The Diocese of Broken Bay has celebrated the ordination of its fifth priest in four years on Wednesday, as Bishop Anthony Randazzo ordained Father Rosan Mathew in a ceremony attended by hundreds of faithful.
On the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, the patron of the Universal Church, Father Rosan became the newest priest of the Diocese, and the second to be ordained in the past 12 months.
The ordination took place at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara and was attended by people from all parts of the country and beyond, including members of Father Rosan’s family from India, and former classmates from as far away as Wagga Wagga.
In his homily, Bishop Anthony said it was a moment of tremendous joy for the Diocese, as Father Rosan responded to God’s call.
“We gather this evening on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, the just man and faithful servant of God, to witness a grace moment in the life of our community of the Church, the ordination of Rosan Mathew to the priesthood,” he said.
“With joy and gratitude, we celebrate not only Rosan’s response to God’s call but also the continuous faithfulness of our God, who fulfills His promises in the power of the Holy Spirit through His Son, Jesus Christ.”
He said Father Rosan’s life should be modeled on the faith and fidelity of Saint Joseph.
“Priestly life and ministry are steeped in fidelity, fidelity to God, fidelity to the Word of God, fidelity to the Church, and fidelity to your word,” Bishop Anthony said.
“It is this fidelity that allows us to serve God’s holy People, to preach the Word, and to administer the Sacraments. Your priestly life will be the fruit of your faith in God’s promises, a faith that, like that of Saint Joseph, does not look for shortcuts but faces reality with open eyes, embracing the responsibility of shepherding the people entrusted to your pastoral care and fulfilling the mission to which you have been called and sent.
“The priesthood is not a solitary ministry but one that serves the entire Church. The priest, through his preaching and the celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, is charged with leading and serving the whole Body of Christ. Through his sacred duties, he nourishes the people, and reconciles them to God, building up the communion of believers.”
In his thanksgiving speech, Father Rosan gave particular thanks to his parents for their support and love for him over the years, but said first and foremost, his thanks belonged to God.
“As I step into this new chapter of my life, I ask for your continued prayers that I may serve faithfully as a priest of Jesus Christ,” he said.
“May my ministry always be marked by humility, compassion, and a deep love for God and His people.”
Following the Mass, the hundreds in attendance descended to The Light of Christ Centre, where refreshments were served and Father Rosan gave his first blessings.
Father Rosan has been appointed assistant priest at The Entrance Parish, where he has been serving as a deacon for the past six months.
You can read a full copy of Bishop Anthony’s homily for the ordination here.