Wollongong’s newest priest, Fr Michael Dyer, said his ordination at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral on 23 April was “another evolutionary step in my earthly journey”.
The Bishop of Wollongong, Bishop Peter Ingham, ordained Fr Michael to the priesthood 11 months after ordaining him a transitional deacon.
Prior to that, Fr Michael had been a Christian Brother, teaching in secondary schools and co-ordinating adult faith formation.
The new priest thanked Bishop Ingham, and Wollongong clergy, religious and lay faithful.
He thanked friends and family “for encouraging me to trust that, ‘Life itself is a pilgrimage and the human being is a pilgrim travelling along the road, making their way to the desired destination’. I feel well-equipped to follow Jesus’ invitation to ‘put out into the deep’ and embrace my priestly mission and ministry”.
Bishop Ingham said: “Ordinations always make me feel like a proud parent welcoming a new member to the family.
“I am delighted to see Michael realise his dream of becoming a priest. It is always a long road with what can be a life-time of training and formation, so this weekend will be special.
“We have another two young men in the seminary preparing to be priests, and along with me, I know they will be sharing my excitement this weekend and this will provide inspiration for their journey.”