The Diocese of Broken Bay has celebrated the ordination of Rosan Mathew to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, hoping it will be an inspiration to other young men in the Diocese to serve the Church through a vocation to priesthood.
Rosan was ordained by Bishop Anthony Randazzo at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, The Entrance, on Saturday afternoon, in a ceremony attended by hundreds of faithful from across the Diocese and beyond.
Rosan has been a popular figure since joining the Diocese three years ago, serving in the parishes of Lower North Shore, Hornsby Cathedral and The Entrance during the final years of his formation.
In his homily at the ordination, Bishop Anthony thanked Rosan for offering himself to serve the people of Broken Bay and said he hoped he would serve as an inspiration to countless other young men in the Diocese discerning the priesthood.
“May the example that you offer this evening move the hearts and minds of all these young men who are in our Diocese, who are due to dip their toes in the water,” said Bishop Anthony.
A majority of Rosan’s formation was done at Vianney College, Wagga Wagga and many of her former classmates had made the more than six-hour journey from across the state to be at the ordination.
Rosan’s family in India also tuned into the Mass via livestream, joining their prayers with the hundreds who had gathered in person.
“This is a day of great joy and grace for Rosan,” said Bishop Anthony.
“Your ministry will be one of humble service. You are called to proclaim the gospel, not only in faith and words, but with the authenticity and integrity of one who has remained steadfast in both good times and in challenges.”
Bishop Anthony implored Rosan to be an example to all those around him through his ministry.
“My dear son, its your personal witness to the good things God has done in your life that will make the Gospel real, believable and do-able for those who you serve,” he said.
“Rosan, may you always remember your ministry is a gift to the church and a call to deep and humble service.”
In his thanksgiving speech at the conclusion of the Mass, Rosan thanked all the parishes that had welcomed him during his final years of formation in the Diocese of Broken Bay.
He also thanked his family, who were unable to join in person for the ordination, but were able to watch along online.
“I thank my family for gift of faith and of life,” Rosan said.
“You have played a vital role in bringing me to this office. Thank you for your unwavering support and love.”
He also asked for the prayers of all the people of Broken Bay to support him as an ordained minister.
“I request your continued prayers as I begin my ministry as deacon,” he said.
The Diocese of Broken Bay has enjoyed a strong run of vocations in recent years. Fathers Sam French, Aldrin Valdehueza and Roger Delmonte were ordained priests for the Diocese in late 2021.
Last month, Fr Hien Vu was ordained a priest for the Diocese and Deacon Rosan will be eligible to be ordained as a priest after six months of Diaconal ministry.
The Diocese of Broken Bay has three men entering their final year of formation in 2025 and one who has completed his Candidacy for the Holy Orders, to be a permanent deacon.