Leaders are those who aspire to make a positive difference to the lives of others. One of the most meaningful messages from the Bible states, ‘love one another as I have loved you’ (John 15:12). Fr Fernando Montano, who is the current parish priest of St Bernadette’s at Castle Hill, NSW, is one of these leaders who follows this motto willingly within his daily life.
Born into a Catholic family in Mexico, Fr Fernando was introduced to the church at a young age, attending Mass daily with his mother and joining the altar server group in his local parish. Fr Fernando’s desire to become a priest was planted when his grandfather gave him copies of a magazine published by the Foreign Missions Society of Mexico.
‘I was inspired by the stories of priests going to different countries to serve, to speak about Jesus and also to help people have a better life.’
Fr Fernando travelled to the US to complete his English training for a missionary service opportunity in Hong Kong, which was focused around spreading the Word of God to people with disabilities. He learned to speak Cantonese, as well as Cantonese Sign Language, in order to communicate with the community.
GROW AS HUMAN BEINGS
‘When we can communicate at that level is when I think we can truly create relationships and can learn from each other and grow as disciples and human beings’, says Fr Fernando.
During his missionary vocation in Hong Kong, Fr Fernando’s most memorable highlight was his ordination as a deacon.
‘My parents came to Hong Kong all the way from Mexico and the ordination happened in my first parish where I served as a seminarian a few years back.’
The Cantonese deaf community helped Fr Fernando to build relationships with the less fortunate, and he eventually became the community’s chaplain. For Fr Fernando, this was one of the most fascinating pastoral experiences of his priesthood journey.
‘I am always grateful to the excellent group of volunteers who helped me with my sign language skills’, he says.
Eventually, Fr Fernando decided to come to Australia to continue his missionary work and leadership by becoming the parish priest of St Bernadette’s.
Fr Fernando has created many close relationships with parishioners at St Bernadette’s and believes the community has shaped his priestlyjourney.
‘I am blessed that many called me their friend and it has been a joy to walk with them during different stages of their lives.’
MAINTAIN CONNECTIONS
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many unexpected challenges that have disrupted parishioners from physically going to church. With the help of technology, Fr Fernando has managed to maintain connections with parishioners' faith by hosting online live Masses at certain times of the day. His positive mindset has allowed people to practise their faith throughout this challenging period, keeping people hopeful for a better future.
‘I think we also need to be a source of hope for people too. We believe that Jesus is truly walking with us in good times and in bad and we have to be witnesses of that.’
When questioned about what he would like to achieve in his ministry in the future, Fr Fernando said he had no expectations.
‘God is the one that leads the journey, and I am just happy to follow where he takes me, because I know, that wherever he takes me, he will be with me’.
LOVING LEADERSHIP
This year also marks a personal celebration of Fr Fernando being a priest for 22 years. He surely has a contagious smile that makes everyone feel joyful, welcomed and comforted.
‘Jesus says in the Gospel, “come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. I hope people can see that in me, that I’m someone who is there to listen, to support, to encourage, to help. There is no magic formula, we just need to be open to the presence of God where we are and be a source of hope and joy.’