PREPARING for ordination, Deacon Emene Kelemete has received “countless” well wishes on his journey.
In a video posted on Facebook, Deacon Kelemete stood with his parents, Josef and Peteli, his siblings and partners, and nephews and nieces to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.
Deacon Kelemete is set to be ordained at Edmund Rice Hall at Ignatius Park College on October 31 at 7pm.
“Since Bishop Tim (Harris) of Townsville announced my ordination day, I received countless numbers of messages from a number of people, locally and also overseas,” Deacon Kelemete said.
“Unfortunately I’m not tech savvy, I don’t have Facebook, but I’m grateful (communications-vocations co-ordinator) Neil Helmore has given us this opportunity to give our thanks to everyone.
“I’ve received congratulations, thoughts and prayers since this has happened.
“From the bottom of my heart I’d like to say thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.
“Also as we continue on, for preparations for the ordination, I’d like to ask you to continue to pray for me as I continue on towards the ordination.
“It has been a long journey, but it has also been a fruitful journey.”
Deacon Kelemete’s father Josef took the chance to say thanks too.
“Thank you to all our family and friends from Tokelau, Australia, New Zealand and Samoa,” Mr Kelemete said.
“(Emene) has completed his seven years of study.
“A special thanks to all the elders, sisters, brothers, family and friends from Australia, New Zealand, Tokelau and Samoa for your prayers and support.
“We give glory and thanks to God for taking Emene through this journey because without his love there will be no celebration.
“May our heavenly Father bless each one of you from the eldest to the youngest for your kindness and support for Emene’s journey.
“We look forward to our final celebration, the ordination on October 31.
“For those who can’t make it you are still with us in our prayers and thoughts, especially Uncle Pio and Aunty Fekei.
“Love to you all and God bless.”
Bishop Harris offered his thanks in his Bishop’s bulletin.
“Emene will be a great asset to our diocese and I thank him for his dedication and commitment,” Bishop Harris said.
“A Prayer Novena has also been prepared with prayer cards distributed across the diocese.
“Please join with me to pray for Emene and for vocations in general.
“Out of prayer comes the fruit of vocation discovery.”
