|
|
|
|
|
Home > CW National > Article
|
Go back |
|
Ordination cause for Bathurst’s day of joy
|
Printable version |
| 1 August, 2010 |
 |
| SAYING ‘YES’: Bishop McKenna lays his hands on the head of Fr Greg during the Rite of Ordination. Photo: Kerry Myers |
|
|
NEWLY ordained priest of the diocese of Bathurst, Fr Greg Bellamy, said his special prayer is that many more young men will hear the Lord’s call and have the courage to say “yes”.
Fr Greg was the first priest ordained in the diocese for 20 years. Bishop Michael McKenna was the principal celebrant and ordaining bishop at the Cathedral of St Michael and St John on Friday, July 23.
Fr Greg, addressing the congregation after his ordination, said it was “a day of joy for the Church, particularly for the church of Bathurst.”
“Twenty years is a long time to wait for an ordination to the priesthood,” he said.
“But our prayers have been answered and today my special prayer is that many more young men will hear the Lord’s call to the priesthood and have the courage to say ‘yes’.
“I can’t promise you that formation and discernment is easy, but I can promise that saying ‘yes’ to Christ is a decision you will never regret. We need priests. Without them there is no Eucharist and no Church. Let us all be persevering in prayer and fervent in encouraging our young people.”
Fr Greg said he wanted to express his gratitude to many, including his parents and family, Bishop McKenna and Bishop Dougherty, to Fr James Cutcliffe and all the staff at the cathedral, chancery and CDF offices.”
“I thank all my brother priests who are present today and the many united with us in prayer. In his absence I particularly thank Fr Austin Cooper, who has been my spiritual director for the last six years.
“I thank the staff and students, past and present, of Corpus Christi College [Melbourne] and Catholic Theological College.”
Fr Greg concluded by asking the congregation to “Please pray for me”.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
