DESCRIBING Penola as a spiritual gem, Father Michael Romeo is delighted to immerse himself in the community as the town’s new Catholic priest.
Growing up in Adelaide, Father Michael studied arts, majoring in history and Italian at university before teaching for two years.
“I believe there is something in each of us and God calls us to do something with our lives – and for me that was recognising I needed to become a priest,” Father Michael said.
A combination of his gifts, talents and experiences pointed Father Michael in the direction of priesthood.
“Ultimately I believe God wants us to live a happy life – and this has made me the happiest,” Father Michael said.
Studying in a Melbourne seminary for around seven years, Father Michael was ordained on August 29, 2014, before being appointed as a priest in Mount Gambier.
“I have loved being a priest and these past three years have been beautiful,” he said.
Father Michael said it was different adapting to country life after living in major cities, however he adored the sense of ownership and care the people of the region had for their community.
“It is great that people invest time and finances in looking after parish communities and I have felt a great sense of welcome as people are happy to have a priest around,” he said.
As Father Michael attended a Josephite school himself, he was always interested in the inspirational story of Mary MacKillop.
He described Penola as a unique parish – as not every parish was as fortunate to have its own saint.
“As priests we believe that we are all called to be saints and to be holy and having Mary here shows us that it is possible for each of us to become saints,” Father Michael said.
“They are not just plaster statues, they are real people – she helped to show us it is possible.”
He said many people who visited Penola, especially the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre, were touched by Saint Mary’s life.
“I am hoping we can build on the great work that has already been done with the fantastic volunteers in the centre and the parish.”
The vibrant young priest said he was enthusiastic and had a lot of energy to share with the community.
“I am not just here for Catholics, but I am here for all of the people of Penola,” he said.
“I want to be there for the people in the community and I have said people should never think I am ever too busy to be contacted.”
Reflecting on his time as a priest, Father Michael said he has had an abundance of great moments, which included seeing different families connect with each another.
“A priest’s life is strange, one moment you are baptising a child and the next you are burying someone,” he said.
As Catholics refer to their priests as father – Father Michael said the strong sense of fatherhood made him available like a father would be to his family.
“Anyone who needs to contact me can do so through the parish office and I look forward to meeting people in the town,” he said.
