On October 23, the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit hosted the Annual Mass celebrating Jubilees of Priestly Ordination, an event that brought together clergy and laity to honour priests marking significant milestones in their vocation. The Mass was presided over by Bishop John Adams, who delivered a homily reflecting on the nature of priestly service, drawing connections between historical figures, scripture, and the lived experience of ministry.

The bishop began by referencing Saint John Capistrano, whose feast day coincided with the celebration. He described the saint’s journey from a successful legal career to a life of radical humility and religious devotion, noting that Capistrano “rode a donkey backwards through the crowds” after his conversion, symbolically displaying his sins as an act of penance. Bishop John used this story to highlight the importance of humility in priestly life, stating, “I think humility is an integral part of the priestly vocation.”

Throughout the homily, Bishop John emphasised the spiritual qualities expected of all Christians, and especially of priests. Quoting Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (4:2), he encouraged the congregation to “bear with one another charitably in complete selflessness, gentleness, and patience.” He added that these virtues are not confined to those behind the altar but are shared responsibilities of the entire Church community.

The bishop acknowledged the sacrifices inherent in the priesthood, including limited financial means and the absence of family life, but affirmed the unique privilege of priestly ministry: “We do embrace this adventure of priesthood, and it involves the great honour and privilege of standing in the person of Christ.”

He also addressed the relationship between clergy and laity, cautioning against models of ministry that create imbalance or competition. “There’s been a terrible model at times in the Church where priests have done more, lay people less, lay people have done more, priests less,” he said. “The correct model is both do more.”

The homily concluded with a tribute to the jubilarians. Bishop John described them as men who have “laid down their life like the good shepherd,” and invited the congregation to pray for them and for themselves, “that we might hear the call of the good shepherd.”

Jubilarians in front row, l-r: Mons Brian Walsh (50 years), Fr Bernard O’Donnell (50 years), Fr Craig Butler (30 years), Deacon Hemi Ropata, Bishop John Adams, Fr Brian Carmine (25 years), Fr Nathaniel Brazil (10years), Fr John Dykes (60 years), Fr Tom Lawn (50 years). Photo: Emma Dodsworth.