Three years ago today — three years already! — I was ordained to the Catholic priesthood.
I have to admit, this anniversary would have passed me by, except that my grandmother called last night to congratulate me. Which meant she also inadvertantly reminded me.
I think if she hadn’t called, I’d have realised today’s anniversary when I prayed this morning’s Office of Readings, which commemorates the Feast of Ss Cornelius and Cyprian. That would have jogged my memory.
But actually, it wouldn’t have come to that because dozens of other friends have also contacted me today, sending me their congratulations. I may have forgotten, but others didn’t. Thanks everyone!
The last few days have been a wonderful way to celebrate. On Saturday, I attended the ordination of three priests and six deacons in Melbourne, among whom are some of my dearest friends.
Here’s some photos taken by Junray Rayna, a Sandhurst seminarian who will himself be ordained a deacon this Saturday:
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- Rev Deacon Francis Denton (ordained in June) proclaims the Gospel
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- During the Litany of the Saints celebrants and people kneel before the altar
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- The ordinands, however, lie prostrate before the altar
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- The Litany was unusually long — a great opportunity for the men to recollect themselves before the laying on of hands
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- Joel Peart and Daryl Montecillo, moments before their ordination to the diaconate
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- The moment Father Sang Ho became a priest
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- A priest lays hands on Fr Linh Pham — not part of the sacramental rite, but an expression of priestly fraternity
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- Seminarians and priests applaud the newly ordained deacons: Dong Tran, Justel Callos, Daryl Montecillo, & Joel Peart
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- After receiving Fr Sang Ho’s blessing, the Archbishop venerates the new priest’s just-anointed hands
This was a great way to celebrate the anniversary of my own ordination. I was able to renew my promises and my consecration, and to share with my brothers the joy of priesthood.
In his homily, Archbishop Hart remarked on the value of friendships forged in the seminary, but he added that as important and blessed as this fraternity is, a priest’s relationship with the people entrusted to him is even more important and grace filled. I know what he means. The following day’s First Communion celebrations in Hamilton were another excellent way to celebrate the anniversary of my ordination. Nothing compares to preparing children to receive into themselves the Real Presence of Jesus Christ . . . except maybe all the other sacraments a priest is called on to minister!
Still, Ordinations and First Communions are my two favourite days in the year (after Easter and Christmas). So this last weekend was a great double whammy which has renewed my gratitude for the holy priesthood. Deo gratias.
Warmest joy, thanksgiving and blessings on your anniversary, Fr John!
I can’t say congratulations, it is such a poor word and the priesthood deserves much, much better!
I can’t believe three years have gone by already. I am so happy to know you. I forgot to pray for you specially today, but will do so at Mass tomorrow.
God Bless you abundantly, dear young priest.