What powers were given to the new priests?

Answer 1

As James has explained, priests and deacons receive their authority from God by the sacrament of Holy Orders. This process is known as ordination. This sacrament may only be administered by a bishop.

The Catholic Church (in the same way as other episcopal churches) is divided into administrative areas called dioceses, each being the seat of a bishop. Some large dioceses, known as archdioceses, have a number of bishops with an archbishop in overall charge. The bishop is responsible for everything that happens on behalf of the Church in his diocese. (Although that's the normal arrangement, there are exceptions.)

When a priest is ordained, he is given a licence by the bishop to celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments within the diocese. If he wishes to celebrate Mass in a different diocese, he needs the permission of the local bishop. In particular circumstances, the licence may be withdrawn. The bishop therefore effectively has power to decide which priests may or may not celebrate Mass within his diocese. The bishop also has power to decide whether or not a deacon may carry out his duties within his diocese.

If a priest were to attempt to say Mass or administer the sacraments without licence from the bishop, it would be a grave sin and liturgists are generally agreed that they would not be valid in those circumstances.

Answer 2

The Bishop doesn't give them anything, he ordains them and Our Blessed Lord gives them the power to be His priest or His deacon. In the case of a priest, he receives from God the powers to administer all the sacraments, to forgive sins, to confect the Eucharist, to witness marriages, and to preach His word. The deacon receives the power to preach and to serve.