ARDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE REPORT: MASS CELEBRATED BY ARCHBISHOP DENIS HART AT SAINT PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL, MELBOURNE, ON SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2011 AT 10AM FOR THE ORDINATION OF DEACONS
INTRODUCTION
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Welcome to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for the Ordination Mass of Andrew McCarter, Jerome Santamaria and Benneth Osuagwu as Deacons.
This significant moment when these three fine men dedicate their lives to Christ and the Church in a permanent commitment illustrates that God is always seeking to provide for us in the threefold service of bishops, priests and deacons.
As we pray for them we realise that their service challenges us as members of Christ’s family to reach out to others in love by using the particular gifts with which God has blessed us.
Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
HOMILY
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As the long seminary years are drawing to a close, Andrew McCarter, Jerome Santamaria and Benneth Osuagwu are coming forward to be ordained Deacons. Already as Lectors they have been shaped by the Word of God, as Acolytes they have given Christ present in the Eucharist to others, now they accept a permanent commitment to God and to his people as Deacons.
The Diaconate reminds them and each of us that all ministry in the Church begins with service. Particularly in the liturgy and in acts of charity, as well as by celebrating the prayer of the Church, these three men will undertake the work of leading people in holiness, preaching the Gospel and ministering in practical, charitable ways to the people of God.
Jesus’ own words: “I come among you as one who serves”, must henceforth shine out from their lives as each uses his considerable gifts in new service of God and people. We know that Andrew brings to this moment his wide experience as a teacher and his seminary years. Jerome, his gifted legal studies and work in the service of the law. Benneth, his long years of study in his own seminary, in Rome and at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where my esteemed predecessor, Daniel Mannix, was President before becoming Co-adjutor Archbishop of Melbourne.
It is with great hope that I come to this moment that these men, with the grace of the Holy Spirit, will teach the Gospel, show the compassion of Christ and accompany many in the search for holiness and peace.
(Homily continues from Roman Pontifical)
+ Denis J. Hart,
ARCHBISHOP OF MELBOURNE
http://www.cam.org.au/archbishops-homilies-2011/mass-for-the-ordination-of-deacons.html
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