Catholic Diocese of Broome

For the past eight years Fr Matthew Digges has been answering the call of God and people to serve in the Balgo Kutjungka parish in the east Kimberley region of northern Australia. It is a harsh, brittle country with a rugged, surprising beauty that people are happy to call home. It is a diverse, challenging region, demanding of a person in Fr Matt’s position, a generous commitment of time and energy and among other qualities a patience and love to answer a call for help at any time of day or night. Fr Matt is a man whose faith and resilience, whose compassion and caring were very strong.

Pastoral ministry was for Fr Matt something that knew no time or boundary. It was something that was freely given with no strings attached. It was not exclusive, but always inclusive. Training of Church Leaders was always important for him and he made sure they had a real role among the people. Funerals were special and those involved in ‘Sorry Time’ always felt comfortable with his leadership on such occasions. His homilies inspired, they came from a man whose deep spirituality and wide reading were obvious.

A key role for him during his time in the region was that of advocacy, a voice or presence for those who found it difficult to speak for themselves. His advocacy with external providers such as government agencies was particularly important, as “quick fixes” were not to the long-term benefit of the local people.

Children and young people and their needs were ever on his mind. Fr Matt did much, in concert with other community agencies, to ensure that children and young people got a fair go and were protected. Among other things he developed the Yangpelaku Centre for Youth and worked tirelessly to attract funding for it.

People of the region were sad to see Father leave and more than a few tears were shed. He obviously touched lives in a very real way during his time in the desert. He belongs to a group of Australians who contribute with courage and generosity to the deeper values of the nation, so that we are recognised for what we can be, not for what we can have or possess.

The community joins together in wishing Fr Matt every success for his studies at Notre Dame.

Photo: Fr Eugenio Zurias (right) and Br Bernie Cooper fsc (left) look on as Fr Matthew is presented with farewell greetings by Jerome Williams on behalf of the Parish community and Luurnpa Catholic School, Balgo.
Photographer: G Kennewell fsc