When you sit down for a cuppa with Fr Percival Sevare OSA, Parish Moderator of Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair–Erskine Park, you quickly sense you’re in the company of someone deeply rooted in faith, community and joyful service.
But what makes his story especially unique is a personal connection that reaches all the way to Rome — through a brotherhood shared with none other than Pope Leo XIV.
Before becoming Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost OSA was already known to Fr Percival through their shared Augustinian identity.
Their paths first crossed in Rome at a papal Mass in December 2023, almost a year after Cardinal Prevost’s appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
“I was with our Vicar General, Fr Joseph Farrell OSA, who suggested that I have a photo taken with then-Cardinal Prevost,” Fr Percival recalls.
“Looking back, I can’t thank him enough! In fact, soon after I heard of his election as Pope Leo XIV, I messaged Fr Joseph to thank him for the photo. I told him that I would proudly share it with my family and friends, especially my father who would be so thrilled about it.
“Just the mere fact that he is a brother in Augustine is in itself a great joy to cherish,” Fr Percival said.
“In our Order, we feel truly honoured and proud of our brother who has been chosen to lead God’s people as Pope. However, we are constantly challenged to live out our charism and spirituality to the fullest.
“We are encouraged to become the Christians, the Augustinians, pastors and persons that Pope Leo would inspire us to be — bridge-builders and peacemakers.”
Fr Percival Sevare OSA with fellow Augustinian and then-Cardinal Robert Prevost OSA at a papal Mass in Rome in 2023. Image: Supplied
A calling rooted in faith and family
Before serving Sydney’s western suburbs, Fr Percival’s path to priesthood was shaped by humble beginnings, family devotion and a deepening love for the Church.
He entered the Augustinians in the Philippines at 17, soon after finishing Year 10. Influenced by his “very pious” grandmother and active in his local church, his call to priesthood grew naturally through leading prayer groups and teaching catechism.
Though initially unaware of the difference between diocesan and religious clergy, life with the Augustinians soon deepened his appreciation for religious life.
After five years in the seminary, Fr Percival was asked to take a leave from formation. He spent the next nine years teaching — including at a seminary in Cebu — while financially supporting some of his family’s university studies, especially those of his younger sister.
He describes those years as “precious”, a time of growth he might not have had if he’d stayed in the seminary.
At 30, the age cut-off for seminary applications in the Philippines, with family commitments fulfilled, he sought to resume formation. “The Augustinians in Australia were accepting overseas vocations, so I was encouraged to apply,” he said.
This decision brought him to Australia in 2011, where his vocation continues to grow, grounded in a deep commitment to community.
For Fr Percival, faith is a shared journey. “I strive to embody what it means to be a person of hope — hope anchored in the promises and words of our Lord,” he said.
While devotional practices shaped his early faith, he now finds deeper meaning in Scripture and in living out its message alongside others. “My faith journey now finds its fullest expression in our communal search for God, in walking alongside each other towards Him.”
A mission to form and inspire
Though Fr Percival only joined Holy Spirit Parish in mid-2024, he said he quickly felt at home thanks to its warm, supportive community and generous volunteers.
Fr Percival Sevare OSA, Parish Moderator at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
He is passionate about faith formation, which parishioners have warmly embraced.
“The spirit of an Augustinian community is truly thriving in our parish — we enrich each other.”
He has led parish retreats, including a recent Lenten retreat on hope, and introduced Lectio Divina and ongoing formation sessions for parish ministers.
Speaking on his role as Parish Moderator, he said: “As an Augustinian, I see myself as a fellow pilgrim, walking with our parish community as we grow closer to God, supporting one another in faith, hope, and love.”
A teacher’s heart for young disciples
Fr Percival’s background as a teacher shapes his ministry, especially in connecting with young people.
He notes a strong youth presence in the parish and hopes they will one day take active, meaningful roles.
“I believe it’s important for young people to see us as joyful and hopeful,” he said.
“In my own little ways, I have tried to be as joyful as possible, to smile as much as I can, and to be filled with hope and energy for our community.
“In our parish, the Augustinian pastors make themselves visible and available at every Mass. We are in the foyer welcoming parishioners before Mass starts, and also say farewell and talk to them as they leave the church.
“These small gestures of hospitality help build our community and hopefully provide a witness of joy and hope to our people.”
It warms him to know that one of his former students, Fr Jonas Donasco MLCC, is now a priest ministering in the Diocese of Parramatta.
Away from parish life, Fr Percival finds joy in simple pleasures, such as gardening, bushwalking and spending time with friends and family. “Family video calls are very special times for me, too,” he said.
To mark the Jubilee of Priests (June 25–27), Fr Percival is celebrating with a special Mass at the parish, followed by a morning tea gathering for parishioners.
As he looks to the future, Fr Percival remains committed to walking with his parish community in faith and joy — one step, one conversation and one shared cup of coffee at a time.
This article was originally published in the 2025 Ordinary Time | Winter edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
