FINDING GOD IN ALL THINGS
Exactly 90 years to the day since the first Mass at Wernteknganayi (Old Mission) in the Northern Territory, the 2025 Mass on 23 June also marked a farewell to Fr Joerg Nies SJ, one of this year’s Tertians, who was wrapping up a four-week stint with the Wadeye community.
Former Jesuit Provincial Fr Brian McCoy SJ said: “On Monday 23 June, the day after Corpus Christi, we celebrated the 90th anniversary of the first Eucharist by Fr Richard Docherty MSC at Old Mission (then called Port Keats Mission, now the community of Wadeye).”
As reported in this Catholic Diocese of Darwin story, the surroundings “were breathtaking” for the Anniversary Mass: “Birds singing, the wind whispering through the trees, and waves crashing nearby — all reminding us of God’s creation and presence among us.”
The story continued: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Alanga Gemma Nganbe, Marie Tchemjiri, and their families for generously welcoming us to celebrate this special occasion on their land.
“Special gratitude goes to Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci, Bishop Eugene Hurley, Fr Leo Wearden MSC, Fr Joerg Nies SJ, Fr Brian McCoy SJ, and Fr John Kelliher MSC for leading us in a deeply moving Mass. We were also blessed by the presence of Brother Gerry CFS, Sr Philippa, Sr Mary (Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart), Sr Archana, Sr Francisca and Sr Armanda, who brought their warmth and unwavering support.”
As reported in this CathNews story, “Bishop Charles Gauci presided over the Mass, with Bishop Emeritus Eugene Hurley, Fr Leo Wearden MSC, Fr Joerg Nies SJ, Fr Brian McCoy SJ, and Fr John Kelliher MSC.
“Bishop Gauci said: ‘We give thanks for the many who have gone before us, and we pray that God will continue to bless this community as it continues its journey of faith, hope, and love. May we always honour the sacred trust handed down to us — walking together as brothers and sisters, one family in Christ’.”
Fr Joerg Nies SJ during the Corpus Christi Mass at Wadeye on 22 June and (right) pictured with church leader Damien Tunmuck (extreme left), Fr Brian McCoy (second from right), and Parish Priest Leo Wearden MSC.
Read more about Fr Joerg Nies SJ and the 2025 Tertians here.