WHEN Fr Paul Raj was ordained in 1982 in Chennai, India, he never imagined he would spend the majority of his priesthood in Perth.
But this year marks 25 years since Fr Raj first arrived in Australia, eventually being incardinated into the Archdiocese of Perth in 1995.
Fr Raj told The Record his journey to Perth started when he migrated to Melbourne at the invitation of his brother in 1989.
“Mgr Michael Keating, who was Vicar General at the time, invited me to visit Perth, and I never returned to Melbourne,” he said.
He was accepted into the Archdiocese by then-Archbishop William Foley, taking up postings at parishes south of Perth.
Over the years, Fr Raj has served as parish priest at Willetton, Gingin-Chittering, Spearwood, Kwinana, Kalamunda and Hilton, where he is based today.
The 59-year-old has also served as a part-time chaplain for the Australian Defence Force-Navy for the past 18 years, something he describes as a “privilege”.
“Accepting the sailors and officers as they are, recognising their lifestyle in ships, subs and warzones, and offering them support is part of our ministry,” he said. “I have learnt a lot, and my time in the navy has helped me to work in the parish.”
Aside from his role with the navy, Fr Raj said he was most passionate about building parish communities.
“Once the community is built, the leaders will carry out their duties even after the priest has left the parish,” he said.
“Hospitality, spirituality and stewardship are the key elements to build a vibrant community. These core values have helped me and I have always tried to promote and implement them in a parish situation.”
Fr Raj said his priestly ministry has not been without its challenges.
“No doubt there have been struggles I’ve had to face,” he said.
“But among all the struggles and challenges, I learnt to listen to the power of the Holy Spirit, who was my guide and inner strength.”
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish priest said he was looking forward to continuing his ministry in the navy for as long as possible.
“I encourage the priests of the Archdiocese particularly the young ones to consider joining the Defence Force as a chaplain,” he said.