Saturday, 28 August, was a significant day for Martin Tanti, SDB, and the Australia-Pacific Province. After a long journey, in the Salesian Parish of St Margaret Mary's, North Brunswick, Martin was ordained to the Priesthood by his former Rector during his years of formation, Bishop Tim Costelloe, SDB. The Church was packed with Salesians, former Salesians, Salesian Sisters and former Salesian Sisters, friends and relatives from all over Australia. The presence of such a large crowd was palpable evidence of the regard and affection so many people have for Martin. 

Martin's family has Maltese background, but they grew up in Alexandria, Egypt. It was there that the Tanti family first knew the Salesians. Martin did his secondary schooling at Salesian College "Rupertswood," Sunbury, Victoria, the Mother House of the Salesian presence in this part of the world.