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During the Plenary Meeting of the Bishops Conference held in November 2020, the Bishops were advised of the appointment of Fr Khalid Marogi as the next Director of the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office. Fr Marogi will commence his appointment on 3 May 2021.
Below is a short message from Fr Khalid Marogi.
Born and raised in Iraq, I completed my education at the Chaldean Seminary in Baghdad and was ordained to the priesthood in 1992. This was followed by two years compulsory national military service, two years in parish ministry and three years as Vice-Rector of Baghdad College, the Chaldean Minor Seminary.
In 1999, I was transferred to Melbourne to undertake parish ministry for the newly established Chaldean community in Australia. Most of our parish members arrived in the aftermath of the First Gulf War in 1991. In 2009, I was assigned to the Diocese of Port Pirie in South Australia.
I began my priestly ministry with extensive experience in the context of the tragedy of war, especially the First Gulf War. Living and ministering for eight years amidst the difficulties of the severe United Nations economic sanctions provided me with a first-hand immersion in all the hardship and suffering brought upon the civilians of Iraq.
The 10-year Melbourne appointment of ministering to first-generation Iraqi immigrants coming to their new country provided me with insights into the challenges they faced in settling in and becoming enculturated into Australia. My primary role in the Port Pirie Diocese was to develop, support and coordinate Catholic Prison Chaplaincy in the diocese as well regular personal visitation at Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and Cadell Prisons.
My involvement also included school and Asylum Seekers Chaplaincy plus Aboriginal Ministries (for community members from Port Augusta and the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia). As the Coordinator of Clergy and Religious Sisters arriving in Australia from overseas, I was responsible for ascertaining and responding to the concerns and needs expressed by international church personnel.
I believe that my range of experiences have been valuable in gaining an understanding of the broad social and cultural context of Australia and the accompanying justice issues prevalent in society and the Church. Besides studying, I have a special interest in IT, AFL, soccer, golf, fishing and bush walking. I look forward to working with the ACMRO team and together continuing the good work already happening.
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