3 Volume 35 No. 2 | Winter 2025 Society Matters Celebration as Peter makes perpetual vows and is ordained a deacon The SVD Australia Province celebrated joyfully recently when Shouzheng Peter Wang SVD professed his perpetual vows as a Divine Word Missionary and was ordained to the diaconate. As Peter made his final profession, in the presence of his family who had travelled from China, along with confreres and friends, he was joined by SVD seminarians from Melbourne’s Dorish Maru College who renewed their temporary vows. Provincial, Fr Asaeli Rass SVD, said the occasion, which took place at St Paschal’s Chapel, Box Hill, on Saturday, March 15, was an important time for each of the young men. “Each of them has decided to go forward with their own formation as they continue to deeply listen to the movement of the Spirit and the work of the Divine Word in their unique journey,” said Fr Rass. After professing his final vows as a Divine Word Missionary, Peter thanked all those who had accompanied him on his vocational journey. “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it,” he said. “Today is the day when I am filled with great joy and gratitude. A day to celebrate God’s abundant mercy, kindness and love throughout my 11 years of vocational journey.” He thanked his parents and siblings for their “unconditional love and support”, along with Fr Rass and the Provincial Council, his SVD confreres, SSpS sisters, the choir and all who had contributed to making the final vows ceremony such a beautiful, multicultural occasion. The following day, Peter was ordained to the diaconate by Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Tony Ireland at Our Lady of China Catholic Church in Box Hill. In his homily, Bishop Ireland said that all those present stood together at the threshold of transformation. “Peter, today you are called into a new way of life, ordained to proclaim the gospel, to serve at the altar, and to minister to those in need,” he said. “Through the laying on of hands and the prayer of ordination, the Church confirms what God has already placed in your heart, a deeper and abiding call to serve Christ and his people.” Bishop Ireland noted that Peter’s final profession of vows and ordination to the diaconate was taking place during the 150th Anniversary Year of the Society of the Divine Word. “(Yesterday) you affirmed your commitment to the charism of St Arnold Janssen to proclaim the Word of God to all people,” he said. “The Society calls you to be a bridge between cultures, a messenger of hope and a servant of the gospel. Today, through the sacrament of Holy Orders this mission is deepened and strengthened.” After the homily, the Rite of Ordination took place, followed by celebration of the eucharist. At the conclusion, Deacon Peter once more gave thanks to God, his family, and the SVD. “I ask that you continue journeying with me with your unconditional love, support, and prayers as I continue carrying out God’s will and serving God’s people,” he said. During the final vows celebration, Fr Rass shared with great joy that the SVD Generalate in Rome has announced that Peter’s first missionary assignment will be to the Australia Province.
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