Announcement of First Rector as Government Delegation Tours Soon to be Completed Australian Pilgrim House in Rome

Katrina Lee, Director, Catholic Communications
18 Oct 2010

The first rector of Domus Australia - the new Pilgrim Centre for Australian visitors to Rome - has been appointed.
 
He is Melbourne-born priest who has also studied in Rome, thirty-eight year old Fr Anthony Denton.
 
The announcement was made during an inspection of the centre by Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney and the Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Rev Denis Hart, both in Rome for the Canonisation of Mary MacKillop.
 
A former Marist complex, Domus Australia has been undergoing extensive renovation and restoration for just over a year.
 
Although it appears still very much a work-in-progress, the centre will be opened mid next year.
 
On the tour of the centre today was the Australian delegation, also in Rome for the canonisation. This included Foreign Minister, Kevin Rudd and Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Julie Bishop.
 
An initiative of Cardinal Pell, and supported by the Catholic Church in Australia, Domus Australia will provide accommodation for between 80-90 people in modern and comfortable surroundings.
 
There will be lounges and entertaining areas, conference rooms and a rooftop terrace and barbeque area however, a chapel and information centre for visitors to Rome are key elements of the complex which is located within a short walk from Termini railway station.
 
Fr Denton will celebrate Mass daily in English and visitors will be provided with information and guidance to help them in their visit to Rome.
 
"I love Rome and I love sharing it with people. It will be wonderful to welcome visitors and to help Australian tourists enjoy a true pilgrimage," Fr Denton said.
 
"The role is not one of a parish priest but will have many similarities including pastoral care and support to Australian visitors."
 
In announcing the appointment, the two Archbishops said Fr Denton was an ideal candidate who ticked all the boxes.
 
"Fr Denton is currently completing a doctorate in Dogmatic Theology in Rome, is a keen historian, speaks fluent Italian and has an insider's knowledge of Rome and the Vatican city," Archbishop Hart said.
 
Cardinal Pell agreed, adding; "We are very fortunate to have a priest like Fr Denton in this role.

"Domus Australia will continue the long established Church tradition of providing accommodation for pilgrims in holy places and it will also be a religious and cultural centre for visitors to Rome. A centre such as this requires an outstanding priest with energy and vision and we look forward to Fr Denton working with us in this role."