The Australian Jesuits have welcomed two new priests into their ranks, with the ordination of Fr Isaac Demase and Fr Joshua Chong. Source: Jesuit.org.au.
Port Pirie Bishop Emeritus Greg O’Kelly was the principal celebrant at the Mass, which took place at St Mary’s, North Sydney, on Saturday, July 5.
“Isaac and Joshua, this is the day your Jesuit brothers and your families have been waiting for, when, as in the reading from St Paul, you will become a new creation in Christ,” Bishop O’Kelly said in his homily.
“In taking this step, called formally by the Church and affirmed thereby in your vocation, you will put new heart into the saints, again as Paul said. We rejoice for you; the whole [Jesuit] Province does. Your generosity of commitment lifts us up.”
Bishop O’Kelly reminded the ordinands of the mystery of their vocation.
“In a few minutes some awesome ministries will be entrusted to you, despite any unworthiness – to consecrate the Eucharist; to raise your hand in absolution; to anoint the sick and those on their last journey.
“ And you are to do this in persona Christi, acting in the place of Christ. At the same time, you are to seek the face of Christ in the ordinary, in the humdrum life of those to and among whom you are sent.”
Bishop O’Kelly said Christ was the “most exalted figure who ever walked on the face of the earth, but who became the servant and slave of all”.
“The true priest must hold these two aspects of priesthood together, the sacred and the servant, as modelled in the ministry of Jesus.”
The new priests celebrated their first Masses on Sunday, July 6. Fr Chong celebrated his Thanksgiving Mass at Holy Family Church, Emerton, while Fr Demase celebrated his Mass at St Mary’s, North Sydney.
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“Seek the face of Christ in the ordinary” (Australian Jesuits)
