As the Catholic Church celebrated its most significant week in the liturgical calendar, Fr Raning Creta was having his own special occasion.
Fr Raning, the former Parish Priest of St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills has celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, which this year was on Good Friday.
40 years on from his ordination, which took place on 7 April 1983, Fr Raning is still humbled by the experience of being able to share in the ministry of the Lord.
Fr Raning Creta during the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills, on Good Friday 2023. Image: Supplied
“It’s a really happy experience and a great blessing,” Fr Raning told Catholic Outlook.
“I have experienced the Lord guiding me in many different ways.
“The Lord has offered me to share His priesthood despite my own inadequacies and brokenness.
“I look at the priesthood as not only doing something for the people, but God wanting to continue to bless the people that I minister to through me, which is a joyful experience.”
“Come and see” experience led Fr Raning to priesthood
Fr Raning’s pathway to the priesthood began during the fourth year of high school in the Philippines, when he had the opportunity to meet with seminarians who invited those interested in becoming a priest to a weekend visit at the seminary.
After being immersed into the life of a seminarian, Fr Raning was interviewed by the seminary’s Dean and its Rector and after passing an exam, he was accepted to join. He studied at the St Francis Xavier college seminary in 1974 for four years and then attended the St Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary, where he studied theology.
Fr Raning was ordained to the priesthood at his home parish of Virgen Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrows) in Davao City, two days before he turned 25.
Fr Raning Creta during the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills, on Good Friday 2023. Image: Supplied
“When I entered the seminary, my father strongly objected to it because I was the only boy in my family and it took him some time to support me,” he said. “My father wasn’t a strong Catholic before I joined the seminary, but when he started supporting me in my journey to the priesthood, it changed his life.
“Realising what happened to my parents when they started supporting me inspired and encouraged me in my vocation.”
Arriving in Australia
In August 2006, whilst he was serving in a parish coincidentally called St Paul’s, Fr Raning was requested by his Archbishop Fernando Capalla to move to Australia to become the new Chaplain to the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in the Diocese of Parramatta, replacing Fr Bong, who was a priest from the same Diocese in the Philippines.
“All of my family are in the Philippines, so when I arrived in Australia, I didn’t know anyone. I had two professors in the seminary who were from Australia and I heard so much about it.
“However, through the chaplaincy, it did not take me very long to get to know people. I met a lot of Filipinos and befriended them right away.
“At the time, I was living at St Michael’s Church Blacktown South and two of the priests who were there at the time – Fr Kevin Dadswell and Fr Zakaria Gayed – were very friendly and accommodating. They made me feel so at home and it helped me settle in.”
Life in Winston Hills
In May 2010, Fr Raning was appointed as the second ever Parish Priest at Winston Hills, following on from the dedicated service of Fr David Scott.
“I have been blown away by the commitment of the people to their spiritual life and to the community,” Fr Raning described his community.
Parish Priest Fr Raning Creta blesses the palms of parishioners during Palm Sunday Mass at St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills in April 2022. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“It would have been difficult for me to come into the parish after the previous priest was there for 40 years, but I definitely felt so at home and the people were so hospitable and friendly.
“Every time I have asked for help, they are always ready to help.
“These are the characteristics that the people here at St Paul’s can be proud of.”
The next chapter
Moving into the later stages of his ministry, Fr Raning was recently appointed Parish Priest of St Matthew’s Parish, Windsor. “At my age now, I think I need to slow down a little bit, so ministering to a smaller parish is the best thing for me,” he said.
In a recent Facebook post shared by the parish, parishioners have shared their best wishes for Fr Raning’s new appointment, which commenced in mid-June.
“We are truly going to miss you. May the Lord bless you on your new path of life. Thank you for all you have done for the community and to our family,” one parishioner wrote.
“Thank you father for your wisdom and leadership. Best wishes on your next journey,” another parishioner wrote.
“Fr Raning you have been an inspiration and a true shepherd to your flock at Winston Hills. We will miss your homilies, your friendship and your guidance and wish you God’s choicest blessings on your new pastoral appointment,” another parishioner wrote.
