet Our Lady shows me the humble way, ‘be it
done unto me according to thy word’. Mary’s
life shows me that none of this is up to me, that
in everything my life should witness to Jesus.”
Fr Shinto at his ordination at St Patrick’s Cathedral in 2017.
His mother, Alice Francis is on the far left.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Showing our appreciation
What do the seminarians and Fr Shinto
recommend as a great way to show our
appreciation to our mothers this Mother’s Day?
All three agree, that while a gift is nice,
nothing is better than spending time with
your mother, showing how you appreciate
everything she does for you, and telling her
how much you love her.
Fr Shinto admitted that he turned to Mary when
feeling anxious about his future. “The statue
of Our Lady of Grace in the (Holy Spirit, Harris
Park) Seminary chapel became a lovely place
for me to pray through her intercession. Mary’s
intercession has worked miracles in my life on
multiple occasions.”
“Out of all the many qualities of Our Lady, I
admire her perseverance in following God’s
will the most. Despite being full of grace, her
journey passed through both ‘storms’ and
‘calms’,” he reflects.
Above image: Victor.
Victor’s mother Sally.
Image: Supplied.
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