Fr Blasco Fonseca with St Pius X parishioners at the leaving function. Photo: Supplied.
By Matthew Lau
Father Blasco Fonseca will embark on his sabbatical after three years as Parish Priest of Manning, St Pius X Church.
More than 100 parishioners were present at a farewell celebration on 21 January to give Fr Fonseca their best wishes and to thank him for his work in the Manning Parish.
Fr Fonseca said a highlight since his arrival at the parish was making the Church more aesthetically appealing.
“What was very nice was to see volunteers help, they gave their time freely and happily,” he said.
“It was nice to see the acolytes help out doing their jobs, looking after what is needed for the liturgical celebrations.”
One aspect of the parish that Fr Fonseca was proud of was the work the Legion of Mary group did in visiting nursing homes.
Fr Blasco Fonseca with John Collins, one of the chosen speakers who made a presentation of the financial gift from parishioners and the cards on which they wrote their words of appreciation for my service at Manning.
It doesn’t happen in every parish, he says.
“I am now having a sabbatical to do some reading.”
Parish Council member Carol Nicklette, who has been a Manning parishioner for 13 years, praised Fr Fonseca for his tireless work.
“Father Blasco’s humour, dedication to evangelisation and insightful sermons will be missed,” she said.
“He is very insightful and was always giving us good advice about how to incorporate the gospel readings into our everyday life.”
She said Fr Fonseca was an approachable and caring minister.
“During the farewell, we had lots of singing; Father Blasco loves to sing.”
Father Patrick Lim has taken over as Manning Parish Priest.