Br Nestor Ordained Deacon

It was with great joy that Br Nestor Sinaga was ordained to the Order of Deacons by Bishop Joseph Oudeman, Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane and Capuchin Friar. The ordination took place during Mass on Friday evening, 19th February at St Fiacre’s Church in Leichhardt in the presence of many friars, friends and visitors.

During the celebration, Br Nestor was called forward and presented to the bishop by the Australian Capuchin Provincial, Fr Gary Devery. After a brief examination of his readiness for the holy office about to be bestowed, Br Nestor promised obedience to his Ordinary and then prostrated himself as the litany of saints was intoned, asking the communion of saints to intercede to God for him. He was then ordained as Bishop Oudeman laid hands on his head and then prayed the prayer of consecration.

 
Deacon Nestor later recalled that the words the bishop pronounced as he handed him the Book of Gospels – which Deacon Nestor would now proclaim and preach during the liturgy, namely: “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach” – are words that have very deep significance in his own vocation journey. Deacon Nestor has spent more than ten years in formation, both in Indonesia and now in Australia.

 
 After communion Deacon Nestor gave a few moving words of thanks to those who have in different ways changed his life for the better and helped him arrive at this joyous day. The Indonesian Community did a fantastic job leading the singing during the liturgy and providing the supper in the hall after the Mass. Deacon Nestor will continue to live at Leichhardt and will be exercising his diaconal ministry in the Indonesian Community of Sydney and at Good Shepherd Parish in Plumpton.