Fr Ken Barker: Looking back on 2019
So this is Christmas and what have you done?
Christmas is a time for reflection, so the Catholic Voice asked twelve prominent Catholics to share their thoughts on 2019
Fr Ken Barker, Moderator MGL
Highlight of 2019
The Light to the Nations pilgrimage by the Disciples of Jesus Community at Bowral over Easter attended by 1000 people. Many young people gave their lives to Jesus which is such a precious moment.
A professional achievement
In August, I blessed the new MGL Retreat Centre in Flores, Indonesia. We also opened the Arete Centre for Missionary Leadership in Sydney which will help equip lay people for ministry.
A personal achievement
I am grateful to the Lord for 18 young MGL priests who are under 10 years’ ordained.
Something I have learned
I visited our MGL mission in Manila, Philippines. Walking among the poor in the slums of Payatas is good for my soul. I was particularly moved meeting an aging man in his little hovel no bigger than our bathroom. His smiling welcome fed my impoverished heart. I was glad to hear that we were renovating his little ‘house’.
A news event that affected me
I have felt deeply the ongoing pain of victims of sexual abuse by clergy. As a new congregation, it is challenging for the MGL to put in place what is needed to create a safe environment for children and young people but we are confident we have the heart and competence to do it.
How I approach 2020
I am aware of the need to ask “Why?” in relation to the six MGL missions under my care. Too often we ask “how do we do it?” or “what must we do?” forgetting to ask why we are doing it. I want to focus more on why we exist.
In the 12 days leading up to Christmas, we will be sharing daily reflections looking back on 2019. You can find the other reflections here.
Fr Ken and the MGLs have been a blessing to my life for 35 years.
I am so grateful that they led me to have a personal relationship with Jesus my Saviour through the Holy Spirit and led me to realise the importance of forgiveness to be able to walk in the victory of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We can all be very proud of this Australian order of priests that started right here in Canberra.
I’m so greatful to God to have MGLs in Canberra and in my life.
I’ve been their spiritual associate for many, many years and I recommend others joining the ‘MGL Spiritual Association’ – you want be disappointed. They are a constant reminder that we belong to God and that our lives are not our own. They’ve given up their own ambitions to take up the call of God. They are a visible reminder that we must do the same.
It is a delight to follow MGL sisters on their Facebook page – with their humorous but touching recordings that lighten my heart and lift my spirit to Jesus our God and Saviour.