Sacred Heart Parish, Luddenham-Warragamba, has marked a significant milestone, officially welcoming Fr Shinto Francis as its new parish priest.
The ceremony, led by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, was not only steeped in tradition and prayer but also imbued with hope and energy for the future, particularly from the growing youth presence that has become a defining feature of the parish.
“It is a new chapter in the life of Sacred Heart Parish,” Bishop Vincent told the gathered faithful.
“And we pray that together we’ll build a truly Gospel-centric community.”
The community’s enthusiastic “yes!”, in response to Bishop Vincent’s call to support their new priest, echoed through the church, affirming what many already feel: that Fr Shinto is a pastor deeply connected to his people.
Parish Priest Fr Shinto Francis with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv during his installation Mass at Holy Family Church, Luddenham, as part of Sacred Heart Parish, Luddenham-Warragamba, in July 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
A shepherd with vision and experience
Originally from Kerala, South India, and one of seven siblings raised in the Syro-Malabar Rite, Fr Shinto brings both global perspective and local experience.
Since his ordination, he has served in several parishes across the Diocese of Parramatta, including Springwood, Richmond, and a four-month placement in Sacred Heart Parish in 2023.
While he had been welcomed back to Sacred Heart on 1 May 2025, Fr Shinto was formally presented to the faith community as Parish Priest by Bishop Vincent in a liturgical context on Saturday 12 July, succeeding Fr Galbert Albino, who has served as parish administrator since 2023.
In his first address as Parish Priest, Fr Shinto reflected on his vocational path, expressing gratitude to Bishop Vincent for his ongoing support and guidance, including his sage advice to “take some time to listen to everyone and bring people along with your decisions,” which he vowed to take to heart.
Parish Priest Fr Shinto Francis speaks during his installation Mass at Holy Family Church, Luddenham, as part of Sacred Heart Parish, Luddenham-Warragamba, in July 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“I take this as a privilege, being able to assist you in your spiritual journey, and thanks for assisting me in mine as well,” he told his flock.
Speaking after Mass, Fr Shinto shared his vision for strengthening the parish’s spiritual life, with particular focus on youth formation.
“That is a real need. There are so many young families here, especially in Warragamba with the rise in new homes.”
Youth at the heart
Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of the installation celebration was the strong showing of the youth group, a ministry of over 20 active members who meet monthly under the leadership of Deacon Charles Abela and his wife Alicja.
Fr Shinto was quick to praise the group’s enthusiasm.
“They want to be engaged.”
Matilda Calderwood, 15, a former altar server, echoed the sentiment, describing the youth group as a space for “activities, dinners, and sitting around talking.”
Stephanie Sammut, 12, and 13-year-old Eleanor Gauci, 13, referred to it as “fun.” Despite attending different schools, the youth group has fostered strong friendships.
Holy Family youth group members (L–R) Eleanor Gauci, Mikayla Camilleri, and Stephanie Sammut have quickly formed a strong bond through shared faith activities. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Fr Shinto, who once played the piano, guitar and keyboard, hopes to harness this energy by launching a new parish choir and training additional altar servers.
“Not anymore,” he laughed, referring to his past musical life. “Now I’m just learning a bit of Maltese.”
He also hopes to expand the number of feast-day celebrations, drawing more people into the joyful rhythm of parish life.
Rooted in rich history, ready for growth
Sacred Heart Parish is no stranger to transformation. From its humble beginnings in 1818 at Greendale to the growth of Luddenham and Warragamba across the 20th century, the parish has adapted to the changing needs of its faithful while remaining anchored in its mission.
Today, it comprises four churches: Sacred Heart (Warragamba), Holy Family (Luddenham), St Mary’s (Mulgoa), and St Francis Xavier (Greendale).
According to the latest National Catholic Census Project, 4,947 Catholics (40.2% of the area’s population) call the parish home.
Members of the faithful during the Installation Mass of Parish Priest Fr Shinto Francis at Holy Family Church, Luddenham, as part of Sacred Heart Parish, Luddenham-Warragamba, in July 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Among them are 1,807 Catholic families. The parish’s cultural richness is reflected in its overseas-born members, with the largest cultural groups from Malta (3%), Italy (2.5%), and Croatia and the former Yugoslavia (1.1%).
It’s in this blend of heritage and future-facing energy that Fr Shinto steps into leadership.
Friendships and fresh hope
Parishioners, both long-established and new, are already expressing deep affection for their new priest. Jean and Joe Cutajar, who have been with the parish for over 40 years, described him as “approachable” and “friendly”.
Sisilia Petelo, who moved from New Zealand in 2011, cradled her niece Priscilla, freshly baptised by Fr Shinto. “I love Fr Shinto,” she said without hesitation.
Mum-of-four Sisilia Petelo (second far right) – surrounded by family — has called Sacred Heart Luddenham-Warragamba her spiritual home ever since moving from New Zealand to Warragamba in 2011. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Angela Calderwood, a long-time parishioner and Minister of the Word, observed: “He just radiates joy.”
“He’s very nice, very welcoming. He’s just one of us,” said Youth Group member, Mikayla Camilleri, 14.
Their words reflect a sentiment felt across the church grounds during the shared meal that followed Mass, a moment of fellowship as rich as the liturgy that preceded it.
“We thank you for bringing us together as we mark a new beginning,” Bishop Vincent prayed. “Make him truly a servant leader, one who listens and accompanies.”
View the photos of Fr Shinto’s installation on Flickr.
The installation of Luddenham-Warragamba’s newest Parish Priest reflects the priority of Community and Mission in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, striving to build an inclusive and welcoming Church.
