Reflections from the Sisters: September 22, 2007

After a now-regular week of daily train rides and work at the World Youth Day Office, we returned to the Cathedral for the Ordination to the priesthood of Deacons Danai Penollar and Mark Podesta.  The Mass was magnificent, and it was especially beautiful to see the long line of priests come forward to embrace the newly ordained at the Sign of Peace, so like our own Final Professions.  Another testimony to the wonderful support offered to the new priests was the presence of hundreds of parishioners from the parishes in which they served as deacons.  While Sydney, like so many other dioceses throughout the world, has a notable need for more priests, there is no lack of encouragement from the laity.

After the ordination, Bishop Fisher made a point of formally introducing us to Bishop Julian Porteous, who serves as the rector of the Archdiocesan Seminary of the Good Shepherd.  Bishop Porteous was gracious and welcoming and invited us to visit at the seminary.  The few seminarians that we met were so obviously joyful and generous.  Many had come from all parts of Australia to serve in the archdiocese of Sydney, a tribute to the models of dedicated priesthood offered by Cardinal Pell, Bishop Porteous, and Bishop Fisher.