He was installed at Cobram on December 27, 2023 after Fr John Corcoran retired and in Yarrawonga following the sad passing of Fr Steve Bohan.
It’s a busy program for the softly spoken priest who has very much appreciated his welcome to both parishes.
Originally from the Philippines, Fr Junjun (pronounced Junejune “think of April, May June!” he said) describes Yarrawonga as “a lovely community, lovely parish”.
“People are very caring about me, understanding my role in two parishes. The community’s amazing, Cobram as well - the same sentiments,” he said.
“I’m amazed at the openness of people in my presence after the priest here for 19 years and at Cobram for 34 years. It’s a great help to feel at home and get immersed in the life of the parish.”
As a child in the Philippines, Junjun found a love for the church. He started his studies in the Philippines for the priesthood and after seven years of studies, moved to Australia, finishing his studies in Melbourne.
While in the seminary in the Philippines, the former Bishop of the Sandhurst Diocese, Bishop Joseph Grech visited, seeking priests to fill vacancies in the Goulburn Valley and Murray areas.
Following Catholic tradition, Fr Junjun was ordained first as a deacon in Bendigo prior to finishing his studies.
He returned to the Philippines to be ordained a priest in 2011 and then returned to Australia.
Since being ordained a priest, he has ministered in numerous parishes, including Wodonga, Bendigo and Myrtleford before coming to the Moira Shire area. "I’ve been assigned everywhere!” Fr Junjun said.
Three more examples of that “everywhere” outside of his normal role related to his six-week sabbatical in 2023. It included 10 days on The Mary Mackillop Way from Portland in Victoria to Penola, South Australia – the birthplace of the Sisters of St Joseph and their Catholic school open to educating any child without distinction – and two weeks in the Philippines with family. Two enjoyable times.
Then it was a trip to Israel “to be immersed in the stories in the bible, meeting different people”.
“But the last week was when the war between Israel and (terrorist group) Hamas began (October 7).”
Fr Junjun was located between Israeli-controlled Jerusalem and Palestinian National Authority-run Bethlehem. The Palestinian Authority is a separate organisation controlling the West Bank and is not involved in the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Along with fellow priests, Fr Junjun was some 80kms from the Gaza Strip, staying in a building which contained a bunker.
“There was intense fighting. We could feel a lot of vibrations, hear the sirens and hear the incoming missiles,” he said.
“There were a couple of near misses. We had to run in the bunker. It was scary – frightening.”
Despite registering for a Federal Government mercy flight and the priority for Australian passport holders, Fr Junjun returned home via a costly commercial flight.
On a much brighter note, Sacred Heart’s new 43-year-old priest loves his role, especially the more significant occasions in people’s lives such as christenings, baptisms, Eucharists and weddings, and being on much safer ground.
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