UQ announces new Catholic chaplain

The University of Queensland has welcomed Father Augustine Obi as its new Catholic chaplain.

Fr Augustine replaces Fr Ian Howells, who had been the University’s Catholic chaplain since 1983.

Fr Augustine said his role would be to nurture a sense of community on campus and to help Catholic students and staff with any issues they may have, including spiritual, academic and pastoral questions.

“My role as a Catholic chaplain is to help staff and students as they strive to integrate learning, work, faith and their everyday involvement in the wider community,” Fr Augustine said.

“Although UQ Catholic chaplaincy flows out of UQ’s multi-faith chaplaincy service, our chaplaincy fosters the Catholic intellectual tradition, which has a long history of commitment to truth, in a spirit of freedom and service.

“I look forward to supporting UQ students and staff as they as they seek to make sense of faith and life in this citadel of learning.”

While Fr Augustine will be based at St Leo’s College, he will be chaplain for all UQ staff and students and serve St Leo’s and Duchesne College.

Media: Br Rob Callen 07 3878 0610, r.callen@stleos.uq.edu.au