Cardinal George Pell has ordained six men to the priesthood at StMary's Cathedral, representing the largest group of ordinands in Sydney since 1983.The newly ordained priests - Fr Nen Dang (56), Fr Robert Doohan (47), Fr Joseph Gedeon (37), Fr Kim Ha (36), Fr Andrew James (36) and Fr Joseph Guinea (31) - will all serve the Church in the Archdiocese of Sydney.
(Cardinal Pell lays his hands on Deacon Andrew James - looking on are fellow ordinands (from left to right) Robert Doohan, Joseph Gedeon, Kim Ha and Joseph Guinea)
The ordinations took place on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, the last major feast in the year for priests, said a report from the archdiocese.
In his homily during the Ordination Mass, Cardinal Pell spelled out the attributes required of a priest - that they need to be "strong, wise and compassionate" and that they need to "do the hard things that their people need them to do."
He also noted the huge population increases expected in the Archdiocese of Sydney and appealed passionately to young men in the congregation: "We need help!" ... "there have to be young men here tonight thinking about becoming a priest. Come! Step forward!"
He also urged young women to step forward and enquire about a vocation to the religious or consecrated life.
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