A priest through the faith of others

30 May 2014

By Robert Hiini

Renald Anthony was ordained a priest on May 23 at St Mary’s Cathedral by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB. He is pictured above with his brother, Roosvelt, his mother and father, Mr Stephen and Mrs Everest Anthony, and his sisters Jenet and Jero. Fr Anthony will travel to his home parish in Vadakangulam, South India briefly for a celebration of the milestone on May 31.PHOTO: Robert hiini

Renald Anthony was clearly overjoyed at St Mary’s Cathedral, last Friday night, to be ordained a priest before his family and friends, attributing to God and to them the living fulfilment of his vocation.

Principle celebrant Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB was joined by hundreds of congregants and more than 50 concelebrating priests for the occasion.

Mr Anthony’s family, who had battled visa issues to arrive in Perth from India in time, maintained a dignified and contented countenance throughout as they witnessed their son’s prostration and the laying on of hands.

In his homily, Archbishop Costelloe spoke directly to both Mr Anthony and members of the congregation about their respective vocations.

“Each one of us is called to make of our lives an offering to God for the sake of his people,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“We are a priestly people because, in response to the command of Jesus, we like him are ready to break our bodies and spill our blood – we are ready in other words to give ourselves fully to others – to help make their lives all that God wants them to be.

“If this is true for every single one of us here in the Cathedral tonight, it is especially true for you, Renald. The Lord is asking a great deal of us, and we need to be reminded that this is our task in the world, and the Lord’s will for us.

“One of the central responsibilities you will have as a priest is to keep this call before us. You will do so in your celebration of the Sacraments, in your preaching and in your teaching. But you will also do so if you are open to God’s grace, in every aspect of your life.”

Before the final blessing, Archbishop Costelloe invited the newly-ordained Fr Renald Anthony to say a few words. Fr Anthony gave a short reflection on vocation:

“Today, for me to accept God’s call to holiness… I know that this gift is not for myself. God is always the initiator of this gift and this gift has been nourished by the living people here,” Fr Anthony said.

“As I look back over my journey I see every person in my life who has given me the gift of God, to see and to feel, every moment of my life. It is appropriate that I thank you all.”