Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton has encouraged three newly ordained priests to embrace their calling with humility and courage, echoing the words of Pope Leo XIV, “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid.” Source: The Record.
Speaking at the ordination to the priesthood of Fathers Marco Ferraioli, Jupiter Bin Justin, and Gionata Pagani at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, on May 23, Bishop Sproxton highlighted the profound nature of responding to God’s call.
Joining Bishop Sproxton to concelebrate the occasion were Redemptoris Mater Seminary Rector Fr Michael Moore SM, Frs Nicholas Diedler and Jason Yeap as MC, with Deacon Mark Powell assisting, and some 100 clergy from across the archdiocese.
Also present were Fr Tony Trafford, from the national responsible team of the Neocatechumenal Way, and Redemptoris Mater Seminary Sydney Rector, Fr Eric Skruzny, both of whom have had an active involvement in the formation of the new priests.
Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s recent election, Bishop Sproxton praised the Holy Father’s immediate emphasis on peace and humility.
“And his desire to be one who serves. This virtue of humility was revealed in his words as he began his ministry as pontiff,” he said.
The three new priests, who have trained at Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Perth, have all come from overseas.
Fr Gionata Pagani, 33, and Fr Marco Ferraioli, each came to Australia from Italy as children as part of Necatechumenal Way mission families sent by St John Paul II.
Fr Jupiter Bin Justin hails from Sabah, Malaysia. His family is also a part of the Neocatechumenal Way in the city of Kota Kinabalu.
Bishop Sproxton urged the new priests not to fear the tasks ahead.
“Do not be afraid to go to the people of God, his flock, to serve and care for them as fellow workers with the bishops. Do not be afraid to preach the Gospel and teach the Catholic faith, after solid preparation.
“Do not be afraid to spend yourselves in nourishing and helping the people of God to grow in holiness through celebrating the Sacraments with them. Do not be afraid to come close to the Lord in prayer, especially, to bring the needs and cares of the people to the Lord, and to reflect each day on His presence, power and guidance in your own life.”
He concluded with a prayerful wish for the new priests.
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SPECIAL REPORT: “Do not be afraid to preach the Gospel and teach the Catholic faith,” Bishop Sproxton tells new priests (By Jamie O’Brien, The Record)
