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A message for Holy Thursday from Bishop Anthony to the Clergy

To the Priests of the Diocese of Broken Bay

Thursday 9 April 2020

My dear brothers in the Priesthood,

Today is Thursday of the Lord’s Supper, a day when we remember in a particular way God’s gift of the Priesthood to the Church. I must confess that it is not how I envisaged my first Holy Thursday among you as your bishop.

No one can say that priestly life and ministry is dull. In fact, most days are filled with surprises. That is a gift from God, otherwise, left to our own devices, day-to-day life might underwhelm us into apathy or complacency.

Since my appointment to the Church of Broken Bay on 7 October 2019, I have been filled with a deep inner joy. I am convinced that it is a joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. Many of you have asked me how I am going. I am deeply grateful for your care and concern. Likewise, when I visit you in your homes, and your parishes or schools, your hospitality is overwhelming.

I sense a wonderful goodness in you as a presbyterate. In the past six months, I have prayed and celebrated the Mass with you. I have seen you caring for our people with a deeply committed pastoral intimacy. I have heard some of you passionately break open the Word though your preaching and teaching. I have witnessed you caring for each other in sickness and in moments of death. I need look no further than you to see the source of my joy.

As you know, I have postponed the Chrism Mass, which was due to be celebrated this week, until a time when we can gather with our deacons and people to celebrate visibly as one community of the Church. Bishop, presbyters, deacons and God’s holy people in the same Eucharist, in a single prayer, at one altar in the Cathedral church. It is the image of the worshipping Church par excellence given us by the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council.

In the meantime, I want to reassure each and every one of you that you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I pray for your well-being, for your happiness, for your ministry, and for your eternal life.

I make my own the words of Saint Paul, “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you”.

My deepest gratitude and blessing for all that you do,

Fraternally yours in Christ,

Most Rev Anthony Randazzo
Bishop of Broken Bay