Rev Mark Ha ordained as new priest at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra

St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra was packed to overflowing last night for the ordination of the Archdiocese’s newest priest, Rev Mark Ha. 

It was the culmination of eight years of seminary study for the Vietnamese-born seminarian, who had first come to Canberra over a decade ago to learn accounting but discerned a vocation to the priesthood instead. 

The night was doubly significant, coming on the eve of this weekend’s landmark Archdiocesan Assembly and reflecting the strength of the local church’s multicultural Catholic identity. 

The Vietnamese community played a prominent role in the ordination, with parts of the liturgy and hymns conducted in Vietnamese.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse was the principal celebrant for the ordination, concelebrated by the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Balvo and over sixty clergy from our Archdiocese and beyond. Fr Ha’s Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Sydney classmates also participated in the celebration.

During his homily, Archbishop Prowse welcomed Fr Ha’s parents, Maria and Peter, who had travelled from Vietnam for the ordination, and his grandmother, who participated via live stream broadcast.

The Archbishop outlined the qualities expected of priestly ministry, underlining the importance of humility, “living the Christian life in obedience to the Gospel,” and being “present” and ready to serve. 

“You are baptised and made a priest to serve the entire baptised..don’t get that around the other way; otherwise, we’re in big trouble,” he said.

On evangelisation and spreading the word of the Gospel, the Archbishop highlighted the importance of being a good shepherd and, as Jesus said, “a good fisher of people.” 

“So dear Mark, let’s go fishing together,” he said.

He lauded the growing missionary activity of Vietnamese priests, brothers and nuns worldwide. “Bring that type of fishing into Australia,” the Archbishop said. 

In his words of thanks to conclude the ordination, Fr Ha said he was deeply humbled by the responsibility that came with this “sacred calling” to the priesthood. 

As he began his ministry, he admitted mistakes might be made, “but please be patient with me and please help me become a good priest.”

He thanked the many who had loved and supported him on his journey to the priesthood, including his parents, friends, and fellow seminarians.  

He was grateful to Archbishop Prowse for the trust and care shown in him. “I hope you [Archbishop] have made a great decision,” he added, raising a laugh from the congregation. 

Speaking to the Catholic Voice, Fr Ha said he had ridden the emotions of the day, approaching his ordination with feelings of humility and being a little overwhelmed at times. 

But, he said, the most important thing he had learned from his eight years at the seminary was perseverance and trust in God.  

“I feel so calm [now]. I know this is the best choice of my life”.

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• Fr Mark Ha celebrated his first Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral on Friday, 18 October. Live stream link HERE
• On 3 January 2025, he will become the assistant priest at the Corpus Christi parish in South Tuggeranong, Canberra.