After Father Bernard Buckley’s melanoma spread to his body, you wouldn’t expect anyone to remain optimistic and cheerful.

But while the much-loved priest admits it has been a difficult year, he’s optimistic for a new beginning at the Trafalgar Catholic Church after being appointed as the new Priest.

Originally from Buffalo in South Gippsland, Fr Buckley has worked at churches in Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Pakenham, and many other regions for the last 30 years.

“I’m getting to know a few in Traf and I love this area, but it’s a bit wet even for a person from South Gippsland,” Fr Buckley joked.

“But it’s a privilege to be here and I’m so glad I’m well enough to take on the responsibility again,” he said.

Bishop Greg Bennet recently named a list of priests who will serve across the Catholic Diocese of Sale, with Fr Buckley the only new priest in the Baw Baw Shire this year. He will hold mass at both St John’s Church in Trafalgar and St Jarlath’s Church in Yarragon.

Fr Buckley was diagnosed with a melanoma about five years ago and has battled the disease ever since it spread, but he’s not letting it hold him back.

“Things were very serious for me last year, but I’m on a trial drug now from Peter MacCallum and it seems to have done some good,” Fr Buckley said.

Now recovering, his faith and an excellent medical team have helped him through his ongoing battle with cancer.

“A faith that tells me ‘Whatever happens to me, everything will be alright’ has held me in really good stead, so I haven’t been frightened about what might happen,” he said.

The priest has appreciated all the prayers or ‘toasts to good health’ he has received during his recovery.

While still returning to the hospital every month, Fr Buckley said it was a privilege to have work to come back to.

“This is a good job for me still recovering in a sense because it’s not too big or demanding,” he said.

Trafalgar’s former priest retired due to serious health conditions.

With COVID restrictions easing, there’s hopes that the Catholic church will see a resurgence of people walking through the doors.

“The numbers in church have been falling for decades now and the COVID problem I think has sped that up, and we’re not sure that we’ll get back to where we were numbers wise but that’s our great hope,” he said.

And with a newly refurbished church floor thanks to public donations, Fr Buckley is looking forward to spending his future with a wonderful community.

Mass is held at Trafalgar on the 2nd and 4th Sunday each month from 10am, and the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays in Yarragon at 10am.