Bishop Anthony Randazzo ordained Brother Joseph Van Tu Nguyen OSA to the diaconate in a packed St Kieran's Church, Manly Vale on Friday.
The ceremony was attended by friends, Augustinians and clergy from across the Diocese of Broken Bay, celebrating the wonderful calling of a young man to receive Holy Orders.
Brother Tu is from Vietnam and has completed his studies in Australia at the Catholic Institute of Sydney and the University of Notre Dame. He made his solemn profession in the Order of Saint Augustine in September 2023.
Br Tu’s family were unable to join in person but were able to witness the ordination via live stream.
As has become customary for many of the ordinations of young men from Vietnam, the ceremony featured a Vietnamese choir, bringing a strong flavour of Br Tu’s native culture to the liturgy.
In his homily, Bishop Anthony emphasised the special calling Br Tu had received from God.
“Brother Tu, this divine calling echoes in your life today. God has seen your heart and has chosen you for this ministry,” he said.
“He has brought you to this moment, and you now stand here, prepared to be consecrated for the Church’s ministry, to serve as a beacon of God’s love and truth.”
He referenced the scripture chosen for the ordination, Saint Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesians, where he urges them to “live a life worthy of your vocation” (Ephesians 4:1).
“My dear Brother Tu, in choosing this text for your ordination, you demonstrate your resolve to be consecrated for the Church’s ministry, which is a testament to your dedication,” Bishop Anthony said.
“You are called to hold fast to the mystery of faith, by proclaiming the Word of God in the Gospel. Through the sacrament of holy Orders, your life will be a testament to the transformative power of God’s Word, guiding others towards the light of Christ.”
Bishop Anthony concluded by instructing Br Tu on how best to live out the holy life of a cleric.
“Be consecrated for the Church’s ministry with joy and dedication,” he said.
“Hold fast to the mystery of faith, proclaiming the Word of God with passion and fidelity. Be a man of prayer, lifting up the needs of the Church and the world. Embrace your life of chaste celibacy as a sign of the Kingdom of heaven, pointing to the eternal life we all hope for.”
After being ordained, Br Tu assisted Bishop Anthony in the celebration of the Eucharist.
Fr Peter Jones OSA, Provincial of the Augustinians of the Province of Australasia, thanked Bishop Anthony for his presence and his continual trust in the Augustinians for the pastoral care of the people of North Harbour.
The Augustinians have had a presence in what is now the Diocese of Broken Bay for more than 70 years, since taking responsibility for the parish of St Kieran’s, Manly Vale in 1952.
Br Tu will serve as a Deacon at the Parish of North Harbour. He may be ordained to the priesthood after six months of service as a Deacon.
Bishop Anthony Randazzo's Homily
