Dear Family and Friends,

Almost 5 days have passed since I was ordained a deacon and I am posting this blog from Tropical Cairns in Queensland where I am enjoying time with my parents. The ordination celebration was one that surpassed my expectations. It was such an honour to be surrounded by friends and my parents who came over from Malta for this special occasion.

Over 1,000 people packed the Bendigo Cathedral; a decent number of whom flew in from Sydney, Adelaide, and two bus-loads of people took the two-hour drive there and back from Melbourne. What an honour!

The service took the form of a mass, attended to by some 50 priests and presided by Bishop Joe Grech. It was a peaceful and prayerful experience, helped a lot by the magnificent choir and music present. After the mass there were drinks and some food offered, accompanied by some live music. I could not have imagined a clearer and fresher spring evening!

I have spent 7 years in formation and am more passionate about my vocation today than I have ever been. I am looking forward to work with and serve the people here in Australia over the next few years, and possibly returning to Malta after that. I will be working in a country parish over the summer (Kerang) and a more suburban parish after that (Benalla) while I finish off my last year at university.

My ordination to the priesthood is planned for October 2010 in Malta! I excitedly await to seeing you there!

I pray you are all well… thanks so much for your beautiful and encouraging emails. Wishing you were all here!

God bless!
(Rev. ;) Rob