Bringing Shades of Africa to Bellerive

By Phil Pyke
24th July 2008

For seminarian, Ben Amandu, a four week break from studies at Corpus Christi saw him hosted by Fr Peter O’Loughlin at the Bellerive-Lindisfarne Parish.

Ben is originally from Uganda where he studied as a priest under the Arua Dioceses. “I just wanted to go somewhere to be ordained as a priest other than Uganda,” Ben said. His other options included South America and the Caribbean.

Ben comes from a large family of five sisters and four brothers – most of which are Catholic, although one is a Muslim. The Catholic Church is strong in Uganda, with approximately 7613 parishioners per priest and a total Church of 670,000 which is around 40% of the population.

"despite his best efforts, Fr O’Loughlin hasn’t yet convinced Ben that Essendon are the best AFL team to follow"

While enjoying some time away from the College, Ben also took the opportunity to accompany Fr O’Loughlin, eight pilgrims and four leaders from the Parish to the recent World Youth Day. “While I have been here with Fr Peter, I have been studying as well as I have exams soon after I return to Corpus Christi,” Ben said.

After his ordination as a priest, Ben will be returning to Tasmania where he will be attached to the Archdiocese of Hobart. Fr O’Loughlin said numbers regularly attending Mass across the Parish remain relatively strong. “We would average around 450 over the four Masses held each weekend,” Fr O’Loughlin said.
 
And despite his best efforts, Fr O’Loughlin hasn’t yet convinced Ben that Essendon are the best AFL team to follow.