29 May 2015
Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth
Edition #33
Four more men make decisive step By Marco Ceccarelli THE NAMES of dozens of saints echoed throughout the walls of St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, on Friday evening, 22 May, as the four deaconselect which lay prostrate on the sanctuary floor prayed for their intercession. More than 800 people gathered to witness the ordination of Rodrigo De Costa Ponte, Giovanni Raffaele and David Adan Ramirez, formed within the Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Morley, and Matthew Hodgson, formed within the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Sydney, by Auxiliary Bishop of Perth, Donald Sproxton. The momentous occasion was concelebrated by a congregation of priests from the Archdiocese of Perth and saw recently ordained deacons Israel Quirit and Stephen Gorddard minister during the celebration. In his homily, Bishop Sproxton made reference to impending feast of Pentecost, emphasising the importance of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon men chosen to be ministers of Christ’s message to the world. He then directly addressed the deacons-elect, making a number of poignant remarks: “Rodrigo, Matthew, 1 | EDITION #33 | 29 MAY 2015
Ready to embark on a new ministry: from left to right, Giovanni Raffaele, David Adan Ramirez Nieves, Matthew Hodgson and Rodrigo Da Costa Ponte. PHOTO: MARCO CECCARELLI
Giovanni and David, I hope that you will feel comforted by that powerful presence of the Holy Spirit, the spirit who has been with you from the
become the best minsters of charity. Because if not already, you will experience the justifying power of the spirit in your new ministry.
“...I hope that you will feel comforted by that powerful presence of the Holy Spirit, the spirit who has been with you from the day of your baptisms...” day of your Baptisms, who has been able to discern that vocation that the Lord has called you to. “You will receive that Holy Spirit tonight, in this ordination that will enable you to
The spirit will make up for what is lacking in you, he will surprise you.” In light of the Gospel of the day, Jn 25:15-19, in which Peter is questioned three times by Christ about
his love for Him, Bishop Sproxton explained that there are two kinds of love present within this passage: the love of being attracted, or attached to Jesus, which Peter instinctively feels, and a second love, the love of Christ, which is sacrificial and outward looking. Bishop Sproxton explained that this selfless, limitless love for the other, which is asked of the deans-elect is a wonderful thing to aim for and it is a terrible thing. Full Text available at
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