Fr Anthony recalls ‘moving’ ordination 10 years ago
By Catherine Sheehan
Central Tasmania Parish Priest Fr Anthony Onyirioha celebrated his 10th anniversary of priestly ordination on 4 December this year.
He recalls crying “tears of joy” during his ordination ceremony in 2015 at St Mary’s Cathedral.
“When you desire something for a long time… And when it eventually arrives there, you have mixed feelings,” Fr Anthony said. “You’re happy, you cry tears of joy.”
He also remembers being moved by the chanting of the Litany of the Saints, as he lay prostrate on the sanctuary of the Cathedral.
“You just realise something is really happening here. So that was the changing moment for me.”
Born and raised in Nigeria, Fr Anthony first thought of becoming a priest when he was an altar server at the age of 12. He was impressed by how the priests he knew conducted themselves and felt drawn towards the priestly vocation. He began his seminary studies in Nigeria before moving to Australia to study theology at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne.
After applying to serve in an Australian diocese, he was accepted by the Archdiocese of Hobart.
He moved to Tasmania in 2013 and was ordained two years later. He served in the parishes of Launceston, Sandy Bay, and Campbell Town, before being appointed to the Central Tasmania Parish in 2020 and relocating to New Norfolk.
After 10 years, Fr Anthony said his understanding of priesthood as sacrifice has deepened.
“I’ve come to realise more that the priesthood is about sacrifice, which is a special sacrifice… So that’s what it is for me. And it’s a sacrifice that I chose to do, it’s not by force.
“You give your life and then… you are there for the people. That’s the thing. It’s not about you, but about the people that you serve.
“Without God’s grace, we can’t achieve anything. And that’s what has helped me all this while.”
Fr Anthony marked his tenth anniversary on 4 December by celebrating Mass for his parishioners at St Peter’s Church in New Norfolk, and then enjoyed a morning tea with them.
