The Rogationist Fathers of the Heart of Jesus will establish a community in the Sandhurst Diocese, Bishop Shane Mackinlay has announced, The Sandpiper reports.

Two Rogationist priests will establish a community at St Mel’s parish, Shepparton South, and will also serve St Malachy’s parish, Nagambie.

Fr Rene Ramirez RCJ, will lead the community of Rogationists in Sandhurst Diocese. The Rogationists will establish a community at St Mel’s parish, Shepparton South, and will also serve St Malachy’s parish, Nagambie. IMAGE: Sandpiper.

The community will led by Fr Rene Ramirez RCJ, who has concluded an appointment in the Melbourne Archdiocese as parish priest of West Footscray, Maidstone and Braybrook.

Fr Rene will be assisted by Fr Ruel Desamparado RCJ, who is preparing to travel to Australia from the Philippines. Their appointments will come into effect on November 4.

The Rogationists were founded in Italy by St Hannibal Di Francia in 1897. They are dedicated to nurturing vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and to spreading greater awareness for all vocations in the Church. They are involved in parish ministry, education of youth and social assistance, especially for children, orphans and the poor.

The St Matthew Province of the Rogationists is based in the Philippines and also has communities in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, South Korea and Vietnam. They have been present for nearly 10 years in the Melbourne Archdiocese, caring for the parish of West Footscray, Maidstone and Braybrook, and recently also for the parishes of Melton South and Bacchus Marsh.

“As we prepare to welcome the Rogationists to our diocese, we look forward to being inspired by their dedication to the Rogate command of Jesus: ‘Pray (Rogate) therefore to the Lord of the harvest so that he may send out labourers into his harvest’ [Mt 9:37-38; Lk. 10:2],” Bishop Mackinlay said.

Note: The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning "to ask", which reflects the beseeching of God for protection from calamities.

This article appeared in The Sandpiper, the diocesan publication of the Diocese of Sandhurst.