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The Family of Innocent and Florence Onwunali having survived the Nigeria-Biafra war was blessed with a boy child who now is Father Francis Onwunali. Francis grew up in the midst of other siblings; five boys and one girl and he happens to be the second child of the family who were all born in the month on June.

ncis hails from Olokoro in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. This is the Eastern part of Nigeria formerly known as Biafra. The effect of the Nigeria-Biafra war had its toll on this area as being in the minority in the political stream of the nation, hence it is still struggling for developments.

At the age of twelve (12), as an Altar Server, he got the inspiration for the Priesthood. He entered the Seminary with zeal but met with hard times at the beginning of his second year in the Seminary at the death of his Father. Francis was then left with an option of either dropping out of School or facing it amidst difficulties. The popular saying that “determination is the key to success” became an encouraging dictum that saw him through. With his mother, a petty trader as the only one training him, Francis and his siblings undertook miniature jobs like hawking on food stuffs in order to assist their untiring mother. This experience for him is one of great treasure as it helps him now to appreciate the realities of life.

In the build-up to his ordination after fifteen (15) years in the seminary, Francis remained resilient in the face of uncertainties that enshrouded his call to the priesthood at that time. According to him, it was in the face of this beclouded future that he became “converted” as he experienced the hand of God leading him through. This brought him closer to God and whenever narrating the story of his life he normally says; “I am what I am by the Grace of God”. On the 18^th of July 1998 God called him to be His priest in the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia and at Holy Cross Catholic Parish Olokoro on the 19 July the same year he celebrated his First Mass.

Within these Ten years of Pastoral experience, Francis has worked as an Assistant and Principal to the Catholic Secondary School in the diocese and as a Parish Priest for seven years before coming to Australia. Before he left Nigeria at the request of the Archdiocese, Francis was the chaplain for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for his diocese for many years. After his ordination, Francis took over the well being of his family as it falls on him now to assist his other siblings and aging mother. This experience has not been easy for him but he sees it as an opportunity to appreciate the sufferings of others.

The path to the Priesthood for Francis is the best he had ever tread in life and always fulfilled whenever he preaches the word of God and works in the midst of people. His joy is realized in being available to people who need his services and the words of Prophet Nehemiah form his key; “the Joy of the Lord is my Strength” (Neh. 8:10).

Deacon : Rev Russ Nelson

Pastoral Ministry Coordinator : Mrs Caroline Smith

Sacramental Programme Coordinator : Mrs Margaret Kerwick

Parish Administrator : Ms Trish Sharkey

Assistant Administrator : Ms Colleen Tracey

OFFICE HOURS : 8.30 a.m - 1.30 p.m

Parish School Principal : Mr Andrew Oberthur Telephone: 3378 2412