FOR the first time in 30 years, the northern diocese of Darwin in Australia has ordained a Filipino as a priest.
Fr. Andric Dean Taberdo, 28, was ordained during a mass presided over by Bishop Charles Gauci at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Cathedral last May 24, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines announced last Tuesday night.
The mass was concelebrated by the diocese’s bishop emeritus, Eugene Hurley, and several priests from across the nation.
Taberdo also concelebrated the mass for the first time as a new priest after his ordination.
Gauci described Taberdo as a “local boy,” saying after the Filipino priest’s family migrated to Palmerston, he answered God’s call to serve his people.
“A priest is called by God to serve other people and help them in their role and mission in life. Let’s all keep in him our prayers so he can be a faithful follower of Jesus,” said Gauci.
Taberdo received his diaconal ordination at the same cathedral in October last year after years of theological studies at the Melbourne Seminary.
Prior to his ordination, Taberdo was a member of the cathedral parish team and helped administer the St. Mary’s School and St. John’s College, among others.
Taberdo, who traces his roots to Agoo, La Union, thanked God, his family, and the bishops and priests who supported him throughout his religious journey.
Vice Consul Angela Laurente of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra was among those who welcomed Taberdo in his “historic” ordination.
More than 7,000 Filipinos live in Australia’s Northern Territory.
