You Are a Priest Forever
One of my friends was ordained a priest today. The Cathedral was packed; my sister and I were fortunate to find seats. It took us a few minutes to find parking, but when we saw 3 priests walking from the same direction, I assumed I could find parking on that street. I thought we were going to be late, but I saw that the priests hadn't entered the Cathedral yet, so I knew I would be okay. We walked past all the priests waiting for Mass, which made me smile. They are the men who have been called to serve Christ and His Church in such a special way. How incredible.
Mass was (and always is) amazing. Today's Mass was very special for me, though. I met Mike when he was in his first year at Borromeo, and I've maintained a very close friendship with him ever since. I had tears of joy in my eyes most of the Mass, especially during the ordination prayers. The prayers are very powerful, and I'm sure they are overwhelming for the men they are aimed at. Bishop Lennon exhorted the men to live out the Gospel and to be faithful to Church teaching. It was amazing.
I was very thankful that I was in his (Mike's) communion line. The Eucharist is the same no matter who I receive it from, but it made his priesthood so much more of a reality for me. After Mass, my sister and I made my way up to the front of the Cathedral to see if we could say hi. I ran into another seminarian friend and chatted with him for a few minutes before the newly ordained priests came out. I got a picture with Mike and then a blessing. Wow. That's all I can say. Wow.
I cannot begin to express how joyful I am that he has followed in the footsteps of St. Peter. The Church needs holy men like him to commit their lives to Christ. Pray for him that he lives out his vocation to the best of his ability and continues to grow in holiness.
Mass was (and always is) amazing. Today's Mass was very special for me, though. I met Mike when he was in his first year at Borromeo, and I've maintained a very close friendship with him ever since. I had tears of joy in my eyes most of the Mass, especially during the ordination prayers. The prayers are very powerful, and I'm sure they are overwhelming for the men they are aimed at. Bishop Lennon exhorted the men to live out the Gospel and to be faithful to Church teaching. It was amazing.
I was very thankful that I was in his (Mike's) communion line. The Eucharist is the same no matter who I receive it from, but it made his priesthood so much more of a reality for me. After Mass, my sister and I made my way up to the front of the Cathedral to see if we could say hi. I ran into another seminarian friend and chatted with him for a few minutes before the newly ordained priests came out. I got a picture with Mike and then a blessing. Wow. That's all I can say. Wow.
I cannot begin to express how joyful I am that he has followed in the footsteps of St. Peter. The Church needs holy men like him to commit their lives to Christ. Pray for him that he lives out his vocation to the best of his ability and continues to grow in holiness.