TOOWOOMBA Deacon Brian Redondo saw the “overflowing happiness” from the people gathered around him at his ordination to the transitional diaconate last Saturday at St Mary’s parish in Warwick.
Deacon Redondo, who was ordained by Bishop Robert McGuckin, said the laying of hands was deeply moving and a true grace.
He said his family and friends in the Philippines were “very, very happy”.
“My mum is also very (happy); she did even cry,” he said.
“I always told my mum it’s like my wedding.”
Deacon Redondo has former seminary classmates serving in places across the world and said he received well-wishes from Guatemala, Pakistan, Rome, Boston, Georgetown and across Africa, especially in Zambia and Congo.
He said it was a fantastic to be able to have the ordination Mass livestreamed.
While he was yet to give a homily, he said he was looking forward to it in the next couple of weeks.
He said he was also keen to learn from priests in the diocese and saw them as “his role models” as he looked to “share and contribute to Toowoomba”.
“I just want to thank everyone who was there (at the ordination),” he said.
“I’m thankful for this opportunity to have this interview in hoping I could share and contribute the mission of the diocese and be able to attract vocations, especially local vocations,” he said.
