By Jackson Saunders
Fifth-year Sandhurst seminarian DJ Suguitan has been admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders in the Sandhurst Diocese.
The ceremony led by Bishop of Sandhurst, Leslie Tomlinson, took place during the Saturday night Mass at St Brendan’s Catholic Church, Shepparton, on Saturday, October 13.
St Brendan’s Shepparton was chosen to host the ceremony as DJ completed his parish pastoral placement there last year.
DJ said that he was happy to be able to celebrate his admission to Candidacy in Shepparton, which means he is now a step closer to Diaconate and Priesthood.
“When asked about what it means, I always answer that it’s our version of an engagement,” DJ said.
“We step forward to publicly express our intention to receive Holy Orders, having recognised with a certain degree of certainty, through our prayer and formation, that we are called in this vocation.”
DJ said that he was grateful for the support he had received in his studies.
“Thank you for all who has been part of my journey thus far. Pray for me as I take more intense preparations for ordination,” he said.
“May God who has begun the good work in me bring it to fulfilment.”
DJ’s admission to Candidacy was supported by family, friends, parishioners and seminarians of Corpus Christi College.
St Brendan’s Parish Priest, Fr Joe Taylor, assistant-priest Fr John Paul Pasala and priest-in-residence Fr Sebastian Mandapathil were also present at the occasion.
Fifth-year Melbourne seminarian Simeon Anthony led the music ministry at the Mass with a choir from Corpus Christi College seminary in Carlton.
After Mass a supper was held in the Monsignor Peter Jeffrey Centre to celebrate DJ’s admission to Candidacy.
