Fr Manu Kumbidiyamackal MSFS, Para Hills/Modbury
As I look back on my life so far as a priest I lift up my heart to God in thanksgiving for all the people who inspired, guided and supported me.
My parents gave me the basic lessons in Catholic faith and encouraged me to get involved in Church activities. This gave me the initial inspiration to become a priest and when I was at school my parish priest was a real inspiration for me to join the seminary.
Formation in the seminary helped me prepare for working in parishes and missions beyond the culture in which I was born and raised. I was ordained on December 30, 2001. For the first 11 years I worked in India as assistant parish priest, parish priest and a teacher.
In 2013 I moved to the Archdiocese of Adelaide to work as assistant priest at Para Hills/Modbury parish up until last year when I was appointed parish priest. This movement from my culture and homeland to Adelaide has given me great insight into my vocation.
I have really become aware that a priest belongs to Christ and where he serves doesn’t really matter. The support and encouragement I have received from people beyond my culture who have now become part of my life, points to me at every moment of my life that God cares for me.