The Word Became Flesh

 

 

New Priests for Philadelphia

Saturday, May 15 was a day of great joy for the entire Archdiocese and for me personally. On that day, I had the privilege of ordaining four new priests for our Archdiocese. One of the greatest joys in the ministry of the bishop is his ability to confer on others the gift of the ministerial priesthood through the sacrament of Holy Orders. I particularly rejoice at this wonderful occasion since this was my first opportunity to ordain new priests since I became your Archbishop.
The Ordination liturgy was especially joyful for the families and friends of our new priests. We must remember that, in many circumstances, vocations to the priesthood are encouraged and nurtured within the family. As I thank the parents, siblings and friends of our newly ordained priests for their support of their sons, brothers and friends, I ask every family to encourage their sons to consider the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood.
These young priests have now received their first assignments to parishes where they will become immersed in the various aspects of pastoral ministry. These priests will baptize, witness marriages, and reconcile sinners with God through the Sacrament of Penance. They will comfort the sick and the dying through the Anointing of the Sick.
These new priests will have the singular privilege and joy of celebrating the Eucharist daily. They will teach the young in our schools and religious education classes. They will counsel the troubled and give spiritual guidance to those who seek a deeper relationship with God. For all people, these priests will represent Christ, our great High Priest, to whom they are uniquely configured.

The harvest is abundant …
Saint Matthew records for us the words of Jesus when He saw a vast crowd and took pity on them: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest” (Mt 9: 37-38). These words of Jesus echo through the ages as a constant reminder of our great need for priests.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is home to almost 1.5 million Catholics. This is a vast number which, we pray, will continue to increase. Currently, this number of Catholics is served by 522 active diocesan priests as well as a number of Religious priests who are entrusted with the pastoral care of several parishes and high schools. I must also note that since October, when I arrived as your Archbishop, 13 diocesan priests have died. Of these 13, some were retired due to advanced age and infirmity. Some, however, were relatively young and still in active ministry.
Realizing that there are fewer priests to serve the faithful of this great Archdiocese, we give thanks to God for providing us with four new priests who are ready to serve God and His People.

I will give you shepherds
In the Old Testament, when the people of Israel were suffering, oppressed or straying, God took pity on them and raised up prophets who would remind the people of God’s covenant and of His love. Jeremiah was such a prophet.
As he was sent to bring the people back to true worship, he also offered them hope as he proclaimed God’s word to them: “I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently” (Jer 3:15). These words are fulfilled in Jesus the Good Shepherd. In order to perpetuate His saving work, Jesus continues to call certain men to the ministerial priesthood so that they will be shepherds after His own Sacred Heart to provide for the needs of the People of God, the Church.
As we observe the growing needs of the Church as the numbers of the faithful increase, I encourage everyone to pray for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood. Jesus certainly will not leave His Church without priests. We can be sure that He calls many, but not all are listening and some are unwilling to respond. Pray that our young people will hear the call of Jesus. Encourage them to listen. Support them in their discernment.
Mindful of our dedicated priests who have nobly and courageously shouldered their labors, I thank God for their faithful witness. I also ask everyone to express gratitude for their priests by praying for them. Pray for their joyful perseverance. Pray for their health and well-being. Pray that they will have priestly hearts fashioned after the Heart of Jesus.

Our Holy Father
As we reflect on the priesthood, I take this opportunity to remind you that, on May 18, our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II celebrated his 84th birthday. During his pontificate, the third-longest pontificate in the history of the Church, Pope John Paul II has done much to encourage his brother bishops and priests, to bring closer together every member of the universal Church, and to enkindle within our youth a desire for Christ.
In celebration of our Holy Father’s birthday, I ask everyone to pray for the Pope’s intentions, as well as to pray for our youth, so dear to the Pope’s heart, that many will respond joyfully and generously to Christ’s invitation to follow Him.