GRACE OF THE PRIESTHOOD
O Clarim News Bureau (English)
On August 31, 2024, the Catholic Diocese of Macau welcomed two new Catholic priests at a joyous ordination ceremony held at the Cathedral. Bishop Stephen Lee presided over the solemn rite, which was attended by clergy, religious, and a congregation comprising the faithful, family members, friends, and local parishioners.
The two men being ordained were Deacon Adriano Serro Agostinho and Deacon Chan Pak Lam Bosco. Both had undergone years of intensive study and spiritual formation at the Diocesan Seminary of St Joseph in preparation for this momentous day.
In his homily, Bishop Stephen Lee emphasized the sacred responsibility that the priesthood entails. “The grace of the sacrament you are about to receive will fortify you for the challenges ahead,” he told the candidates. “You are being called to be servant leaders, to offer the sacraments, to preach the Gospel, and to shepherd the flock entrusted to your care with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith.”
As their family members looked on with pride, Reverend Bosco and Reverend Adriano each made a solemn promise of obedience to the bishop and his successors. They then prostrated themselves on the cathedral floor as the Litany of the Saints was sung, a sign of their total surrender to God’s will.
Deacons Adriano Serro Agostinho and Chan Pak Lam Bosco lay down in humble surrender during the Litany of the Saints 
The laying of hands on the heads of the candidates invokes the Holy Spirit to descend upon them, imparting the grace of priesthood
The highpoint came when Bishop Lee laid his hands on the heads of the candidates, invoking the Holy Spirit to descend upon them and impart the grace of the priesthood. Father Bosco and Father Adriano rose as newly-ordained priests, their hands anointed with holy chrism oil, empowered to celebrate Mass, hear confessions, baptize, and carry out the other duties of the ministerial priesthood.
In his first blessing as a priest, Adriano said, “I am humbled and overjoyed to begin this new chapter of service to God’s people. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I will strive each day to be a faithful, compassionate, and dedicated shepherd.” Then he added, “This is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. I look forward to walking alongside the faithful of this diocese, bringing them the sacraments and the healing presence of Christ.”
The crowd erupted in a thunderous applause as the new priests made their way down the cathedral aisle, greeting well-wishers. Priests, deacons, and the people of God then joined the newly ordained for the celebration of the Eucharist, the following Sunday.
It was a day of great joy and thanksgiving for the Diocese of Macau, which now has two more young spiritual fathers to guide its faithful on the path to heaven.
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