Last week, Fr Chris de Souza officially concluded his positions as Vicar General and Parish Priest of St Oliver Plunkett Parish Harris Park and made his way to Canberra where he started his new role as General Secretary for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
Announced in May 2023, his appointment was lauded by many Catholics around Australia.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the ACBC said, “Fr Chris has served with distinction in the Diocese of Parramatta across a number of roles, meaning he knows well the working of dioceses, parishes and other Church ministries.
“We very much look forward to welcoming Fr Chris to his new role at the general secretariat in Canberra, supporting the bishops in the various aspects of the Conference’s life and work,” he said.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta said he will miss Fr Chris’ wisdom and counsel but is happy for his new role.
“I am confident that he will contribute to the mission of the Church in Australia. Please join me in praying for his ministry on the national stage,” said Bishop Long.
Over the last month, Fr Chris has been treated to many farewells and gatherings – a testament to the many lives he impacted as one of the longest-serving priests of the Diocese of Parramatta.
Fr Chris will often tell people that he was in Parramatta “before it all began” – commenting on the creation of the Diocese in 1986. He has served with and worked for all four Bishops of the Diocese – Bishop Bede Heather, Bishop Kevin Manning, Archbishop Anthony Fisher, and Bishop Vincent Long.
During one of his farewells, Fr Chris’ co-Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, Fr Peter Williams AM spoke of the strong partnership he had with Fr Chris over 11 years which was strengthened during the 18 months they administered the Diocese between the departure of Archbishop Fisher and the arrival of Bishop Vincent Long. Fr Peter said that he feels like a part of him has now been amputated, that’s how strong their relationship has been.
Fr Chris de Souza reflected on his time and how, since his ordination in 1983, he has always said ‘yes’. “Even when times are tough, and working for the church isn’t easy – especially today, I have always said yes.”
This led to many roles within the Diocese – from Vocations Director to Episcopal Vicar for Education and almost everything in between.
staff of St Oliver’s Primary School, Harris Park
St Oliver’s Primary School in Harris Park held a farewell Mass for Fr Chris with Bishop Long presiding. The staff, teachers and students were very thankful for his commitment to schools. Parishioner Vanessa Romanous wished Fr Chris all the best and “thank you for all that you have done over the years!”
Parishioners of St Luke’s Catholic Faith Community
St Luke’s Catholic Community in Marsden Park also held a special event for Fr Chris. “We joined together in prayer, gratitude, and fond remembrance, as we say goodbye to Fr Chris de Souza. Fr Chris has been our Supervising Priest for the past five and a half years. May your journey ahead be filled with abundance, fulfillment and joy,” read a post from the community.
“With the St Luke’s Chorale rendering the special song ‘You Raise Me Up’ that resonates in our hearts, we honour the guidance, wisdom, and inspiration that Fr Chris has shared with us from our humble beginnings here at St Luke’s. His words and presence have uplifted our spirits and strengthened our faith,” it continued.
Chancellor of the Diocese, Monsignor Ron McFarlane spoke about how people-oriented he was. “While the priest is teacher, sacramental facilitator, and servant, I believe it is important that he is also a person who walks with his fellow parishioners for it is the people who make up the Church and as a community we express what the Church is about. I think it is obvious that Fr Chris really lives out this belief that each person is important and has something to offer.”
While we will no longer have Fr Chris in our day-to-day lives, we know that from time to time he will escape the coldness of Canberra for some warm weather and greetings from his parishioners and colleagues in Parramatta.
Donec Iterum Conveniant
