Fr Bartha, Partholomai Paniadiai MSC, has been in Darwin, St Paul’s Nightcliff, for a year.

When he came to Australia, we invited Fr Bartha to tell us a little about himself and his ministry in Darwin.

"I am Parthalomai Paniadiai from India. We are seven members in my family, father, mother, three brothers and a sister. I am the fourth child in my family. This is my first first mission out from India. I am an assistant parish Priest in St. Pauls Nightcliff.

Being an assistant priest my ministries are, Administering all the sacrament, house visit and blessings, Administrator, part of council members, finance group, taking communion for the sick and honestly doing all the work with my Parish Priest Father Peter.

I am so happy to be here as a missionaries of the Sacred Heart to serve the people earnestly, as Jesus Said, I have come to this earth not to be served but to serve so I take up the same challenge of my master and lord Jesus to serve him and serve others faithfully following my vows Obedience Chastity and Poverty. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere."

We visited the Parish Facebook page and found how the parish appreciates him and his ministry.

Fr Bartha preached on opportunities taken or lost this morning, and that it is often fear that can get in the way. Fear can run our lives, if we allow it to. He encouraged us to be aware of the Holy Spirit, always guiding us to take courage and move forward. And then... Fr Bartha went outside and climbed with the kids!

Recently, he celebrated his birthday. The Facebook entry: Happy Birthday to our wonderful priest Fr Bartha. We are blessed to have you with us, walking in faith and love. Thank you for your witness to Christ’s message of love, your words of reflection and wisdom, your humour and care. Fr Bartha is yet to choose an AFL side... it seems Fr Peter has a suggestion! (Insert Sydney Swans tshirt) Fr Bartha says he is yet to decide

December sees the second anniversary of Fr Bartha’s ordination.