The Bishop of Penang ordains two new priests

On March 28, Deacons Raymond Raj and Desmond Jansen were ordained priests at the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Penang. The event was attended by bishops, priests, religious and seminarians, as well as around 1,500 lay Catholics.

The sacerdotal ordination was held in conjunction with the Chrism Mass, which is a significant event in the Catholic Church. During the Mass, three Holy Oils – the Oil of Catechumens, the Sacred Oil of Holy Chrism, and the Oil of the Sick – were consecrated. The Chrism Mass also signifies the unity between the bishop and priests under his care.

In his sermon, Bishop Sebastian Francis explained the meaning behind the Chrism Oils and the significance of his Coat of Arms. He reminded the candidates of their responsibilities as priests, which include ministering the Word and serving at the Eucharistic table.

The Chrism Mass is also an occasion for ordained ministers to renew their vows to the bishop and the Church. Bishop Sebastian emphasized that the priesthood is a universal order shared by all who have taken their vows for Holy Orders.

He also quoted Isaiah 63:4, which explains that priests take upon themselves the sins of the people entrusted to them.

After Communion, the newly ordained priests gave their speeches. Fr Raymond spoke in Tamil and English, while Fr Desmond expressed his gratitude to his late uncle who inspired him to pursue the priesthood. The presentation of the Manutergium, an old custom where the cloth used to soak up the Holy Oil is presented to the mother, was an emotional moment during the ceremony.

Bishop Sebastian later announced that Fr Raymond Raj would be the assistant parish priest of the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam, while Fr Desmond Jansen would serve as the assistant parish priest of City Parish in Penang.

Bishop Sebastian encouraged the attendees to continue their journey towards the Synod and the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, as proclaimed by Pope Francis. He reminded them to not put limits on God’s glory and to embrace their roles in sharing the Good News.

The sacerdotal ordination and Chrism Mass were significant events that reminded the attendees of their faith and responsibilities. It was a momentous occasion for the new priests, who were tasked with serving their respective parishes with love, truth, sacrifice, freedom, and beauty.

Source: Herald Malaysia