Holohan and Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey joining other members of the clergy from Geraldton and Perth for the occasion. PHOTO: CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF GERALDTON
BISHOP OF Geraldton Justin Bianchini says it has been a privilege and a joy to “be an instrument for good” in God’s hands during his 50 years of ministry.
The 73-year-old celebrated his Golden Jubilee of ordination to the priesthood on June 29 at Geraldton’s St Francis Xavier Cathedral in the presence of family, friends, and fellow clergy members.
During his homily on the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul, Bishop Bianchini recalled how God worked through both men, despite their human limitations. “Without comparing my life to these great men, I see the same pattern for me in my life,” he said. “As a young teenager I was a keen seminarian. After ordination I went generously into the hurly-burly of ministry.
“There were times though in ministry when I fell short of the mark, I failed, I sinned. At these times I was bathed in and lifted up by the mercy of God – the loving kindness of God – that led me on to do more good.”
Bishop Bianchini also paid tribute to his parents and family – many of whom were present at the celebration – as well as teachers, parishioners, friends, and fellow clergy, for their support over the past 50 years.
“If it wasn’t for the fact of my parents who… gave their lives to God, as did my family and the many people God put around me, I would never have been in the position to give my life to God for his people,” he said.
Speaking to The Record after the momentous occasion, Bishop Bianchini said he felt immensely grateful for the way God has assisted him over many years, in both the good and the bad times.
“Even in failure, in receiving the mercy of God… it not only strengthened me for service but helped me to be more compassionate and understanding of people,” he said. “One of the special graces of being a priest and a bishop in a country area is that you get closer to people, so you’re able to share their joys and sorrows, and be with them in those times, and that has given me a great satisfaction.”
Bishop Bianchini was ordained on June 29, 1964, by Cardinal Joseph Siri in Genoa, Italy, and his first appointment was in Kalgoorlie, which he recalls fondly.
“Being parish priest at Kalgoorlie was a great thrill, taking on that challenge and the role of leadership, of becoming the shepherd of the parish,” he said.
After spending seven years in Kalgoorlie, the then-Fr Bianchini assisted at St Mary’s Cathedral for another seven years, before a four-year stint at Nedlands.
His final role in Perth was as the director of vocations at St Charles’ Seminary, a position he held for seven years. He was ordained as the Bishop of Geraldton on May 19, 1992.
Although he may not be as energetic now as he was as a young priest, Bishop Bianchini says he has been inspired by Pope Francis’ enthusiasm and faith.
“I just want to be more and more led by Pope Francis in wanting to share the joy of the Gospel with as many as possible around our diocese, together with our priests and religious and lay people,” he said.