Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton has encouraged three newly ordained priests to embrace their calling with humility and courage, echoing the powerful words of Pope Leo XIV, “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid.”
Speaking at the ordination to the priesthood Mass of Deacons Marco Ferraioli, Jupiter Bin Justin, and Gionata Pagani at St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday 23 May 2025, Bishop Sproxton highlighted the profound nature of responding to God’s call.
Joining Bishop Sproxton to concelebrate the occasion was Redemptoris Mater Seminary Rector, Fr Michael Moore SM, Frs Nicholas Diedler and Jason Yeap as MC, with Deacon Mark Powell assisting, and some 100 clergy from across the Archdiocese.
Also present for the occasion was Fr Tony Trafford from the national responsible team of the Neocatechumenal Way and Redemptoris Mater Seminary Sydney Rector, Fr Eric Skruzny, both of whom have had an active involvement in the formation of the new priests.
Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s recent election, Bishop Sproxton praised the Holy Father’s immediate emphasis on peace and humility.
“And his desire to be one who serves. This virtue of humility was revealed in his words as he began his ministry as pontiff,” he said.
Bishop Sproxton underscored the Pope’s declaration, “I come to you as a brother, desiring to be the servant of your faith and your joy.”
Drawing from the Gospel account of the young man who asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life, Bishop Sproxton pointed out the challenge inherent in answering God’s call.
“Anyone who has stood before the Lord and discerned, with the help of His Spirit, the vocation of service He calls us to – marriage or priesthood or Religious Life- has had to begin by responding with faith and humility.”
The three new priests, who have trained at Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Perth, have all come from overseas, including Italy and Malaysia.
Thirty-three-year-old Gionata Pagani, who originally hails from Piacenza, Italy, first came to Perth with his parents Gian-Pietro and Caterina in 2001 as a nine-year old, having been sent by now Pope St John Paul II as a mission family for the Neocatechumenal Way.
The family of 14 children moved to Sydney in 2004 where they continue their ministry as a mission family, belonging to the parish of Redfern.
After finishing his schooling at Christian Brothers Lewisham in Sydney, Gionata studied Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney, finishing in 2013 before entering Redemptoris Mater Seminary in 2015.
Fr Gionata has been serving at the parishes of Osborne Park and Port Kennedy during his time as a Deacon.
Italian born 30-year-old Marco Ferraioli, first came to Australia in October 2001, as a mission family in Melbourne, having been sent with his parents Alfonso and Laura, and four siblings by now Pope St John Paul II.
The family later moved to Brisbane in 2005, where they continue their ministry as a mission family.
After finishing his schooling in 2012 at Mount Maria College, Brisbane, Fr Marco studied a Bachelor of Business for two years at Queensland University of Technology, entering Redemptoris Mater Seminary in 2015.
Fr Marco has been serving at the parish of Bayswater over the past 12 months.
Forty-one-year-old Jupiter from Sabah, Malaysia, entered the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in 2015. The fifth child of seven siblings, his family is a part of the Neocatechumenal Way in the city of Kota Kinabalu.
Prior to entering the Seminary, Jupiter owned his own business as a mobile phone and computer technician.
In 2015, he attended a vocational encounter in Manila, Philippines alongside other young men from different communities. Unsure of his vocation, he asked God at this meeting to show him a sign.
During this time, his business was burglarised, and he lost everything. While initially frustrated, he later realised that God wanted him to leave everything behind and follow His call to enter the seminary.
Prior to his ordination, Fr Jupiter has been serving in the parish of Baldivis.
Continuing his homily, Bishop Sproxton reassured Marco, Jupiter, and Gionata, urging them not to fear the tasks ahead.
“Do not be afraid to go to the people of God, His flock, to serve and care for them as fellow workers with the bishops. Do not be afraid to preach the Gospel and teach the Catholic faith, after solid preparation.
“Do not be afraid to spend yourselves in nourishing and helping the people of God to grow in holiness through celebrating the Sacraments with them. Do not be afraid to come close to the Lord in prayer, especially, to bring the needs and cares of the people to the Lord, and to reflect each day on His presence, power and guidance in your own life.
He concluded with a prayerful wish for the new priests.
“May the Lord complete the good work that he has commenced in you so that increasingly you will be witnesses to the joy and hope our faith provides.
“And may Mary, Our Lady Help of Christians, accompany you with her prayers and motherly care.
More to come in next week’s edition of The Record
