Columban Fr Reginald (Reg) Thomas Howard was ordained priest on June 17, 1966, at Maitland, NSW, by Bishop Toohey.
He was born in Cessnock, NSW, the eldest of four children. After completing his secondary education, he went on to study law, eventually practicing as a solicitor in Maitland and Liverpool. Feeling the call to priesthood, Fr Reg joined the Columbans, studying for the priesthood at the Columban seminary at Turramurra, NSW. After ordination, he was appointed to the Philippines and later returned to the Columban Region of Australia/New Zealand where he has held many significant positions such as Regional Director, Vice Director, Regional Bursar, Delegate to two General Assemblies, Director of the Columban Mission Institute in Sydney and Regional Councillor.
During this period Fr Reg has also continued his connection with his home diocese of Newcastle-Maitland, including undertaking several years of pastoral work there.
The Far East magazine congratulates Fr Reg on the golden anniversary of his ordination to priesthood.