Priesthood Ordinations and First Masses
Over the past weekend, I was privelaged to be able to attend the Priesthood Ordination Mass for Father Gerald Blessing of the St. Louis Archdiocese and Father Joseph Havrilka's first Mass (in the diocese of Belleville, Illinois). Both Masses were very inspring and uplifting occasions for my own vocational discernment.
As I witnessed Archbishop Burke place his hands on the head of Father Blessing (what a great name!), anoint his hands, and announce that he is a priest, I felt the Holy Spirit's presence in the Cathedral Basilica. And as I witnessed Father Havrilka's first Mass the next day (I was also the photographer!), I felt a deep reverence for the great gift of the priesthood given to His Church to sustain its members through the Sacraments, and most especially the Holy Eucharist! I cannot wait to start my next year in the Seminary, and I pray that I and my brother seminarians continue to persevere in our studies and the deepening of our faith.
Please pray for vocations, especially during the next week, when Kenrick-Glennon Seminary will be holding its annual summer camp (Kenrick-Glennon Days) for kids in gradeschool and high school!
