MICHAEL Grace took a step towards priesthood when he was ordained a deacon on August 14 in St Agatha’s Church at Clayfield, Brisbane.
Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan of Brisbane presided and 200 people attended.
Bishop Finnigan spoke of the role of deacon on the “journey to ordination to the priesthood”.
“The diaconate is easily traced back to apostolic times,” he said.
“(And) like all deacons Michael takes upon himself the responsibilities of celibacy and liturgical prayer.
“His capacity for love is to be generous, inclusive and all-embracing for all whom he is called to serve – after the example of the Good Shepherd who came to serve and not to be served.”
During the ordination Mass, celebrated on the vigil of the Feast of the Assumption, Bishop Finnigan also drew from the scriptures.
“Michael and each one of us can acknowledge that Mary was grace-filled when she agreed at the annunciation to be the mother of Jesus,” he said.
“Yet she had a sense of wonder. She pondered many things in her heart. Her sense of wonder increased and she witnessed the many surprises in her life.
“May Michael be always open to the God of surprises in his life.”
Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary rector Monsignor Tony Randazzo presented Michael and testified “he has been found worthy” to enter the diaconate on the continued journey to priesthood.
“Michael is an intelligent, faith-filled man of high moral calibre,” Msgr Randazzo said.
“His vocation to the priesthood is animated by the Word of God and the Eucharist – which are at the very centre of the Church’s life and mission in the world.”
Msgr Randazzo concelebrated the Mass along with Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Oudeman of Brisbane, Clayfield parish priest Fr Adrian Farrelly, Gatton/Laidley/Rosewood parish administrator Fr John Conway and others.
A busload of supporters from the South Country Deanery, where Deacon Grace undertook his first pastoral internship, also gathered along with permanent deacons Peter Chan and Harry Housen.
After the Mass all the Nigerian seminarians present surrounded the newly ordained deacon “and sang a spirited African song in his honour”, a spokesperson said.
Deacon Grace will continue his current placement in Clayfield and said he would “concentrate on stepping up to this new ministry”, adding, “I’m moving closer to that ultimate destination of priesthood.”
Deacon Grace said his parents May and Andrew, of Jimboomba, were “proud as punch”.
