Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. said it was with great joy that the community came together “as a household of faith in Jesus Christ” to celebrate the ordination of Fr Menard Gaspi. Source: Catholic Outlook.
Fr Gaspi was ordained at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, on November 21.
In his homily, Bishop Long said the new priest began his vocational journey as a member of the Oblate Apostles of the Two Hearts – a missionary order of men in the Catholic Church.
“I met him and his brother many years ago in Melbourne, always donned in a black habit, hands joined and seemingly ready to levitate out of this bad world,” Bishop Long said.
“Those years of youthful zeal and burning enthusiasm have been tempered with time for deeper reflection, interiority and immersion with God’s people, especially those on the peripheries of life.”
Bishop Long shared how Fr Gaspi was sent to Santa Teresa Mission near Alice Springs during his formation. “He not only survived but thrived among our remote Indigenous brothers and sisters,” he said.
During his thanksgiving speech, Fr Gaspi gave thanks to God, the priests, seminarians, family and friends – those living and passed – who have helped guide, share and support his 19-year vocational journey.
“I ask you please to continue to pray for our current seminarians. Pray for the priesthood as well as for vocations to follow Christ, the Good Shepherd.”
FULL STORY
A Father at last: Menard Gaspi is ordained to the priesthood (By Belinda Gadd, Catholic Outlook)
