From Cebu to Aussie citizenship

Fr Junjun was initially based in Carlton, before moving to Bendigo to become ordained as a Deacon while finishing his studies.

He went back to the Philippines to be ordained as a priest in 2011 and returned to Australia in the same year.

Father Junjun has ministered in numerous parishes across Victoria including Bendigo, Myrtleford, and Wodonga before settling into Yarrawonga in December 2023, when he became the Priest at Sacred Heart Church.

He said permanent citizenship came in good time.

“It was both happy and sad considering that I had to let go of my former citizenship as a Filipino,” Fr Junjun said.

“It was a great moment, embracing my new identity as an Australian.”

Citizenship could have helped in a critical moment for Fr Junjun when in the final week of a six-week sabbatical on Holy Land in Isreal, the Palestinian conflict reignited.

Although he had registered for an Australian Federal Government mercy flight, he was unable to board one in time given he was not an Australian citizen at the time.

Fr Junjun was able to escape the warzone on a one-way ticket to the United Arab Emirates he bought for $3,000.

Although he lives alone, Father said he loves the independence and finds comfort in the strong community connection in Yarrawonga.

“The support of this lovely community has been fantastic,” he said.

“There is always something on, which people through the Parish will ask me to come to, which is nice.

“No matter if it’s a small or big prayer service, it’s very encouraging to have people celebrate their faith with me.”

When asked the important question, Father Junjun said he barracked for the Kangaroos.

“A student asked me who I barrack for, I said ‘if there’s a team that has a kangaroo, I would go for them’,” he said.

“Then people started getting me North Melbourne scarfs and beanies.

“Even though I am not the biggest fan, people really care about sport here and they wanted me to be part of this.”