Hundreds of people from across the globe converged on St Patrick’s Church, Wellington on Sunday to celebrate Father Carl Mackander’s 40th ordination anniversary.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was an overwhelming moment for the Priest as he stood at the altar looking out at over 400 people who turned out for his special occasion.
Representatives from Parishes in Bathurst, Cowra, Orange, Canowindra, Eugowra, Dunedoo, Coolah, Dubbo, Mudgee and Wellington were among those to attend Sunday morning’s Mass.
They were joined by relatives and friends, Priests, trainee Priests from Sydney, a 10-person Fijian choir and Deacon Mike Williams of Wellington, not leaving an empty seat in the house.
“We were anticipating 380 but there were 400 people seated below and maybe 40 upstairs in the choir gallery,” Fr Carl said.
“I felt a little overwhelmed in the sense that all these people are here, and one of the priests afterward said he’d never heard people say before that they could feel the love in the church.
“They were all there for the same purpose.”
The Mass was followed by a lunch at the Infant de Prague Hall.
Fr Carl reflected on his last 40 years as a Priest which began in Mudgee on November 19, 1977, recalling opportunities he had been exposed to through his services.
“From growing up on a farm in the Mudgee district and going to New Zealand for six years to study, being ordained a priest in Mudgee 40 years ago – a whole lot of opportunities have been a part of my life through dealing with people in joy and in sadness, with weddings and funerals and tragedies, as well as people sharing their life with me which has enriched who I am as a person,” he said.
“I’ve also had the opportunity for overseas study in Israel, the United Kingdom, Hungary, as well as travelling overseas and staying with friends or relatives of people who i have met in Australia as a priest.”
He acknowledged the Sisters of Mercy in Mudgee who played a part in directing him to give his service to others.
“It’s hard to explain the call that God gives to Priests, Sisters or Brothers in the Catholic Church, but it’s something you feel within yourself that this is what God wants me to do with my life,” Fr Carl said.
“I’m not a lone ranger, there’s a lot of interconnection with others in the Minstry and services in local Parish communities.
“I thank people for the support and acknowledgement over the 40 years, and also stress that I am no more important or special than they are in the eyes of God.
“All of us are loved equally by God and all of us can live the lives God has gifted us with.”