Mass was celebrated recently to acknowledge and give thanks to the Ballarat Diocesan clergy whose Jubilees of Ordination occurred in 2020 and 2021.
Bishop Paul Bird CSsR was the Main Celebrant and those celebrating Jubilees were invited to Concelebrate Mass, which was held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 5.00pm. This day was also the memorial of Ss John Fisher & Thomas More, Martyrs.
Proceedings began with an Acknowledgement to Country and are all were welcomed by Dr Peter Morris. The Choir consisting of Dr Susan Crowe, Fr Andrew Hayes and Angela Inglis, accompanied by Organist, Mrs Helen Lee, led the music beautifully and those in attendance were able to participate fully in the selected hymns.
At the beginning of Mass, Bishop Paul welcomed all in attendance and acknowledged those celebrating Jubilees:
2020:
- Fr Pat Flanagan – 60 years
- Bishop Brian Finnigan – 50 years (absent)
- Fr George Kuruvila – 25 years
2021:
- Bishop Peter Connors – 60 years
- Fr Peter Hudson – 50 years
- Fr Michael Linehan – 50 years
Jubilees of Ordination for 2020 were included in this celebration, due to coronavirus lockdowns last year.
Julie Chandler proclaimed the First Reading and Sr Veronica Lawson rsm led the Prayers of the Faithful. Bishop Paul invited Fr Peter Hudson to proclaim the Gospel and Fr Michael Linehan presented the Homily, which was very appropriate for the occasion. A copy of the homily can be read here.
Following Mass, clergy gathered to share a meal and continue the celebrations. We give thanks to those who have served in our Diocese over many years.
