The Carmelites of Australia & Timor-Leste joyfully announce that Br Matthew Tonini will be ordained Priest and Br Agedo Bento will be ordained Deacon on Saturday 17 April at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middle Park (Vic). Archbishop Peter Comensoli will ordain them during Mass at 6.00pm. Br Matthew will celebrate his Mass of Thanksgiving in the same Church the next day at 10.30am.

Matthew Tonini joined the Carmelites in 2012 after completing science studies at university and teaching in rural New South Wales where he was also actively involved in the local faith community. After doing his novitiate in the USA Matthew returned to Australia to complete his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Theology and is currently a member of the Carmelite Community at Coorparoo (QLD) gaining pastoral experience and completing his preparation for Ordination. Matthew made his Solemn Profession as a Carmelite on 16 July last year and was ordained Deacon on 26 September at Coorparoo by Archbishop Mark Coleridge. Matthew says he is ‘passionate about living and sharing the riches of Carmelite spirituality’. After his Ordination Matthew will return to Coorparoo as Assistant Priest in the parish.

Agedo Bento comes from the village of Uma-Tolu, Laekita, in Viqueque district, Timor-Leste. He joined the Carmelites in 2007 after completing his secondary education and working to support himself. After his novitiate in Timor-Leste and studying at the seminary in Dili, Agedo came to Australia in 2013 to complete his studies at the University of Divinity. He made his Solemn Profession as a Carmelite in 2016 and graduated from the University of Divinity with a Bachelor of Theology and a Bachelor of Ministry. Since 2019 he has been pursuing a Master of Teaching degree at Australian Catholic University. ‘I feel very enthusiastic on my journey in Carmel. I thank all those people to have helped and continue to help and support me on my journey,’ Agedo said.

The livestream link for the Ordination will be available soon.