Ordination to Priesthood of DAMIEN PAUL LOCKE Saints Mary and Joseph’s Cathedral, Armidale Saturday 14 August, 2021
“in persona Christ i, ad majorem Dei
Gloriam Tot us tuus”
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Armidale welcomes you to the ORDINATION to
PRIESTHOOD of
Reverend Mr. Damien Paul Locke Saturday 14 August, 2021 Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe at Saints Mary & Joseph’s Cathedral, Armidale with Principal Celebrant
The Most Reverend Michael Kennedy, D.D. Tenth Bishop of Armidale
To maintain a spirit of solemnity, please turn off all mobile phones and other electronic devices
Principal Celebrant
The Most Reverend Michael Robert Kennedy D.D. Tenth Bishop of Armidale
Concelebrants
Reverend Father Roel Llave, Dean of Saints Mary & Joseph’s Cathedral and Parish Priest of Saints Mary & Joseph’s Cathedral Parish, Reverend Father Paul McCabe and Reverend Father Stephen O’Shea, Diocese of Armidale
Promotor Reverend Father Roel Llave
Master of Ceremonies Reverend Father Kingsley Etoh
Servers Claude, Lang and Vernon Toakley
Investiture Assistants Reverend Father Roel Llave and Reverend Father Paul McCabe
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners Mr. Joseph Currey
Readers
Ms. Jennifer Harman and Mr. Bob Locke
Music
Mr. Warwick Dunham, Organist; Ms. Sarah Adeney and Mr. Edward Ryan, Cantors
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS The acknowledgement of traditional owners of the country of the Anaiwan people by Mr. Joseph Currey recognises the unique position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australian culture and history. We wish to acknowledge that we are in the country of the Anaiwan People. We pay respect to their elders. We acknowledge the memories of their ancestors and celebrate their continuing culture. We acknowledge the deep spiritual attachment and relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this country and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation
INTRODUCTORY RITES All stand PROCESSIONAL HYMN The Church’s One Foundation 1. The church’s one Foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is His new creation, by water and the Word; from heav’n He came and sought her to be His holy bride; with His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.
2. Elect from ev’ry nation, yet one o’er all the earth, her charter of salvation, one Lord, one faith, one birth; one holy Name she blesses, partakes one holy food, and to one hope she presses, with ev’ry grace endued.
3. Tho’ with a scornful wonder, men see her sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, yet saints their watch are keeping, their cry goes up, “How long?” And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.
4. The church shall never perish! Her dear Lord, to defend, to guide, sustain, and cherish, is with her to the end; tho’ there be those that hate her and false sons in her pale, against the foe or traitor she ever shall prevail.
5. ‘Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war, she waits the consummation of peace for evermore; till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest, and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.
6. Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won. O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with Thee.
All make the Sign of the Cross as the Bishop says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
R Amen.
Peace be with you.
R And with your spirit. The Bishop welcomes the congregation, and then begins
THE PENITENTIAL ACT
Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
After a brief silence all say I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, All strike their breast thrice, while saying
through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault;
And then continue therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. The Bishop gives the absolution, saying May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. R Amen. KYRIE Mass of St Francis (Paul Taylor)
GLORIA Mass of St Francis (Paul Taylor)
THE COLLECT
Let us pray. Lord our God, who in governing your people make use of the ministry of Priests, grant a persevering obedience to your will to this Deacon of your Church, whom you graciously choose today for the office of the priesthood, so that by his ministry and life he may gain glory for you in Christ. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
R Amen. All be seated
LITURGY OF THE WORD FIRST READING Isaiah 61:1-3 A reading from the prophet Isaiah. The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broken; to proclaim liberty to captives, freedom to those in prison; to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord, a day of vengeance for our God, to comfort all those who mourn and to give them for ashes a garland; for mourning robe the oil of gladness, for despondency, praise. The word of the Lord. R Thanks be to God.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 109:1-4 R You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old. The Lord’s revelation to my Master: ‘Sit on my right: I will put your foes beneath your feet.’ R The Lord will send from Zion your sceptre of power: rule in the midst of all your foes. R A Prince from the day of your birth on the holy mountains; from the womb before the daybreak I begot you. R The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change ‘You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.’ R
SECOND READING 1 Peter 5:1-4 A reading from the first letter of Saint Peter. I have something to tell your elders: I am an elder myself, and a witness to the sufferings of Christ, and with you I have a share in the glory that is to be revealed. Be the shepherds of the flock of God that is entrusted to you: watch over it, not simply as a duty but gladly, because God wants it; not for sordid money, but because you are eager to do it. Never be a dictator over any group that is put in your charge, but be an example that the whole flock can follow. When the chief shepherd appears, you will be given the crown of unfading glory. The word of the Lord. R Thanks be to God.
All stand The Cantor sings the GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord sent me to bring Good News to the poor, and freedom to prisoners. Alleluia! GOSPEL John 20:19-23
The Lord be with you.
R And with your spirit.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
R Glory to you, O Lord. In the evening of the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for the fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you,’ and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’ After saying this he breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.’
The Gospel of the Lord.
R Praise to you, Lord, Jesus Christ.
RITE OF ORDINATION ELECTION OF THE CANDIDATE The candidate is called by Father Promoter
Let Damien Paul Locke, who is to be ordained a Priest, come forward.
The candidate answers
Present.
The candidate goes to the Bishop, before whom he makes a sign of reverence PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATE When the candidate is in place before the Bishop, Father Promotor says
Most Reverend Father, holy mother Church asks you to ordain Damien Paul Locke, our brother, to the responsibility of the Priesthood.
The Bishop asks
Do you know him to be worthy?
Father Promotor answers After inquiry among the Christian people and upon the recommendation of those responsible, I testify that he has been found worthy. The Bishop says Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, we choose Damien Paul Locke, our brother, for the Order of the Priesthood. All respond R Thanks be to God. All be seated THE HOMILY The Most Reverend Michael Robert Kennedy
PROMISE OF THE ELECT Dear son, before you enter the Order of the Priesthood, you must declare before the people your intention to undertake this office. Do you resolve, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to discharge without fail the office of Priesthood in the presbyteral rank, as a worthy fellow worker with the Order of Bishops in caring for the Lord’s flock? The elect answers I do. The Bishop continues Do you resolve to exercise the ministry of the word worthily and wisely, preaching the Gospel and teaching the Catholic faith? I do. Do you resolve to celebrate faithfully and reverently, in accord with the Church’s tradition, the mysteries of Christ, especially the Sacrifice of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, for the glory of God and the sanctification of the Christian people? I do. Do you resolve to implore with us God’s mercy upon the people entrusted to your care by observing the command to pray without ceasing? I do. Do you resolve to be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered himself for us to the Father as a pure Sacrifice, and with him to consecrate yourself to God for the salvation of all? I do, with the help of God.
PROMISE OF OBEDIENCE The elect goes to the Bishop and, kneeling before him, places his joined hands between those of the Bishop The Bishop then asks
Do you promise respect and obedience to me and my successors?
The elect answers
I do.
The Bishop concludes
May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.
LITANY OF SUPPLICATION All stand The Bishop says My dear people, let us pray that God the all-powerful Father will pour out abundantly the gifts of heaven on this, his servant, whom he has chosen for the office of Priest. All kneel The candidate prostrates himself and the Litany is sung
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, … God, the Holy Spirit, … Holy Trinity, one God,
Saint Michael, … Holy Angels of God, … Saint John the Baptist, … Saint Joseph, … Saint Peter and Saint Paul, … Saint Andrew, … Saint James, … Saint John, … Saint Bartholomew, … Saint Mary Magdalene, … Saint Stephen, … Saint Ignatius of Antioch, … Saint Lawrence, … Saint Christopher, … Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity, … Saint Agnes, … Saint Gregory, … Saint Augustine, … Saint Athanasius, … Saint Basil, …
Saint Martin, … Saint Benedict of Nursia, … Saint Francis and Saint Dominic, … Saint Francis Xavier, … Saint John Vianney, … Saint Catherine of Siena, … Saint Teresa of Jesus, … Saint Maximilian Kolbe, … Saint Teresa of Calcutta, … Saint Damien of Molokai, … Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, … Saint John Paul the Great, … Saint Patrick, … Saint Thomas Aquinas, … Saint Vincent de Paul, … Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, … All holy men and women, Saints of God, …
From every sin, … From everlasting death, … By your Incarnation, … By your Death and Resurrection, … By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit,
Govern and protect your holy Church, … Keep the Pope and all the ordained in faithful service to your Church, … Bless this chosen man, … Bless and sanctify this chosen man, … Bless, sanctify, and consecrate this chosen man, … Bring all peoples together in peace and true harmony, … Comfort with your mercy the troubled and the afflicted, … Strengthen all of us and keep us in your holy service, … Jesus, Son of the living God, …
All remain kneeling The Bishop says Hear us, we beseech you, Lord our God, and pour out on this servant of yours, the blessing of the Holy Spirit and the power of priestly grace, that this man, whom in the sight of your mercy we offer to be consecrated, may be surrounded by your rich and unfailing gifts. Through Christ our Lord. R Amen.
All stand
LAYING ON OF HANDS The elect goes to the Bishop and kneels before him. The Bishop lays his hands upon the candidate’s head. After this, the people are seated while the Priests present also lay their hands upon the candidate as the Cantor sings Veni, Creator Spiritus, mentes tuorum visita, imple superna gratia quae tu creasti pectora. Qui diceris Paraclitus, altissimi donum Dei, fons vivus, ignis, caritas, et spiritalis unctio. Tu, septiformis munere, digitus paternae dexterae, tu rite promissum Patris, sermone ditans guttura. Accende lumen sensibus: infunde amorem cordibus: infirma nostri corporis virtute firmans perpeti.
Hostem repellas longius, pacemque dones protinus: ductore sic te praevio vitemus omne noxium. Per te sciamus da Patrem, noscamus atque Filium; Teque utriusque Spiritum credamus omni tempore. Deo Patri sit gloria, et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, in saeculorum saecula. Amen.
PRAYER OF ORDINATION The elect goes to the Bishop and kneels before him. With outstretched hands the Bishop prays Draw near, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, author of human dignity it is you who apportion all graces. Through you everything progresses; through you all things are made to stand firm. To form a priestly people you appoint ministers of Christ your Son by the power of the Holy Spirit, arranging them in different orders. Already in the earlier covenant offices arose, established through mystical rites: when you set Moses and Aaron over your people to govern and sanctify them, you chose men next in rank and dignity to accompany them and assist them in their task. So too in the desert you implanted the spirit of Moses in the hearts of seventy wise men; and with their help he ruled your people with greater ease. So also upon the sons of Aaron you poured an abundant share of their father’s plenty, that the number of the priests prescribed by the Law might be sufficient for the sacrifices of the tabernacle, which were a shadow of the good things to come. But in these last days, holy Father, you sent your Son into the world, Jesus, who is Apostle and High Priest of our confession. Through the Holy Spirit he offered himself to you as a spotless victim; and he made his Apostles, consecrated in the truth, sharers in his mission. You provided them also with companions to proclaim and carry out the work of salvation throughout the whole world.
And now we beseech you, Lord, in our weakness, to grant us this helper that we need to exercise the Priesthood that comes from the Apostles. Grant, we pray, Almighty Father, to this your servant the dignity of the Priesthood; renew deep within him the Spirit of holiness; may he henceforth possess this office, which comes from you, O God, and is next in rank to the office of Bishop; and by the example of his manner of life, may he instil right conduct. May he be a worthy co-worker with our Order, so that by his preaching and through the grace of the Holy Spirit the words of the Gospel may bear fruit in human hearts and reach even to the ends of the earth. Together with us, may he be a faithful steward of your mysteries, so that your people may be renewed in the waters of rebirth and nourished from your altar; so that sinners may be reconciled and the sick raised up. May he be joined with us, Lord, in imploring your mercy for the people entrusted to his care and for all the world. And so may the full number of the nations, gathered together in Christ, be transformed into your one people and made perfect in your Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. R Amen. All be seated
INVESTITURE AS PRIEST The newly ordained Priest stands the priestly vestments are brought forward by Mrs. Maureen Locke and Mrs. Theresia Turner. Then, accompanied by the Priests who will help him to arrange the stole in the manner proper to Priests and to put on the chasuble, the Cantors will sing You Are A Priest Forever Brian Flynn R You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek, consecrated to the service of the Lord to sit at His right hand. You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek, in persona Christi, ad majorem Dei Gloriam. Totus tuus. Amen Beneath the mantle of your Mother who intercedes on your behalf, in the arms of your Father who holds you in the palm of his hand. R Lord pour out upon this servant, your Holy Spirit from above. The grace and power of Your Priesthood and Your unfailing love. May the anointing of the Lord be upon your brow today, may the oil of gladness flow from heaven above, and may the olive branch of peace be raised in your right hand that you might show the saving power of His love. R ANOINTING OF HANDS After the newly ordained Priest is vested, he goes to the Bishop and kneels before him. The Bishop then anoints the palms of the newly ordained Priest with holy Chrism, saying The Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, guard and preserve you that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God. Father Locke now presents to his mother the maniturgium, a tradition which pays respect to the role a mother has in a priest’s life
HANDING OVER OF THE BREAD AND WINE Next, a paten holding the bread, and a chalice contained the wine mixed with water for the celebration of the Mass is brought forward by Mrs. Therese Currey and Ms. Nicole Currey. The Bishop receives them and places them in the hands of the newly Ordained as he kneels before him saying Receive the oblation of the holy people to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross. KISS OF PEACE Lastly, the Bishop gives the newly Ordained the sign of peace, saying Peace be with you. The newly Ordained responds And with your spirit. Likewise, the Priests present give the sign of peace to the newly Ordained as a sign of them being joined in the Order of Priests
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST PREPARATION OF THE ALTAR Come Down O Love Divine 1. Come down, O Love divine! seek out this soul of mine and visit it with your own ardour glowing; O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear, and kindle it, Your holy flame bestowing. 3. Let holy charity my outward vesture be, and lowliness become my inner clothing; true lowliness of heart which takes the humbler part, and for its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.
2. There let it freely burn till earthly passions turn to dust and ashes in its heat consuming; and let Your glorious light shine ever on my sight, and make my pathway clear, by Your illuming. 4. And so the yearning strong with which the soul will long shall far surpass the power of human telling; for none can guess its grace till we become the place in which the Holy Spirit makes his dwelling.
The Bishop begins Pray brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father R May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and the glory of His name, for our good and for the good of all His holy Church. And then continues with the PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS O God, who have willed that your Priests should minister at the holy altar and serve your people, grant by the power of this sacrifice, we pray, that the labours of your servants may constantly please you and in your Church bear that fruit which lasts for ever. Through Christ our Lord. R Amen.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER The Bishop says the THE PREFACE The Lord be with you R And with your spirit Lift up your hearts R We lift them up to the Lord Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God R It is right and just It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God. For by the anointing of the Holy Spirit you made your only begotten Son High Priest of the new and eternal covenant, and by your wondrous design were pleased to decree that his one Priesthood should continue in the Church. For Christ not only adorns with a royal priesthood the people he has made his own, but with a brother’s kindness he also chooses men to become sharers in his sacred ministry through the laying on of hands. They are to renew in his name the sacrifice of human redemption, to set before your children the paschal banquet, to lead your holy people in charity, to nourish them with your word and strengthen them with the Sacraments. As they give up their lives for you and for the salvation of their brothers and sisters, they strive to be conformed to the image of Christ himself and offer you a constant witness of faith and love. And so, Lord, with all the angels and saints, we too give you thanks, as in exultation we acclaim:
SANCTUS Mass of St Francis (Paul Taylor)
All kneel THE ROMAN CANON The Bishop says the following proper form of the Hanc igitur Therefore, Lord, we pray: graciously accept this oblation of our service, that of your whole family, which we make to you also for this your servant, whom you have been pleased to raise to the Order of Priesthood; and in your mercy, keep safe your gifts in him, so that what he has received by divine commission he may fulfil by divine assistance. The mystery of faith
The Doxoloy and The Great Amen
COMMUNION RITE All stand The Bishop says At the Saviour’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say THE LORD’S PRAYER The Bishop prays Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Who live and reign for ever and ever. R Amen.
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
R And with your spirit. The Bishop says
Let us offer each other a simple sign of peace.
AGNUS DEI Mass of St Francis (Paul Taylor)
All kneel The Bishop says Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. R Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
THE COMMUNION HYMN Godhead Here In Hiding 1. Godhead here in hiding, Whom I do adore, Masked by these bare shadows, Shape and nothing more, See, Lord, at Thy service Low lies here a heart Lost, all lost in wonder At the God Thou art.
2. Seeing, touching, tasting Are in Thee deceived: How says trusty hearing? That shall be believed; What God’s Son has told me, Take for truth I do; Truth himself speaks truly Or there’s nothing true.
3. On the cross Thy godhead Made no sign to men, Here Thy very manhood Steals from human ken: Both are my confession, Both are my belief, And I pray the prayer Of the dying thief.
4. I am not like Thomas, Wounds I cannot see, But can plainly call thee Lord and God as he; Let me to a deeper faith Daily nearer move, Daily make me harder Hope and dearer love.
5. O Thou our reminder Of Christ crucified, Living Bread, the life of us For whom he died, Lend this life to me then: Feed and feast my mind, There be Thou the sweetness Man was meant to find.
6. Jesu, whom I look at shrouded here below, I beseech Thee send me What I thirst for so, Some day to gaze on Thee Face to face in light And be blest for ever With Thy glory’s sight.
HYMN OF THANKSGIVING Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven 1. Praise, my soul, the King of heaven, to His feet your tribute bring; ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, who like me His praise should sing? Alleluia, alleluia! Praise the everlasting King.
2. Praise Him for his grace and favour to our fathers in distress; praise Him, still the same forever, slow to blame and swift to bless; Alleluia, alleluia! Glorious in His faithfulness.
3. Father-like, He tends and spares us, all our hopes and fears He knows; in His hands He gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes: Alleluia, alleluia! Widely as His mercy flows.
4. Angels, help us to adore Him; you behold Him face to face; sun and moon, bow down before Him, praise Him all in time and space. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace.
The Bishop says THE PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray. May the divine sacrifice we have offered and received, O Lord, give new life to your Priests and to all your servants, that, united to you in unfailing love, they may receive the grace of giving worthy service to your majesty. Through Christ our Lord.
R Amen. All be seated Reverend Father Damien Locke addresses the congregation.
Pontifical Beda College, Rome
Roman Catholic Diocese of Armidale
CONCLUDING RITES All stand The Bishop says
The Lord be with you.
R And with your spirit. The Bishop continues
May God, who founded the Church and guides her still, protect you constantly with its grace, that you may faithfully discharge your duties.
R Amen.
May he make you a servant and a witness in the world to divine charity and truth and a faithful minister of reconciliation.
R Amen.
And may he make you a true shepherd to provide the living Bread and word of life to the faithful, that they may continue to grow in the unity of the Body of Christ.
R Amen.
And may Almighty God bless all of you who are gathered here, + the Father + and the Son + and the Holy Spirit.
R Amen.
Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
R Thanks be to God.
Prior to the recessional procession, the Marian Anthem is sung SALVE REGINA
Reverend Father Locke will confer a general blessing on those present in-person and those present via livestreaming
RECESSIONAL HYMN O God Beyond All Praising 1. O God beyond all praising, we worship You today and sing the love amazing that songs cannot repay; for we can only wonder at every gift You send, at blessings without number and mercies without end: we lift our hearts before You and wait upon Your word, we honour and adore You, our great and mighty Lord.
2. The flower of earthly splendour in time must surely die, its fragile bloom surrender to You the Lord most high; but hidden from all nature the eternal seed is sown though small in mortal stature, to heaven’s garden grown: for Christ the Man from heaven from death has set us free, and we through Him are given the final victory!
3. Then hear, O gracious Saviour, accept the love we bring, that we who know Your favour may serve You as our king; and whether our tomorrows be filled with good or ill, we’ll triumph through our sorrows and rise to bless You still: to marvel at Your beauty and glory in Your ways, and make a joyful duty our sacrifice of praise.
MASSES OF THANKSGIVING You are most welcome to join Father Damien as he offers his Masses of Thanksgiving (COVID-19 restrictions pending): Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1 Wood St, URALLA (Father Damien’s childhood Parish) 10.00am Sunday 15 August 2021 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Saint Mary and Joseph Cathedral, 136 Dangar St, ARMIDALE (Father Damien’s home Parish) 5.30pm Sunday 15 August 2021 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, 346 Conadilly St, GUNNEDAH (The Parish of Father Damien’s first Pastoral Placement in 2018) 9.15am Wednesday 18 August 2021 Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 39 Boston St, MOREE (The Parish of Father Damien’s second Pastoral Placement in 2019) 6.00pm Saturday 21 August 2021
Acknowledgements: Mass parts are reproduced from Mass of St Francis (© Paul Taylor). All music used with the explicit permission of the arrangers. Excerpts from the English translation of the Missale Romanum (Editio Typica Tertia © 2010), International Commission of English in the Liturgy Corporation (ICEL). All rights reserved. Jerusalem Bible version of the Scriptures (© 1966, 1967, 1968), Darton Longman and Todd Limited, as contained in The Roman Missal: Lectionary III: Ritual celebrations (© 1981), Williams Collins Sons and Company Limited. All rights reserved. Hymns and music printed under Word of Life License 2437E.
It is providential that my Ordination to Priesthood be celebrated on the Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe.
Saint Maximilian was a Polish Conventual Franciscan Friar. During the German occupation of Poland, he remained at Niepokalanów, a monastery which published a number of anti-Nazi German publications. In 1941, he was arrested and sent to Auschwitz, where in terrible circumstances he continued to work as a priest and offer solace to fellow inmates. When the Nazi guards selected 10 people to be starved to death in punishment, Kolbe volunteered to die in place of a stranger. He was later canonised as a martyr. In 2019 I visited Auschwitz and was privileged to pray at the cell Saint Maximilian occupied. It was a very moving moment for me. An oil lamp which was placed there by Saint Pope John Paul II continues to burn brightly. At the conclusion of the guided tour, the Polish guide, who had personal family connections with Auschwitz, approached me and asked me whether I was a priest. I was intrigued by his question and after explaining that I was a seminarian in formation for priesthood, he simply nodded and said, “I will pray for you.” Then he left. Saint Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.
Diocese of Armidale