Christ In Our Midst

Bishop Baker with Bishop Foley, Abbot Cletus & (now)
Fr. Patrick & Fr. Leonard at the OLAM Jubilee Mass

 So it begins! A new life, a new ministry, a new grace. Congratulations to our MFVA Friars - Fr. Patrick & Fr. Leonard who were ordained to the Priesthood today, and to Br. John Paul & Br. Paschal, now deacons! The Holy Father’s words on the priesthood are most apt on this great occasion:  “Ours is an indispensable mission, for the Church and for the world, which demands full fidelity to Christ and in unceasing union with him this to remain in his love means that we must constantly strive for holiness, this union, as did St. John Mary Vianney… To let oneself be totally won over by Christ! This was the purpose of the whole life of St. Paul… this was the goal of the entire ministry of the Holy Cure d’Ars,.. may it also be the principal objective for each one of us. In order to be ministers at the service of the Gospel, study and careful and continuing pastoral and theological formation is of course useful and necessary, but that “knowledge of love” which can only be learned in a “heart to heart” with Christ is even more necessary. Indeed, it is he who calls us to break the Bread of his love, to forgive sins and to guide the flock in his name. For this very reason we must never distance ourselves from the source of Love which is his Heart that was pierced on the Cross.”

             It’s the least we can do, beneficiaries of the mysteries of God given through priests, to ‘make a return’ of some prayers and offerings on their behalf to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest!