FR Michael Grace completed a six-year journey on December 8 when he was ordained to the priesthood in St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane.
Archbishop John Bathersby ordained the 29-year-old in front of friends and family, some of whom travelled from as far away as Tasmania.
Also present were many of Brisbane archdiocese’s priests and deacons, along with fellow seminarians from Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary, Banyo.
Seminary rector Monsignor Tony Randazzo presented Fr Grace to Archbishop Bathersby and said his ordination crowned the seminary year.
“I am very proud of him,” Msgr Randazzo said.
“When he first went to the seminary I was the (archdiocese’s) vocational director that directed him and I was the rector that presented him to the Archbishop.
“(Former rector) Fr Michael McCarthy just did all the hard work in between.”
During his homily, Archbishop Bathersby said the ordination was a magnificent moment.
“Like every ordination, the ordination of Michael Grace tonight is a magnificent moment in the history of this archdiocese, and I am sure a magnificent moment for his family and friends also,” he said.
“Michael was called by God’s Holy Spirit in a moment of grace and he responded marvellously to it as did the apostles before him, and the bishops and priests present here with him.”
Archbishop Bathersby said priests were essential to the life and wellbeing of the Church.
“Without the leadership of the priest, the Church cannot function effectively,” he said.
“Without the leadership of the priest, the sacraments are not available especially the celebration of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in Eucharist, represented for the benefit of the Church and the promotion of God’s Kingdom.”
As one of the archdiocese’s youngest priests Fr Grace said he was looking forward to working with other young Catholics.
He is ministering at St Agatha’s parish in Clayfield but said that appointment may only be until the end of the year.
“I am looking forward to continuing my ministry. The big changes (from the diaconate) are to be able to celebrate Eucharist and the Anointing of the Sick.”
Concelebrating his first Mass with Msgr Randazzo at St Agatha’s on December 9, Fr Grace admitted to being a “little nervous”.
“I was a little nervous of course but when you come to the words of consecration then you are just awed by what you are doing,” he said.
