Conversations around the role, function, and future of the ministerial priesthood in Australia will be at the centre of a new lecture series honouring the founding president of the Manly Union.
The McGuire Lecture will pay tribute to Archbishop Terence McGuire, a pioneering Australian bishop and first president of the Manly Union.
Formed in 1914 within St Patrick’s Seminary, Manly, the Manly Union is a national association founded to assist in the education and formation of Australian clergy.
More than a century later, the Manly Union continues Archbishop McGuire’s aspirations by supporting the growth of Australian clergy through grants and opportunities for formation programs.
The McGuire Lecture, being established with support from Australian Catholic University’s (ACU) Office of the Vice President, is the Union’s latest initiative to support the formation of diocesan priests and deacons. The inaugural lecture is to be held on 6 August.
Retired Broken Bay Diocesan priest and former philosophy professor, Rev. Dr John Hill, will deliver the inaugural lecture on the topic, ‘What sort of priest is needed in the emerging Australian Catholic Church?’. Fr Hill will draw on the life and experiences of Archbishop McGuire, before turning to the realities of the Church today. Director of ACU’s Xavier Centre for Theological Formation and theologian Dr Maeve Louise Heaney VDMF will provide the response.
Manly Union president Fr Ian McGinnity, who serves in the Diocese of Parramatta, said the McGuire Lecture would bring together experts on priestly formation for much-needed discussions on the future of the priesthood.
“Archbishop McGuire as both the first Bishop of Townsville and of the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn was committed to the service of both God and his country, inspiring the motto of the Manly Union, Pro Deo et Australia – For God and Australia,” Fr McGinnity said.
“Today however the spiritual and religious needs of Australians have changed significantly since Archbishop McGuire stood as president of the Manly Union 110 years ago. We believe the Church and her priesthood must respond to the changing times, informed by theological insights and sincere, steady leadership.
“The inaugural McGuire Lecture will offer an insight into the Church that Archbishop Terence McGuire knew and loved, to help us understand the role and function of priests in society today.”
ACU’s Vice President Fr Anthony Casamento CSMA said the university was delighted to be partnering with the Manly Union on this exciting new initiative.
“As a university committed to being at the service of the Church in Australia, ACU is proud to be able to partner with the Manly Union in ensuring the ongoing formation of clergy,” Fr Casamento said.
“The inaugural lecture is both topical and timely given the second session of the Synod on Synodality that will take place in Rome later this year.”
The McGuire Lecture is a free public event at Australian Catholic University’s Strathfield Campus and will be livestreamed on ACU’s YouTube channel.
Register for the inaugural McGuire Lecture at the Manly Union website or call the Manly Union on (02) 9390 5166.
Event details:
What: The inaugural McGuire Lecture
When: Tuesday, 6 August from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm
Where: Gleeson Auditorium, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield Campus (25A Barker Road, Strathfield) or watch the live stream
With thanks to ACU.
