POISED to serve “wherever there’s people”, Deacons Peter Gablonski and Jason Middleton were ordained to the priesthood in St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane, on June 27.
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane presided and there were about 80 concelebrants including Auxiliary Bishops Joseph Oudeman and Brian Finnigan, retired Bishop of Townsville Ray Benjamin, Holy Spirit Seminary rector Fr Michael McCarthy and cathedral dean Fr Ken Howell.
Fr Gablonski, 33, said he felt “excitement rather than nerves” at the ordination.
Fr Gablonski’s ordination will “make possible” the fulfilment of a dream realised many years ago but actualised at age 26, as a member of St Edward’s parish, Daisy Hill.
“Two bus loads” of Daisy Hill parishioners and others from his current pastoral placement in Clayfield parish attended the ordination, along with Fr Gablonski’s parents Danny and Val, sister Kristy Coulter and brother Mark.
A highlight for Fr Middleton, 26, was the laying on of hands.
“The sensation of the prayerful energy flowing from the Archbishop, the bishops and the other clergy from the Holy Spirit to me was very powerful and overwhelming,” he said.
Celebrating with him were fellow parishioners from Albany Creek and others from his former faith communities of Cannon Hill and Coolangatta-Tugun.
Fr Middleton’s parents Kay and Kevin, along with his sister Tanya Middleton, were also gathered in prayerful support.
During the homily Archbishop Bathersby recalled his own priestly ordination in 1961 in Stanthorpe, saying its memory is vivid because “lying prostrate on the cold cement floor of St Joseph’s Church would have tested the saints”.
He offered congratulations and hope to Deacons Gablonski and Middleton, about to enter into the Rite of Ordination.
Fr Middleton celebrated his thanksgiving Mass on June 29 in Albany Creek. A full report from that will feature in next week’s Catholic Leader.
