PRIESTS OF JESUS CHRIST

The Church in Philadelphia is rejoicing in theese days as we celebrate the
ordination of 6 New Priests. What a magnificent ceremony on Saturday as our
seminarians became Catholic Priests. Many witnessed this wonderful sacrament, including family, friends and brother priests. Also present at the Mass were many young men who may be considering the priesthood. For all who witnessed the ordination, truly it was a day of blessing. I share with you below an article written by a young man present for the ordination, Mr. Kyle Tompson. The article is a commentary on last year's ordination, but nevertheless, is a fitting tribute for such a beautiful weekend. ENJOY!

The Deacon’s New Clothes
A commentary on Ordination weekend
By Kyle Thompson

On Saturday May 17th I attended the Ordination of three priests for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Two things made this experience very special to me; this was my first time attending Ordination, and my friend Brian Kean was ordained a priest that day.

I didn’t know what to expect other than the normal Mass, of which I am very familiar. I had a hard time identifying when the sacrament occurred. So, who better to ask than our own Father Oswald? He informed me than the sacrament takes place when the Cardinal lays hands onto the ordinand. The most visible sign to us average folk was when the stole around Brian’s neck was changed from Deacon wear to Priestly wear.

My favorite moment of Ordination occurred when Monsignor Miller, Brian’s former pastor and close friend, and a priest that I have the utmost respect and admiration for, vested Brian in his priestly garb. Words could not describe how amazing this moment was to me, and how it was to them. It was as if I was watching a legacy being handed down, from Father to Son. This served as a revelation to me that the priesthood is not something distant and isolated, it’s a brotherhood. Father Kean spoke of that same legacy when he thanked Monsignor for giving him his ordination chalice from forty years ago.

I ran into Father Kean a week after ordination, I asked him “How does it feel to have reached the priesthood?” He told me this “It felt surreal; it’s been a long eight year journey. Arriving at the priesthood has been something I’ve prayed for to come for many years. It is a culmination of many prayers and dreams, which has been sustained by God’s grace, and the prayers of many people whom God has used as instruments to achieve His Will in my life.”

I have learned a couple things this weekend. I have known Father Kean for several years now. I was fascinated by his journey, and his joy. I’ve come to learn and appreciate that his joy is founded in doing God’s will. It has given me a new perspective and respect for the priesthood. I don’t know God’s will for me in my life yet, but I do know if my journey includes prayer, commitment, and the love and support of my family and friends I too can know the peace and joy of doing His Will in my life.