Fr Martinho Da Costa joined more than 500 candidates from many different countries in becoming Australian citizens on Wednesday 30 October. The ceremony took place at Brisbane Town Hall and was presided over by the Lord Mayor, Cr Adrian Schrinner. The Town Hall was packed with family members and friends who had come to celebrate the occasion. Frs Matthew Tonini and David Hofman were also present to witness Martinho and the other candidates take the Oath of Allegiance to Australia.

Fr Martinho arrived in Australia from Timor-Leste in 2010. Having completed studies in English and Theology, he was ordained in 2014. After 5 years ministering in Wentworthville (NSW) parish, Martinho was assigned to Coorparoo (QLD) as Parish Priest in 2021.

During the ceremony Martinho was presented with his Certificate of Citizenship and a potted plant. The new citizens were encouraged to ‘put down roots’ in Australia and to grow and flourish like the plants they were given.

“I will always be a Timorese, but I am also very excited to be part of this great nation and to be a full member of the Australian community,” Fr Martinho said. He also said that his plant will find a permanent home in the front garden of the priory.

Fr Martinho is now a dual citizen of Timor-Leste and Australia.

Congratulations on becoming an Australian Citizen Fr Martinho!

More photos below.