Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Deacon David Pace was ordained a priest this Saturday 16th May at St. John’s Co-cathedral in Valletta, Malta. Many of you came to know David at St. Bernadette’s, where he served during the last year.
We all give thanks to God with great joy on this special occasion of Deacon David’s ordination to the priesthood. This is a moment of grace for David and his family, for the Missionary Society of St. Paul, for our parish community, and for the whole Church. A priestly ordination reminds us that God continues to call men to follow Him closely and to serve His people with generous hearts.
Priesthood is a vocation—a response to the voice of Christ who says, “Follow me.” Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, Deacon David is conformed more closely to Christ the Good Shepherd and called to preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and walk with God’s people as they journey through moments of joy, sorrow, hope, and struggle.
In a world that often values success, power, and self-interest, the life of a priest witnesses to service, faithfulness, and love. A priest is called to stand close to the people entrusted to his care: to pray with them, listen to them, encourage them, and remind them that God never abandons His people. The priest becomes a bridge between God and His people, especially through the Eucharist, where Christ continues to nourish and strengthen the Church.
We thank Deacon David for his generous “yes” to God’s call. Every vocation grows through prayer, family support, community encouragement, and the witness of faithful Christians. His ordination is therefore also a reminder to all of us of our responsibility to pray for vocations and to support those whom God calls, even from within our families.
As David begins his priestly ministry, we assure him of our prayers and affection. May the Lord fill him with wisdom, humility, compassion, and joy. May Mary, Mother of Priests, guide and protect him always.
Let us continue to pray that many more young people listen to God’s call and respond with courage, trust and generosity.
God bless you.
Fr Silvio