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“The world cannot give this happiness”

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Bishop Anthony Randazzo (centre) with newly ordained deacons, Moises Carrasco (fourth from left) and Miguel Campos (third from right), with clergy and members of the Neocatechumenal Way. PHOTO: Giovanni Portelli

Two Sydney seminarians studying for the priesthood – Miguel Campos and Moises Carrasco – were ordained to the transitional diaconate on 16 November.

“The world cannot give this happiness,” said a beaming Miguel Campos, following the ordination Mass.

“In the world there are moments of happiness but they pass. Here, this is like real happiness—to serve the Lord and to work for his glory, which is the most important thing,” Deacon Campos told The Catholic Weekly.

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“It’s a strange feeling, a mixture of emotions,” Deacon Moises Carrasco said. “I’m excited to do the work of God.”

Newly-ordained deacons Miguel Campos and Moises Carrasco. PHOTO: Giovanni Portelli

Both young men were ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Anthony Randazzo at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church in Earlwood.

Thirty-two year-old Miguel from Mexico, and 30 year-old Moises from the Dominican Republic, are seminarians at Sydney’s Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Chester Hill. It is the seminary of the Neocatechumenal Way, often referred to as simply The Way—a lay movement founded in Spain in 1964 and dedicated to Christian formation.

Traditional Spanish-style music is an important part of Neocatechumenal ceremonies. PHOTO: Giovanni Portelli

The ordination Mass was imbued with the typical stirring Spanish-style music, that Neocatechumenal ceremonies are known for, and many of the faithful from 17 Neocatechumenal communities across Sydney were present.

Bishop Randazzo told the two young men that their ordination to the diaconate was “a high point” on their “pilgrimage along The Way.”

The Laying on of Hands: Bishop Randazzo ordains Moises Carrasco to the transitional diaconate. PHOTO: Giovanni Portelli

“Not because it offers you a life of privilege or prestige but because of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the service of God’s holy people,” Bishop Randazzo said. “There is no greater privilege in the Church than to serve.”

He said as deacons they will “become servants of the Word, the altar and of charity.”

The two ordinands prostrate themselves during the Mass. PHOTO: Giovanni Portelli

“In promising solemnly never to marry, you are not looking forward to the life of a selfish, self-centred bachelor, without a care in the world. You are formally declaring that you are at the disposal of the local Church in Sydney, be that here in the Archdiocese, or on mission.”

“To be at the service of love is your vocation,” Bishop Randazzo told the ordinands. “It will demand you give your life so the life of Jesus may always be seen in you.”

Bishop Randazzo presents the Gospels to Miguel. PHOTO: Giovanni Portelli

Deacon Carrasco said the moment of ordination—the “Laying on of Hands” by the bishop— was incredibly powerful and moving. “It felt like God was actually touching my head,” he said.

“It was amazing and beautiful to see all the brothers and sisters from the communities praying for us,” he added.

“I feel now I have a mission,” Deacon Campos said. “I want to serve the Church and be at the service of the bishop and to do whatever is needed.”

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