The SVD Australia Province rang out with joy this month when Peter Wang SVD was ordained to the priesthood in Melbourne in a celebration filled with faith, culture, love, family and mission.

Peter, who was born and raised in China, was ordained by Broome Bishop Tim Norton SVD, in a Mass marked by poignant moments, including Peter being clothed in his priestly vestments by his parents and his brother Andrew, also an SVD priest, and the inspiration for Peter’s vocation.

The first reading was read by Peter’s sister Teresa, who is also a religious sister, and the order of service was shown on the screen in two languages, to include all of those present as well as people watching from overseas.

In his homily, Bishop Tim emphasised the theme of second chances and true leadership being rooted in love and service. The Gospel reading chosen by Peter was from John 21, where Jesus forgives Peter for denying Him and restores their relationship, highlighting God's continuous forgiveness.

“After having denied him three times, Jesus gives Peter the opportunity to affirm his love for Jesus, not once, not twice, but also three times,” Bishop Tim said.

“And so, we see another example of how Jesus makes beauty out of our failures. And Peter is reinstated, more or less through forgiveness, and the previous relationship he had with Jesus is restored. And as well as that, he's called to leadership, a leadership of love and service.

“So true leadership is rooted in love for Jesus, love for others. As well as a willingness to serve selflessly. Now we get this wrong in church a lot across the world, and in society, that leadership is not about power and it's not about abusing authority. It's about humility, love and service.

“And so, in a sense, this gospel that our Peter has chosen for us brings us again to this same theme, that we as Christians are the people of a second chance. We are constantly given another chance by God, another chance, like it was for Peter to restore the relationship. So, I'll make a word up. We are the Second-Chancers.”

Bishop Tim urged Peter to look to the people of God to learn from them about humility, faith, love and service.

“Peter, today, as we ordain you a priest, we pray that you will be a Second-Chancer, who whatever ministry you are in, you will just love unceasingly.”

At the end of the Ordination Mass, in his thanksgiving speech, Peter said that many people had told him that his ordination would be an emotional occasion.

“It is. It's true, overwhelming and beautiful,” he said.

Peter began by giving thanks to God for the gift of his vocation, as well as to Bishop Tim for his example “to serve God's people with humility and love”.

He thanked his parents and siblings for their unconditional love, especially throughout his vocation journey, paying special tribute to their efforts in coming from China to be present at the Ordination Mass.

“I know how much effort it took for you to be here, present today, and it truly means so much to me,” he said.

“To my brother, Andrew, who vested me today, that moment will stay in my heart forever. My vocation began through my brother and now to stand beside you as a brother priest is one of God's greatest surprises and gifts. I thank you for guiding me in my vocation. I would not be without here without your encouragement.”

Peter thanked both the outgoing Provincial, Fr Asaeli Rass SVD and the incoming Provincial, Fr Boni Buahendri SVD, along with their respective provincial councils, his formators and the many people who helped in his academic studies and missionary formation. He paid special tribute to the parish of St Anthony’s Noble Park, where he has been serving as deacon for the past eight months.

“I'm deeply grateful for your willingness to accept me, to teach me, to guide me and to care for me. Thank you for loving me and supporting me. This grace I will carry with me always,” he said.

He thanked those who had helped him plan the Ordination Mass and celebration, the combined parish choir, the SVD and Friends Multicultural Choir and all who contributed to the beauty of the occasion, as well as those who had travelled great distances and who were watching online.

Finally, Peter concluded his remarks, speaking in Mandarin to his parents, family and friends.

Parish Priest of St Anthony’s, Noble Park, Fr Brian Collins, then presented Peter with a gift from the parish of hand-made stoles and, with both touching comments and moments of humour, spoke of the contribution Peter had made to the parish during his diaconate.

“We have been very honoured to have had Peter with us. He's been a delightful person. He's been fun. He has energy and loves life and laughs a lot,” he said.

“Wherever you go, love your people, and more importantly, let yourself be loved by the people in return. Let them love you and you love them, and miracles will happen.

“Peter, may you always remain open to the Holy Spirit who loves you as God loves you. May your heart be always attuned to the heart of His Son, Jesus. Enjoy your priesthood and be a blessing to God, to God's people and our world. It has been a pleasure and a delight that you were assigned to us.”

The Ordination Mass was followed by a celebration in the parish hall. Fr Peter celebrated his thanksgiving Mass the following day on the Feast of Christ the King at Resurrection Church in Keysborough, to be followed by a second Mass this Sunday, November 30 at St Anthony’s, Noble Park.

PHOTOS
TOP RIGHT: Bishop Tim Norton SVD lays his hands on Peter during the Rite of Ordination.

TOP LEFT: Peter is embraced by his brother Fr Andrew Wang SVD.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Peter with his brother and sister, who are both Religious, and Bishop Tim.

BOTTOM LEFT: Peter, centre, with Bishop Tim, his family members, SVD confreres and other clergy who were a part of the Ordination Mass.