Homilies
To review previous Homilies from the Bishop visit the archive.
Bishop Manning's Homily at the Ordination of Rev. Father Andrew Bass.
Friday 27 June 2008 in St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta
This evening we celebrate, with great joy, the Ordination of Andrew Bass. The ordination of a priest is a most significant occasion for any diocese: for the priests, as they welcome a new member to the Presbyterate, and, for the people who welcome one chosen by God to serve them through the priesthood.
Priesthood Gift to the Church
The Readings open up for us the meaning of Christ's priesthood. We learn
from the Letter to the Hebrews that the priesthood is a gift from God: "No
one takes this honour upon himself; it needs a call from God" (Heb. 5:4).
A vocation is individual insofar as it is given to an individual, but it is not private: it is for service in the Church. The same letter to the Hebrews tells us "Every high priest is taken from among men, and is appointed to act on their behalf in relationship with God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins" (Heb. 5:1) The gift of priesthood then is given for God's People, the Church.
That is why, in the ceremony of ordination, you, God's People, have a part to play. Andrew requests ordination but you too, representatives of the Church, request his ordination. When Father John, Seminary Rector, says: " Holy Mother Church asks that you ordain this man, our brother, for service as a priest", you, the people of God are included among those who are asking! When Andrew is presented for ordination, I will ask him several questions, one of which is: " are you resolved to consecrate your life to God for the salvation of His people, and to unite yourself more closely every day to Christ the High Priest , who offered Himself for us to the Father as a perfect sacrifice?"
Eucharistic Sacrifice
The offering of the Eucharistic Sacrifice is the most important action of a
priest's life, and he should always keep in mind the words of the Second Vatican
Council: "Priests fulfil their chief duty in the Mystery of the Eucharistic
Sacrifice. In it the work of our redemption continues to be carried out …it is
an act of Christ and of the Church." (Presbyterorum Ordinis, 13)
Gospel
Andrew has been preparing for this day for a long time: first in the
Diocesan House of Formation at St Mary's, at the seminary in Homebush, in
several parishes of the Diocese and, finally, here in the parish of Parramatta
where he was ordained a deacon. Your words of encouragement and advice were
important in his formation.
In a few minutes He will be ordained a priest, and what then? The passage from St John's Gospel spells it out: " I am the Good Shepherd, I know my own and my own know me" (Jn 10:4).So far so good, that could promise a life of some ease, of being accepted in the parish community as long as one fulfils certain obligations.
A Priest for All
However, there is more. Jesus says: " there are other sheep I have that
are not of this fold, and these I have to lead as well" (Jn 10:16). A man
is called to priesthood not only for the Catholic people but for all people.
Your ministry, Andrew, is to all men and women. I tell you one thing I have
learned in almost forty seven years of priesthood: just as a shepherd cannot
shepherd his sheep from his shepherd's hut, so you cannot pastor your people
from the presbytery.
You must seek them out, as the Good Shepherd sought out his flock. You must visit the people. You must witness to them, but learn from them; be a leader, but also a collaborator, giving example in prayer and charity.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The priest serves God's people in many ways, but after the Eucharist there
is nothing more important than the Ministry of Reconciliation, the exercise of
the Sacrament of Penance. God keeps alive in His Church the great gift of His
mercy through the Sacrament of Penance, and only a priest can serve the People
of God as a minister of forgiveness and pardon.
We well know that repentance and on-going conversion of heart are absolutely necessary, and that the acknowledgement of his own sin and weakness by the priest makes him humble and compassionate. So, Andrew,use the Sacrament of Penance, profit from it, offer it generously to the People of God.
Presbyterate
Andrew, as you open your heart to the spirit of holiness, to God's Holy
Spirit, to receive Ordination to the priesthood, realise that you will never be
alone, unless you make yourself alone, and to be a loner is dangerous. Tonight
you will become a member of the intimate brotherhood of the Parramatta Diocesan
Presbyterate, a sacramental brotherhood, which will bring you friendship,
sharing, loyalty and a commitment to common prayer. Be an active and committed
member of this presbyterate, respect your brothers in the priesthood, correct
them, if needs be, but never condemn them by carping and unjustified criticism.
But, dare I say, your fate is not entirely in their hands!! The entire Church is with you, the entire Church will remain with you in the years to come, to support you, to encourage you, and to be supported and served by you.
Conclusion:
This evening the Church asks you for fidelity, fidelity in your personal
commitment to Jesus Christ, to His Gospel, to His Church. She asks for your
fidelity to prayer, for you to love Jesus Christ, His Church and his Mother,
Mary.
As for the Mother of priests she will be with you always in your efforts to lead a life of integrity, to be truthful, just, courageous, merciful, and chaste. This is a time to trust in Jesus Christ, the One who invites you to a life of holiness and says to you to-day: "Do this in memory of Me."