“This evening, here in the beautiful church of Saint Joseph, we find ourselves caught up in a celebration which has the power to take us to the very heart of what we believe as disciples of Jesus.”
With these powerful words, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB opened his homily on Friday 21 March 2025, as Norbertine Brother John De Agnel Anthoni Samy O Praem was ordained to the priesthood in front of a packed congregation at St Joseph’s Priory Church, Queens Park.
Joining Archbishop Costelloe for the occasion was Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton VG, Vicar General the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn VG, Queens Park Parish Priest and Prior Fr Peter Stiglich O Praem with Deacon Aaron Peters assisting and several other clergies from Perth and Bunbury.
“You did not choose me – I chose you.”
In his homily for the occasion, Archbishop Costelloe reminded Br John and the community gathered that the priesthood is not something earned or presumed, but a sacred calling from God.
“Brother John, from tonight in a new way… you will be a living sign of Christ among us as the one who gives everything for His people,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“You did not choose me – I chose you,” he quoted Jesus’ words from the Gospel of John.
“God chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise,” he added, drawing from St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.
Archbishop Costelloe acknowledged the immense responsibility and humility demanded by the priestly vocation, saying: “To be called to such a ministry is an overpowering and even frightening thing. Who is worthy of such a task? Who would dare to presume to take this upon himself? Indeed, who would be so presumptuous as to believe he was in any way equipped for this?”
This profound reflection underlined the mystery and grace that underpin a priest’s life, one anchored not in personal merit but in divine calling.
From Malaysia to Queens Park: A journey of faith
Born in Malaysia, Fr John joined the Norbertines in 2016, moving to Perth, Western Australia to start his religious formation.
As a member of the Norbertine Canons Regular of the Praemonstratensian Order, his vocation has always been deeply rooted in community life, prayer, and service.
Speaking ahead of his ordination in a Q&A with The Record, Fr John reflected on his journey.
“I always had a strong desire to serve. Being part of a community that lives, prays and works together gave me the grounding I needed to say yes to God fully.”
His early years with the Norbertines and involvement in St Norbert College, saw him actively involved in pastoral ministry especially among young people.
He completed his theological studies with the University of Notre Dame in Perth and was ordained to the diaconate on 19 March 2024. During this time, Br John served at the St Joseph’s Priory Church in Queens Park, where he has been a much-loved member of the community ever since.
A Priest for the People
Archbishop Costelloe emphasised the profound role of the priest in the life of the Church — not merely as a functionary, but as a living sacrament of Christ’s love.
“When in the praying of the Eucharistic Prayer, Brother John — soon to be Father John — repeats the words Jesus spoke over the bread and wine at the Last Supper, he will do so in the name of and even more in the person of Christ Himself,” he explained.
Archbishop Costelloe encouraged Br John to remember that, through his priestly ministry, he is called to “hand himself over to God’s people in an extraordinary gesture of love.”
This message resonates especially with young Catholics seeking leaders who are not only faithful but who lead with humility, authenticity, and a servant’s heart.
A Ministry of Hope and Mercy
Reflecting on Pope Francis’ words that Christ is “the face of the Father’s mercy,” Archbishop Costelloe urged Br John to allow God’s Spirit to shape him into a sign and bearer of that mercy.
“In this Jubilee Year of Hope,” he said, “your joyful, faithful and humble witness will be a real sign of hope in and to the Church.”
It is this spirit of hope that Br John says he wishes to bring into his ministry, particularly to the younger generation.
“I want young people to know that God has not forgotten them,” he shared in his interview with The Record.
“He still calls, still loves, and still invites them to something greater than themselves.”
Looking Ahead
As he begins his priestly ministry, Fr John will continue to serve in the Norbertine community at St Joseph’s, where he hopes to walk closely with people, especially youth and families, helping them encounter Christ in the Eucharist and in the everyday moments of life.
His ordination stands as a powerful reminder of the vitality of vocations in today’s Church, particularly from diverse cultural backgrounds.
“God is still calling,” Fr John says with conviction. “We just need to listen.”