Fr Abraham Kunnatholy CMI has been officially installed as the fifth parish priest of Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook, in a ceremony led by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, and warmly embraced by parishioners, clergy, and friends.
Bishop Vincent welcomed the occasion with heartfelt words.
“It is with great joy and hope that we are gathered in Corpus Christi to commend Fr Abraham in his new role as the pastor of this community,” Bishop Vincent said.
“It is great to see a number of priests present here to pray and to show solidarity with Fr Abraham, along with the parish’s strong leadership team.”
Just two weeks into his new role and already warmly embraced by the community, Fr Abraham, a member of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) and the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle, was invited to renew his priestly vows from 1996 – a touching moment that deepened the bond between him and his new flock.
When Bishop Vincent asked the community if they would support their new priest, the resounding reply was an enthusiastic “Yes!” followed by thunderous applause.
“There you go, a resounding ‘yes’,” Bishop Vincent said.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv (left) installs Fr Abraham Kunnatholy CMI as parish priest of Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook, in May 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Called to continue Christ’s mission
Fr Abraham expressed his gratitude and humility as he addressed the parish for the first time as their new shepherd on Saturday 31 May.
“This is a moment of deep gratitude and humble joy for me. May our parish truly live up to its name, ‘The Body of Christ’,” he said.
The installation, held on a crisp 15-degree evening, coincided with the Feast of the Ascension, which Bishop Vincent reflected on in his homily, drawing parallels between Jesus’ mission and the parish’s call to continue that mission with faith and purpose.
He thanked Fr Abraham for his generosity in saying ‘yes’ to this calling.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv (left) embraces Fr Abraham Kunnatholy CMI during his installation as parish priest of Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook, in May 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“In the same manner, we thank you [the Parish] for your trust and your generosity in accepting him as your new pastor,”
He added, “The mark of a good shepherd is the ability to begin again, even after many years of priesthood.”
Bishop Vincent encouraged the parish to see the celebration as a renewed commitment to living out Jesus’ vision, “to build God’s Kingdom on right relationships, peace, justice, and service”.
He also encouraged the parish to move forward with confidence in Christ’s enduring presence.
“I trust that together [with the Parish], you will build a community that models on Jesus’ outreach to everyone, especially the poor, the needy, and those at the margins of our society,” Bishop Vincent said.
Vision and experience
Originally from India, Fr Abraham brings a wealth of experience in priestly formation, theology, and pastoral ministry to his new role as Parish Priest of Corpus Christi.
He holds a doctorate, a postgraduate diploma in psychology and formation, and has published theological reflections in books and journals. Over 17 years, he served in various formation roles before moving to Australia in 2014.
That same year, he was appointed chaplain to the South-East Melbourne Syro-Malabar Catholic community, which was later elevated to parish status. In 2015, Fr Abraham became the first Vicar of the newly established St Thomas Parish.
Since 2020, he has served in the Diocese of Parramatta, ministering in parishes including Blacktown, Katoomba, Blackheath, and most recently, Winston Hills.
Fr Abraham Kunnatholy CMI during his installation as parish priest of Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook, in May 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
He now takes over at Cranebrook from administrator Fr Jessie Balorio, who begins a new role in the Upper Blue Mountains.
After Mass, Fr Abraham shared a light-hearted moment about still settling in: “I’ve yet to figure out what every key is for!”
More seriously, he added: “I’ll be leading according to the parish’s style. I’ll look at what the parish needs and, from there, I will develop a system.”
A growing parish community
Established on 31 December 1991, the roots of Corpus Christi Parish stretch back to the 1980s with the arrival of Redemptorist and Franciscan priests. Today, the parish serves a vibrant and growing community in Western Sydney.
Cranebrook is a growing and diverse community, with young children and older adults shaping much of its population. Children aged 5 to 9 make up the largest age group, highlighting the area’s strong appeal to young families. At the same time, the number of residents aged 60 to 64 has grown more than any other age bracket since 2016, pointing to a maturing population as well.
Parishioners are seen during the installation of Fr Abraham Kunnatholy CMI as parish priest of Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook, in May 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Significantly, 7% of Cranebrook’s population identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander – more than double the state average – reflecting the area’s rich and continuing connection to First Nations peoples.
Fr Abraham is joined in leadership by Vanessa Sultana, a long-time parishioner, catechist, and the newly appointed parish secretary. “We’ll be learning together,” Vanessa said.
“In his first homily, he said he wants the parish to be ‘the best of the best,’ and I believe he’ll make that happen,” she added.
Parishioner Vanessa Sultana (left) following the installation of Fr Abraham Kunnatholy CMI as parish priest of Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook, in May 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Farewells, friendships and fresh hope
Among those celebrating Fr Abraham’s new chapter was Maxine Joseph, a parishioner from his former assignment, St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills.
The pair share a cultural connection – Maxine is from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, and Fr Abraham from India. “I make the food he likes,” she said, smiling.
“He’s great, a very kind-hearted person,” she added.
While elated for his new appointment, Maxine expressed her heavy-heartedness. “I really will miss him,” she said. She shared one last hug with Fr Abraham at the celebration in the school hall.
St Paul the Apostle Winston Hills parishioner Maxine Joseph embraces Fr Abraham Kunnatholy CMI following his installation as parish priest of Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook, in May 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Long-time parishioner and Parish Finance Committee member Glenda Hervas, who has called Corpus Christi home for 16 years, spoke hopefully about the future.
“I think with Fr Abraham, there will definitely be change,” Glenda said.
“We’re looking for stability and strong leadership. I think he’ll be a good fit.”
As Corpus Christi Parish enters a new season of growth, unity, and renewal, there’s a shared spirit of hope among parishioners – ready to walk in faith with their new shepherd.
View the images from Fr Abraham’s installation on Flickr.
