The Province of the Assumption gives thanks for the ordination to the diaconate of our brother, Charles Tani Thuqea, on Saturday, December 10 by Bishop Bernard O’Grady OP, at the 10am Mass. Br. Tani will be undertaking a pastoral term in Adelaide in early 2013 before returning to Melbourne to complete his studies. Bishop Bernard reminded Br. Tani of the importance of patience in the life of service in the Church. He also emphasized that the entire life of the Church is one of mutual service and of mutual edification, and how this should form his approach to ministry.

Br. Tani comes from Choiseul in the Solomon Islands, where Dominicans from our province first arrived in 1956. His long association with the order began with his baptism, which the Bishop fondly recalled administering, and continued over the course of his sacramental life and schooling. Please keep Br. Tani in your prayers as he continues his formation towards the priesthood.

Watch Br Tani in the video below talk about his journey towards his ordination to the diaconate. Br Tani Thuqea OP talks about his journey with the dominicans, the ups the downs, the challenges he has faced, and what he he sees in his future ministry. In this video he describes his preparation and discernment and how regular personal prayer and communal prayer has helped strengthen him, he talks about what he misses about his previous life and how the Dominican brothers helped him feel welcome and supported him through his journey.

Hear Br Tani talk about his ordination, what were the best moments for him, which were the most nerve racking. Br Tani Thuqea OP talks about his ordination day, what was the most touching part of the rite for him, the new perspectives he has gained but also what he misses and what he has left behind to follow Christ in service to His Church.  He also talks about his family, and his hopes to administer the sacraments to those whom he loves. Br Tani finishes by saying his passion is  to "reach out and teach them the gospel in a way that is relevant to their lives"

The now Rev Br Tani Thuqea assisted at mass for the first time as a deacon the next day at the 11am mass. You can see a summary of the mass here.

Rev Br Tani talks about his first mass as deacon as well as reflecting on the events of the past week, the preparation for the ordination and his ordination. Fr Dom also shares a few of his thoughts on how Rev Br Tani handled his first mass, and offers some advice and insight into his own experiences. Br Tani about a few challenging moments, and how his ordination has changed his view and strengthened his faith.