Willetton Parish Priest Fr Thai Vu and Fr Christian Irdi on Sunday 1 July 2018. Photo: Rudy Hendarman.
By Matthew Lau
Former Willetton Assistant Parish Priest Father Christian Irdi has this week returned to Rome to further his studies.
Fr Irdi was granted a term of study leave to obtain his Doctorate in Fundamental Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
It will be familiar grounds for Fr Irdi, who undertook theological studies in 2010 at the Pontifical North American College for five years.
At his farewell gathering on 1 July, Fr Irdi thanked Willetton Parish Priest Fr Thai Vu for his friendship and counsel, which helped the former build a good foundation in his priestly ministry in what was his first pastoral placement.
A farewell shared meal, organised by Pastoral Council member Martha Cheong, saw more than 250 parishioners turn out to send off Fr Irdi with their best wishes. Photo: Rudy Hendarman.
Exactly one month later, Fr Irdi flew to Rome on Wednesday 1 August to embark on his new endeavours and reflected on his three years at St John & St Paul Church in an interview with The eRecord.
“Serving the people of God in Willetton was a very formative and rewarding experience for me,” he said.
“Parish life is very diverse and interesting because you are ministering to many people of different ages and walks of life. The experience of ministering to the wonderful people of Willetton Parish is a happy memory that I carry back with me to Rome.”
Father Christian Irdi leaves his role as Willetton Parish Assistant Priest to complete his doctorate in Rome. Prior to following his vocation into priesthood, Fr Irdi studied Law at the University of Western Australia. Photo: Rudy Hendarman.
Fr Irdi will return to the Archdiocese of Perth upon completion of his doctorate.
Parish Pastoral Council Chair Gary Dunlop spoke on behalf of the parish community at the farewell and thanked Fr Irdi for his “captivating homilies which always left one deeply inspired”.
“While the parting was sad, the parish will always be grateful, not just for the physical structures that he was instrumental in building, but for the deep love and pride he inculcated in all towards the Catholic faith which will live in their hearts forever,” Mr Dunlop added.