THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF MY ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD

Posted on November 11, 2024 by franksantucci

Thirty-eighth anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. I celebrated the feast, as is customary, in the inner chapel of the monastery of our holy Capuchin Sisters where I always receive the most touching testimony of the daughterly affection of these holy ladies. I spent the rest of the day in the Major Seminary with the retreatants who are preparing for ordination tomorrow. After the evening prayer, before taking leave of them, I spoke to them of my thoughts which were doubtless in keeping with the inspirations they have received from the Holy Spirit in these holy days.

Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, 21 December 1849, EO XXII.

REFLECTION

“From the Eucharist comes strength to live the Christian life and zeal to share that life with others.” (Saint John Paul II)

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1 Response to THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF MY ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate says:
    November 11, 2024 at 13:30

    I think of the many church ways of life that appear to be more acceptable and worthy among their laws and sacraments. One example of this is an Oblate Brother who was asked why he did not “go all the way” with his vocation.

    I guess what I am trying to say is that the Holy Spirit inspires all of God’s people, no matter our faith practices or our state of life. And while the Church recognizes only a few ways of life with sacraments God claims all of us, not just some.

    I remember with clarity the day I heard Jesus say my name, and how not only did he tell me how loved I was/am, but also how he claimed me as his own. The very next day, I sat and wrote a letter to my parents and described my personal conversation with God, and my personal response to him, saying that in order to share my love with everybody I would need to give it to God first and then through God to the world.

    We are all called to “dare” and announce how God will have us love. We must remember to celebrate and give thanks for the life give to us. No one way or one person is better than another. Eugene’s life was one of “daring” just as is ours.

    This morning I join those who have dared to accept an invitation to live in the particular way that was/is nothing less than a sacrament of love.

    Reply

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