Fr Ajin Albarnas IVD and Fr Sunil Francis IVD

Two priests have arrived from India to serve in the Diocese, giving clergy numbers a slight boost.

Fr Ajin Albarnas IVD and Fr Sunil Francis IVD arrived late last month and are currently settling into life in Australia.

Both priests are currently staying with Fr Antony Rebelo IVD at Yarram.

The two clergymen are members of the Institute Voluntas Dei, which was originally founded in Canada.

They are serving in the Diocese through an arrangement with their Superior General in India, Fr Johny Puthenveetil IVD for an initial period of three years.

Fr Ajin Albarnas IVD, (pictured left) has been appointed to the Parish St Michael, Traralgon, commencing no later than Thursday 20th February, 2020.

Fr Sunil Francis IVD, (pictured right) has been appointed to Parishes of St Joseph’s Warragul and Ita’s Drouin, commencing no later than 20th February, 2020.

With Fr Stanly Devasia ordained in his home country of India last month, he will also commence his first parish appointment at Cranbourne Parish on 25th February.

Fr Devasia completed his training, for the Diocese of Sale, at Corpus Christi College Seminary in Melbourne.

These appointments now make three additional priests available in the Diocese.

The three Deacons who were ordained for the Diocese last year are also now working across the Diocese.  

Deacon Paul Zaher is serving in Warragul, Deacon Jithin Anto is serving in Sale and Deacon Confidence Masvosva is serving in Traralgon.