Fr Brian McCoy, a Jesuit priest from Melbourne, recently visited Broome as well as Balgo and other Parts of the East Kimberley.  Fr Brian had, for many years, been Parish Priest of the Kutjungka region, based in Balgo.

In Mulan, Fr Brian returned a painting of Mulan Country by Rex Johns Tjapangarti to his family.  Rex was a key leader in bringing the Walmajarri people back to Mulan in 1979.  The painting was part of Fr Brian’s doctoral health research work and will now remain in the Paruku Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) Centre.

While in the East Kimberley Fr Brian celebrated the Feast of Pentecost with fellow Jesuit Fr Steve Curtin and the three Josephite sisters in the east Kimberley, Sr Alma, Sr Theresa and Sr Julianne.  They helped facilitate a weekend workshop for church leaders followed by Pentecost celebrations at Kimberley Retreat Warmun (Mirrilingki). A painting by Lena Judrill of Halls Creek was shared.  It was called ‘Coming Together’.

While Fr  Brian was at Balgo, there was a First Communion Mass for Balgo children. Later, Bishop Michael Morrissey arrived for a Confirmation Ceremony for Balgo and Billiluna children.  They both managed a visit to the 'Lookout', the edge of the cliff overlooking the Breakaway country and the Pound for this photo opportunity.

On his return to Broome Fr Brian, along with Fr Steve Curtin SJ, visited the Heritage Centre of the Sisters of St John of God to return archival material.  While there he met up with his sister, Marea Lanki, who was in Broome with students from Gennazano College in Melbourne who have been part of an exchange program with Nulungu College and, after the amalgamation, with St Mary's College for many years.

Photos courtesy of Fr Brian McCoy, SJ.