Hope – Even in the Bitter Valley
From 23-27 June, priests from across the Diocese of Sandhurst gathered at Corpus Christi College in Carlton for the biannual clergy retreat; an opportunity for spiritual renewal, fraternity, and reflection. It was an inspiring experience guided by Fr Brendan Byrne SJ.
Fr Adi Indra shares the story.
Fr Brendan, a renowned biblical scholar and teacher, led us through the theme of Hope, a timely focus in a year marked by global turmoil, including war and conflict, as well as significant transitions within the Church. These include the election of a new Pope, Bishop Shane’s forthcoming departure to Brisbane, and the anticipation of a new Bishop for our Diocese.
Drawing richly from Scripture, Fr Brendan helped us reconnect our ministries to the enduring hope that springs from Christ’s resurrection. Even in the bitter valleys of life (cf. Psalm 84:6), he reminded us, nothing can separate us from the love of God (cf. Romans 8:38).
The retreat began with a reflection on pilgrimage. Fr Brendan then spoke compellingly of God’s faithful presence, as illustrated in the Genesis stories of Adam and Eve, and Cain (cf. Genesis 3-4). He also drew on the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (cf. Luke 24:13-35), highlighting Jesus’ patient and loving accompaniment. Echoing Pope Benedict XVI, he described this divine patience as a hallmark of God’s love for each of us.
A particularly powerful moment was the reconciliation liturgy, which called us to deep conversion. We were challenged to reorient every part of our ministry to the glory of God. As Fr Brendan reminded us, all things find their true purpose in the transforming love of God.
The retreat concluded on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a fitting ending to our time together.
We are especially grateful to Fr Jake Mudge, Director of Clergy Life and Ministry, for organising the retreat. As we accompany Bishop Shane in his transition to Brisbane, we carry with us renewed hope, trust, and confidence in the loving presence of Christ, our Good Shepherd, who accompanies us towards our heavenly home.
About Fr Brendan Byrne SJ
Fr Brendan Byrne SJ is a Jesuit priest and respected New Testament scholar. A former member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, he is Professor Emeritus at the University of Divinity, Melbourne. He has written extensively on the Gospels and continues to offer theological insight through retreats, publications and contributions to Church life in Australia.
About Fr Adi Indra
Fr Adi Indra is the Assistant Priest at Shepparton and Supervising Priest at Rushworth. He was ordained a priest of Sandhurst in 2021 and holds a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Gregorian University.
