Charles Hyson is the newest Deacon in the Diocese of Parramatta, following his ordination at St Patrick’s Cathedral on the Feast of St Ambrose, in a Mass that was attended by hundreds of well-wishers.
Among the congregation of about 250 were many fellow deacons, all of whom embraced Charles at the conclusion of the ceremony, and about 20 priests from the Diocese.
The Mass on Saturday, 7 December, was celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, the Bishop of Parramatta, and viewed online by many of Charles’s family and friends back in India, as well as those present in the congregation.
Bishop Vincent Long and members of Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Parramatta with Charles Hyson (standing to the left of Bishop Vincent) after the Mass. Image: Jazz Chalouhii/ Diocese of Parramatta
His ordination is the culmination of seven years of prayer, discernment and study that begun on a vacation in 2017 when he heard a voice calling him to serve God.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent told the congregation that God had called Charles to “something entirely new and in many ways unexpected”.
“Like Mary, Charles has listened attentively to the call and responded with humbleness, generosity and trust,” Bishop Vincent said.
“Seven years later, with a lot of dedication, discipline and determination on his part, as well as the support of his wife, children and others, he stands ready to say ‘Yes’ to a vocation within a vocation.
“We have every confidence the ministry of the diaconate that Charles receives today will further enhance the quality of their family relationships and of his service to the Church.”
Bishop Vincent and Charles during the Mass. Image: Jazz Chalouhii/ Diocese of Parramatta
In his thanksgiving speech Charles paid tribute to the many people who had supported and guided him on his journey, especially his wife Maria, daughters Revathi and Aradhana, Bishop Vincent, Monsignor Ron McFarlane, his mentors in the diaconate, spiritual companion Sr Anita Brennan and many other clergy.
“Today I stand before you as a blessed, humbled and privileged man with a heart overflowing with gratitude and joy,” Charles said in his speech.
“My ordination is a profound blessing from God, and I owe everything to the goodness of my God.
“Thank you to each one present and those joining us online, I cannot thank you all enough. Your presence is a true testament to the prayers and the love that surround me always.”
Charles giving his thanksgiving speech at the Mass. Image: Jazz Chalouhii/ Diocese of Parramatta
After the Mass his daughters Revathi, 21, and Aradhana, 17, said they were very proud of their father’s dedication, and they were excited to see him begin his ministry in the permanent diaconate.
Revathi, who is studying for a Bachelor of Business, Sport Management, said her dad would make an “amazing Deacon, because he always puts God first in whatever he does”.
His example had shown her how to “be humble, to always know that God’s in control of everything that we do”, she said.
“Dad, we love you very much, we’re very proud of you…always follow your dreams, because you’re an amazing father.”
Charles with this wife Maria, left, and daughters Revathi, far left, and Aradhana, after the Mass. Image: Jazz Chalouhii/ Diocese of Parramatta
Aradhana, who is in Year 12 at Catherine McAuley College, at Westmead, said she was very inspired when her dad told her of how he was called to become a Deacon, and excited to see him become more involved in the church as this would help the whole family deepen their relationship with God.
“I think it’s a big step as a family, in our faith journey, with Dad becoming a permanent Deacon now,” she said.
“I think it’s really great as it increases our faith in the Church, and it’s a great way then to give back to the community.”
Charles is embraced by a fellow deacon after his ordination. Image: Jazz Chalouhii/ Diocese of Parramatta
Read Bishop Vincent’s Homily for Charles Hyson’s ordination Mass here.
View more images from the Mass on the Diocese’s Flickr page or below.
