TOOWOOMBA Bishop Ken Howell ordained Brisbane men Michael My Van Tran and Bradley Davies to the transitional diaconate at a Mass at Holy Spirit Chapel at Australian Catholic University, Banyo campus today.
The two deacons were ordained surrounded by friends and family as well as clergy from around Brisbane archdiocese and across Queensland.
“Diaconal ministry will hopefully teach you many things you need to know before you are ordained to the priesthood,” Bishop Howell said in his homily.
“The charism of the diaconate is especially about the mission of charity.
“Pope Francis goes on to say that there can be no true religious experience that is deaf to the cry of the world; there is no love of God without care and concern for our neighbour.
“So, as deacons, you are to immerse yourselves in a ministry that, as the Pope says, washes the feet of wounded humanity…”
Bishop Howell said what these two men would experience in these few short months of being a deacon would lead them to becoming a priest always attentive to the needs of the most neglected.
“And I’m sure your brother deacons of the archdiocese will be an inspiration to how to live the diaconal call,” he said.
“Get to know them.”
As they moved towards the Litany of the Saints, Bishop Howell said to remember all the saints who laid down their lives in love of God and service of neighbour.
“They can show you a way to do the same,” he said.
“And if there are ever doubts, and there will be, in your living of the ordained ministry entrusted to you today, then think back to when you said that you will lay down your life in love of the friendship with Jesus Christ that has led you to your ‘yes’ in answer to His call.”
More to come.
