Men giving lives in God's service

Published: 2 August 2009
By: Selina Venier

Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan (centre left) and Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary rector Tony Randazzo (centre right) with the some of the seminary community

THERE are moments in a woman's life that are priceless. Marriage and childbirth obviously come to mind.

But the priceless moments I experienced on July 16 had nothing to do with either of these.

On the morning of that glorious winter Thursday last month I was the only female among 18 faith-filled men, sharing in the Eucharist.

This was a Mass like no other I had shared in, however.

I had been given the privilege of breaking bread and sharing in the Cup at Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary, Banyo, in a Mass recognising the official reception of one of our seminarians as lector and a further six as acolytes.

The men gathered outside the exquisite new chapel, all dressed immaculately, encouraged by the fatherly figure that is seminary rector Monsignor Tony Randazzo.

Their visible camaraderie said it all while the presence of new Nigerian seminarians Stanley Orogi and Lawrence Uzoegbu (People, page 28) boosted the group's liveliness.

Fellowship among the men was tangible but it was a brand all their own, I suspect not witnessed elsewhere.

Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan of Brisbane presided in his grace-filled and ceremonial way, careful to welcome us all very purposely saying, "Brothers and sister in Christ ..."

I appreciated the inclusion but was more than happy to sit in the corner, somewhat anonymous, and remain awe-struck by the continued tangible fellowship and indeed, the presence of God.

Bishop Finnigan encouraged the men to always be grateful "for the gift of life, the gift of faith, the gift of the call to priesthood and the gift of the people" they serve, now and in the future.

He quoted our former pope saying, "John Paul II said we cannot preach the message of salvation unless we have it in our own hearts ... the understanding that we ourselves are saved."

He also encouraged a life lived "with Christ at the centre" coupled with "the worship of God and service of the Church".

There was a certain focus on Eucharist as the continued "source and summit" of our collective and individual lives.

"John Paul mentioned the concept of the Eucharist as a memorial ... (and) the priest sacramentally makes present the death and the resurrection of the Lord," Bishop Finnigan said.

"The priest remembers the Lord's Son and what the Lord has done for the world."

First-year seminarian Justus Igbo was then installed as lector while the role of acolyte, who also exercises the ministry of the Word of God as well as having the opportunity of presiding over liturgical prayers, was conferred on Bryan Roe, Paul Catchlove, John Bosco Ofor, Anthony Ekpo, John Echewodo and Augustine Obi.

The group's worship, led by seminarian and gifted musician Robert Nixon, was worthy of applause.

Those were the moments in particular when I closed my eyes and experienced "heaven's gate ajar" especially with the singing of the new seminary theme song written by Robert.

The Mass provided moments I will remember always - likely a common experience for these men who worship together most days of the week - something quite extraordinary for a lay person.

Each with a varied background and personality, these men are ready and willing to give their lives to God and the service of His Church.