Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, says the ordination of the three newest priests in the Diocese of Parramatta is “a sign of hope and renewal of God’s everlasting love for his people.”
On Thursday 2 February 2023, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, was overflowing with friends, family and parishioners as Bishop Vincent ordained Adam Carlow, Matthew Dimian and Jack Elkazzi to the priesthood.
“The Diocese of Parramatta is the youngest and most culturally diverse diocese in Australia, so each ordination is a joyous occasion,” Bishop Vincent told the congregation.
“Adam, Matthew and Jack will rejuvenate and reinvigorate the Church in Parramatta, bringing their unique gifts and talents. They will go out into the deep and spread the Word and love of Christ to all, and I ask that we all keep them in our prayers as they commence their priestly ministry.”
Fr Adam Carlow, Assistant Priest, St Madeleine Sophie Barat Parish, Kenthurst
Fr Adam Carlow (fourth right) with Bishop Vincent Long (centre), and his immediate family. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
“[As a priest] I want people to know that they are loved very much by God, and I hope through my priestly ministry that I can be a witness to that, that I can be faithful to God and truly live my vocation faithfully.
“I pray that I will be an instrument of God’s love to others in my life and in my ministry.
“I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for supporting and praying for us.”
Fr Adam’s aunt and godmother Margaret: “I think he will be an amazing priest. He will be fantastic with the young kids – they’re going to love him. He’s going to show them the way to God.”
Fr Matthew Dimian, Assistant Priest, St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill
Fr Matthew Dimian (second left) with Bishop Vincent Long (centre), his parents and sister Mary (right). Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
“A vocation isn’t born in a vacuum, it’s born in the heart of the Church, and it’s through the inspiration of meeting good and holy people like yourselves, hearing your encouragement and discernment, and receiving the fruits of your prayers – it’s through all these things that I have been able to join the Seminary and come to ordination.
“All thanks be to God, and thank you all for being instruments of God in encouragement, prayer, grace and support.”
Fr Matthew’s sister Mary: “Matthew has a way of really listening to people and trying to grasp where the person is at, and I think that will carry through into his priesthood. He sees the individual in the place where they are, and I think that is essential to bringing Christ to a person.”
Fr Jack Elkazzi, Assistant Priest, Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes
Fr Jack Elkazzi (centre left) with members of his immediate family, including sister Jackie (fourth left). Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
“By completely devoting my life to Christ in a loving relationship and sharing that love to all my brothers and sisters, rather than being a father to one or two, I become a father of many.
“I’m a priest to share the genuine love of the Gospel, where Christ leaves the 99 and chases the one, and giving people a sense of hope and love and knowing that Christ is always there.”
Fr Jack’s sister Jackie: “I believe that the youth of today are experiencing a lot of what Jack’s journey entails, so for him to have that personal experience, is going to be able to reach them and know exactly what they are feeling and what they need to hear.”
This article was originally published in the 2023 Lent and Easter | Autumn edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can pick up your copy of the magazine in parishes and offices across the Diocese of Parramatta now or you can read the digital version here.
