Milestone priests full of gratitude

By Matthew Biddle 

TWENTY-FIVE years after they were ordained together at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Fr John Armstrong and Fr Tony Percy celebrated their Silver Jubilee of priesthood at the same venue on December 13.

While the occasion was somewhat overshadowed by the opening of the Holy Door for the Year of Mercy on the same day, the milestone gave both priests a chance to reflect upon their years of ministry.

Fr John, parish priest of Bateman’s Bay and Moruya, said it had been a “privilege” to be called to the priesthood.

“It has been a great opportunity to share in God’s life and be present to his people,” he said.

“I went on a 30-day retreat about two years ago and one of the things that sticks in my memory from that is the idea that priesthood is walking with Jesus, not working for him.

“The theme of pilgrimage has been very important to me, as has the idea of journeying with others.”

Fr Tony Percy, Archbishop Christopher Prowse and Fr John Armstrong after concelebrating Mass together on December 13. PHOTO: MATTHEW BIDDLE

Being involved in spiritual direction has been one of the highlights of his ministry, Fr John said.

“Particularly in the Called and Gifted program that I’ve been involved in, it’s certainly helped me and I think it’s helped others to discern more clearly where God’s calling them,” he said.

“Obviously the various parishes I’ve been in have been a real blessing, and also the opportunity to continue my studies as well.”

For Fr Tony, the Archdiocesan Vicar-General, the Silver Jubilee evoked feelings of deep gratitude for the call to priesthood, the people who have aided him along the way, and the opportunities given to him.

“You meet some really fabulous people who help you develop and grow as a person and also deepen your calling,” he told Catholic Voice.

One of most enlightening moments of Fr Tony’s priesthood thus far occurred soon after his ordination, when he was in the parish of Young, in country New South Wales.

“They had a lot of nursing homes and hospitals there, and there were a lot of funerals, so I began to realise that people really do suffer a lot in life and that for many, it’s not always normal to be healthy. That was very interesting,” he said.

The former seminary rector said his only hope for the future of his priestly ministry is to “just do whatever is asked of me”.