For 21 years, Father Darko Žnidaršič OFM has been far more than a priest to our community — he has been a steadfast guide, mentor, and a source of faith, strength and comfort to generations of Slovenians in Australia. His warmth, kindness and unwavering pastoral care have been a constant presence in the lives of so many, leaving a legacy that will remain deeply woven into the fabric of our community. On Sunday, 27 September, Slovenians of all generations gathered at St Raphael’s Slovenian Mission in Merrylands to celebrate 21 years of Father Darko’s faithful service. Following Holy Mass, the community came together in the Father Valerijan Jenko Memorial Hall for a special farewell program.
The church was full, with parishioners gathering to say Najlepša Hvala and express their heartfelt gratitude for Father Darko’s longstanding presence, devotion, care and friendship. For many, it was an emotional occasion. Through speeches, photographs, memories and reflections, the community was reminded of the countless ways Father Darko has touched the lives of individuals and families throughout his two decades of service.
It was remarkable to reflect on just how quickly the years have passed. During his final VOSA radio interview on Saturday 26th September, Father Darko reflected on his journey, while the video presentation shown during the farewell program included photographs of his arrival at Sydney Airport in November 2005. Looking back at those early moments and then seeing the remarkable journey that followed was a powerful reminder of the passage of time — and, more importantly, of the profound impact of Father Darko’s warmth, kindness and faith on the community.
A Final Mass of Faith, Love and Gratitude
For his final Sunday Holy Mass with the Slovenian community, Father Darko was joined by Provincial Stephen Bliss OFM and Father Simon Peter Berlec OFM, who now leads the Slovenian Missions in Australia across Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
During the Mass, Provincial Stephen Bliss OFM delivered heartfelt words reflecting on Father Darko’s years of faithful service and the strength of the relationship built between the priest and community. He also reassured parishioners of the continued presence of God among them during this period of transition and encouraged the community to remain united in love. Reflecting on the words of St Paul, he reminded everyone that faith is not lived alone.
Together, Father Darko and the Slovenian community have kept their traditions, faith and sense of belonging alive across generations. He acknowledged the commitment of the community and the support that has surrounded Father Darko throughout his ministry, while also assuring parishioners of his commitment to working alongside Father Simon Peter to continue providing pastoral care to the St Raphael’s community. The Holy Mass itself was a deeply moving and heartfelt farewell. For 21 years, Father Darko has celebrated masses, baptisms, weddings, funerals, anniversaries and countless other important moments in the lives of many. He has been present during moments of celebration, sorrow and all the ordinary moments in between.
As is tradition on this significant occasion, the community also celebrated wedding anniversaries.
Congratulations to:
- 55 years: Jože and Olga Lah
- 54 years: Ivan and Klara Brcar
- 35 years: Robert and Sylvia Šuber
- 30 years: Mark and Carmen Gašperšič
- 24 years: Dominic and Michelle Dobaj
- 16 years: Robert and Diana Fisher
- 16 years: Michael and Natalie Morony
Father Darko presented each couple with his blessing and a certificate, recognising not only the number of years they have shared together, but also the love, commitment and companionship that have carried them through the years. The church was beautifully decorated, with flowers and decorations providing a fitting backdrop to such a significant occasion. Special thanks to everyone who contributed their time and effort, particularly Sonja Fisher, Olga Lah and Vesna Kavčič for their preparation of the church in the lead-up to the event, and Vesna Poch for the beautiful floral arrangements in both the church and hall.
At the conclusion of Mass, Olga Konda read a short excerpt from Father Ciril Božič OFM OAM, who sent his well wishes via email as he was unable to join the community on the day due to health reasons. His words reflected on Father Darko’s important presence in the lives of the community, while also mentioning his time in Australia with the late Father Valerijan Jenko OFM OAM, as well as his connection with Naša Mladina and the choir Zarja.His message was also a reminder of the importance of continuing to nurture these organisations, traditions and expressions of Slovenian identity for generations to come.
Memories, Stories and Photos: A Special Farewell Program
Following Holy Mass, the community made their way into the Father Valerijan Jenko Memorial Hall for a special program dedicated to Father Darko’s service to the Slovenian Mission in Merrylands. Just as the church had been full, so too was the hall. Approximately 240 people attended, with additional guests sitting upstairs to be part of the farewell.
Leading the program as MC with great warmth, professionalism and grace was St Raphael’s Pastoral Council Member Irene Stariha. She expertly welcomed distinguished guests and guided the afternoon’s proceedings, adding a wonderful sense of occasion to a program that was both heartfelt and deeply meaningful. Thank you, Irene!
Throughout the afternoon, several speakers reflected on Father Darko’s service and the tireless efforts of the many volunteers — past and present — who have given their time, talents and energy to ensuring the continued strength of the Slovenian Mission Sydney. Provincial Stephen Bliss OFM and Bishop Vincent Long also delivered words congratulating Father Darko on his two decades of service in Australia, while expressing their gratitude to the Slovenian community for its continued commitment and support.
A particularly heartfelt moment in the program came when Former Honorary Consul General Mr Alfred Breznik AM took to the stage. A great statesman —I would say the greatest — of our community, Alfred, founder of numerous organisations that continue to thrive today and a longstanding supporter of St Raphael’s Slovenian Mission in Merrylands, reflected on Father Darko’s journey and contribution to our community. He highlighted the immense joy Father Valerijan felt when, in 2005, Father Darko arrived in Australia and became an invaluable assistant to him. Following Father Valerijan’s departure, Father Darko embraced the responsibility of leadership with dedication and humility, continuing the important work of providing spiritual care, guidance and pastoral support to the church community.
Across the hall, exhibition banners organised and coordinated by Secretary of the St Raphael’s Pastoral Council, Olga Lah, provided another visual reminder of Father Darko’s journey and the many milestones he has shared with the community. A heartfelt thank you to Olga for her tireless effort and time she devoted to organising this wonderful photographic exhibition.
Journey Through 21 Years
Following lunch, the program continued with a video presentation prepared by Olga Lah, Tania Smrdel and myself. Through a collection of photographs, the presentation traced Father Darko’s journey from his arrival in Australia in November 2005 through countless celebrations, birthdays, community gatherings, sacramental occasions and special moments. Each photograph told its own story.
There were smiles, celebrations, familiar faces and moments that perhaps had not been remembered for many years. Together, they created a beautiful visual portrait of Father Darko’s ministry and the relationships he built throughout his time in Australia. There was hardly a dry eye in the hall. Special thanks to Tania Smrdel for the exceptionally moving selection of music. The songs complemented the photographs beautifully. When more than 240 people fell completely silent, you knew the music had found its place.
The presentation also reflected on Father Darko’s more recent work with the Pastoral Council, whose members have worked enthusiastically alongside him to support his ministry and the needs of the community. That work will now continue with Father Simon Peter Berlec OFM, who spoke to the community at the conclusion of the afternoon and expressed his commitment to doing everything within his ability to meet the pastoral needs of the community in Sydney, while also carrying responsibilities across the Missions in Melbourne and Adelaide.
Community Effort
Behind every successful community celebration is an enormous amount of work, often carried out quietly and without recognition. The beautiful lunch was made possible by an incredible team whose dedication, generosity and hard work were evident in every detail. Behind the scenes, countless hours were devoted to planning, preparing, cooking and ensuring that everything came together seamlessly.
Leading the kitchen, as they have done for so many community celebrations, were Olga Konda and Jenny Stariha. They devoted days to planning, preparation and cooking, once again giving generously of their time and talents to ensure everyone was well looked after. The kitchen and wait staff were equally invaluable, with Miriam Stariha, Veronika Konda, Elaine Bavčar, Henry Stariha, Maria Konda, Peter Leel, Gail Smithson, David Smithson, Angelina Smithson, Dianne Smithson, Lauren Stariha, Noah Skubla and Vesna Kavčič helping throughout the day.Bar service was provided by Joe Marinč, Rudi Korpar and Stanko Kolar.
Thank you also to Mimi de Rooy, Tanya Rešnik and Vesna Kavčič, who warmly welcomed guests and directed everyone to their seats. Their friendly presence and hospitality helped create a welcoming atmosphere from the moment people arrived. There was also a dedicated team working quietly behind the scenes to make the day possible: Mark Stariha, Henry Stariha, Ciril Košorok, Olga Lah, Jože Lah, Frank Skubla, Walter Šuber, Branko Fabjančič and Jožica Modrijančič, with additional support provided from afar.
Olga Lah, Kristina Šuber, Julie Fabjančič, Michelle Šušteršič and Mimi De Rooy who also generously assisted with creating the beautiful displays that helped make the celebration so special.
Another meaningful moment was the presentation of the gift to Father Darko by Olga Lah, Michelle Šušteršič, Sonja Fisher and Joe Marinč- members of the St Raphael’s Pastoral Council. The gift was a book containing a beautiful collection of photographs capturing Father Darko’s 21 years of service and the many memories he created within our community. Special thank you to Olga Lah for bringing this wonderful book together. It was a thoughtful gift — one that will allow Father Darko to look back on his years in Australia, remember the many people and moments that have shaped his journey, and carry a piece of our community with him wherever he goes.
It is a fitting reminder that while Father Darko may be departing, the memories he has created and the lives he has touched will remain with us. He will always have a place in our hearts, just as we hope our community will forever hold a special place in his.
Olga Lah’s contribution extended far beyond bringing the book together. From preparing the church and hall, organising the photo exhibition and seating arrangements, to coordinating the many details behind the scenes, her dedication, care and willingness to go above and beyond were evident throughout every stage of the occasion. Her contribution helped ensure the day came together so beautifully, and she is truly an asset to our community. We are incredibly grateful for the time, effort and heart she continues to give to our community.
Special thanks also go to Gojak Meats for supplying the meat, and to De Toni Patisserie for generously donating the cakes. The generosity of everyone involved helped create an afternoon that was not only a farewell, but a true celebration of community.
Voice for the Next Generation
The occasion was made even more special by a beautiful and heartfelt video message from third generation, Chloe Robic. Chloe spoke about Father Darko’s presence in her own life and shared a deeply personal story about the care he showed to her late grandmother, Marija Robic.
Without being asked, Father Darko visited Marija in her nursing home each month. He would spend time with her, give her Communion, talk with her and simply brighten her day. For Chloe and her family, those visits represented something much greater than an act of pastoral duty. They demonstrated the compassion and genuine care that Father Darko brought to his ministry.
Her message was a beautiful reminder that Father Darko’s legacy is not measured only in the number of Masses he celebrated or events he attended, but in the individual lives he quietly touched along the way.
Final Song and Lasting Memory
As the afternoon drew towards its conclusion, the choir took to the stage alongside Father Darko to sing Marija Skož Življenje. Following this was the presentation of the special gift to Father Darko, with Olga Lah, Michelle Šušteršič, Sonja Fisher and Joe Marinč presenting the book on behalf of the Pastoral Council. Father Darko also received gifts from other community organisations as well. The PC was then invited to cut the cake with Father Darko, followed by a group photograph capturing the approximately 240 people in attendance.
Legacy That Continues
As the afternoon continued, the hall remained filled with conversation, laughter, embraces and heartfelt goodbyes. People connected with friends, shared stories and took the opportunity to spend one more special afternoon with Father Darko before his departure. For 21 years, he walked alongside the Slovenian community through its celebrations and challenges, preserving faith and traditions while supporting families and individuals through the many chapters of their lives.
His legacy will not simply be measured in years. It will live on in the people he baptised, married, comforted and supported; in the families he visited; in the celebrations he shared; in the songs he loved; in the traditions he helped preserve; and in the generations who grew up knowing him as their priest, friend and spiritual guide.
As we say farewell to Father Darko, we do so with immense gratitude for everything he has given to our community.
Jordan Covich Public Relations, Media and Communications Coordinator VOSA Sydney
