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As a young boy, I couldn’t help but be fascinated by the men who would come periodically to my home town. They would have us sitting on the edge of our seats with their vibrant preaching. Of course, I’m talking about the Redemptorists!
Today at 35 years of age, I myself am a newly ordained Redemptorist priest.
On the 12th of June 2004 I was ordained in my home parish of St Patrick’s in Gympie, Qld, by Bishop James Foley, Bishop of Cairns and former parish priest of Gympie.
Family, friends and fellow Redemptorists gathered from across Australia for the two day celebration. The faith community of St Patrick’s were so generous and hospitable and they worked so hard to make the weekend memorable.
It was a powerful and uplifting experience; a culmination of years of study, preparation and formation. Yet it’s also the beginning of a life of service. Symbolically, I chose an artistic representation of the ‘Washing of the Feet’ as my ordination memento card.
Bishop Foley reminded us all that "ordination is a brave step. It goes against the mood and culture of our times. But priesthood — at its best — always has been counter-cultural." He said that the Redemptorist Congregation "has the finest priestly traditions of good preaching and the sensitive care of souls."
I have begun my priestly ministry of service at the Redemptorist Community and Church in North Perth. It is here that I have the opportunity to share life with people, and our sharing becomes a journey in which we walk together. We strive to build a more just and loving world filled with the Spirit of God.
Father David Hore C.Ss.R. and Brother Gerard Louis C.Ss.R.
It is through this togetherness as disciples, that the Gospel is explicitly proclaimed by our witness.
David Hore C.Ss.R.
