Here is part of Pope Benedict XVI's midday address:
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, in which the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is observed, I have had the joy of ordaining in St. Peter's Basilica 15 new priests of the Diocese of Rome.
Together with them, I think of all those that, in all parts of the world receive priestly ordination at the same time. In thanking the Lord for the gift of these new priests at the service of the Church, we put them in Mary's hands, while invoking her intercession so that the number will grow of those who accept Christ's invitation to follow him on the path of the priesthood and consecrated life.
This year, the theme of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is "Vocation in the Mystery of the Church." In the message I have addressed to the entire ecclesial community for this occasion, I recalled the experience of Jesus' first disciples that, after meeting him on the lake and in the villages of Galilee, were captivated by his attractiveness and love.
The Christian vocation always implies renewing this personal friendship with Jesus Christ, which gives meaning to one's life and makes it available for the Kingdom of God.
The Church lives from this friendship, nourished by the word and the sacraments, holy realities entrusted in a particular way to the ministry of bishops, priests and deacons, consecrated by the sacrament of holy orders. For this reason, as I underlined in the same message, the mission of the priest is irreplaceable and, although in some regions there is a lack of clergy, there is no doubt that God continues to call adolescents, youths and adults to leave all to dedicate themselves to the preaching of the Gospel and the pastoral ministry.
© Copyright 2006 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana [adapted]
3 comment(s):
Thanks for the great post and pics.
I've seen 3 men ordained at my parish in the last couple of years, and each time, I bawled my eyes out as they lay prostrate, covered with a funeral shroud, as we chanted the Litany.
It is moving beyond belief, and everyone who has the opportunity should try to see it at least once.
What a beautiful ceremony.
Great photos Moneybags. You'll be there someday!
Thank you for the comments. I have never personally seen an ordination, but like St. Peter's helper said, I hope to be there one day.
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