Fr Sean Byrnes Delivers 2nd Annual Vianney Lecture at Campion College

Campion College hosted its 2nd Annual Vianney Lecture last night, welcoming Fr Sean Byrnes as the keynote speaker via video call after illness prevented his planned in-person visit. Fr Byrnes presented on the topic “The Anthropological Dimensions of Marian Cooperation: What Does Mary’s Cooperation Mean for Our Own?”

Fr Byrnes brings a rich pastoral and academic background to his teaching. Before entering the seminary, he studied business and human resources, later completing theological studies at Vianney College, the Catholic Institute of Sydney, and the University of Notre Dame, Sydney. He has served as assistant priest at St Patrick’s Catholic Parish in Albury, Vice Rector of Vianney College, Cathedral Administrator, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, and parish priest at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, Albury.

Drawing on the theology of Henri de Lubac and Louis Bouyer, Fr Byrnes examined the scriptural and theological foundations of Marian cooperation - the belief that Mary freely participated in the redemptive work of her Son. Central to his address was the description of Mary as both “mother” and “daughter.” She is “mother” in her unique vocation of bearing Christ and nurturing the Church, yet also “daughter” as a faithful disciple and member of God’s people. As Fr Byrnes explained, “She is at one and the same time the most exalted member of the Church and a faithful follower of her Son.”

While we were grateful for the opportunity to hear from Fr Byrnes online, we look forward to welcoming him to Campion College in person in the future to continue sharing his insights and scholarship with our community.