A Pilgrim's Journey: Thirty-five Years Ago

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Thirty-five Years Ago

Thirty-five years ago on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady, I was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood by Archbishop Patrick Flores in San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, Texas.

My heart overflows with thanksgiving for this blessing, and I am grateful for the privilege of serving as a priest for God's people.

At this same Mass the Parish of Our Lady of the Atonement was canonically erected, and the founding members were received into full Catholic communion.

Meeting Pope St. John Paul II

In 1983 I was a newly-ordained priest. In November of that year, it was my privilege to be in Rome to take part in developing The Book of Divine Worship. During that time an invitation was extended to celebrate Mass with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in his private chapel. After we had said Mass, and in those few moments I had with the Holy Father, he told me that he remembered considering the request for my ordination, and he described how he came to an affirmative decision. For me, our brief conversation was an experience which will be treasured forever. At the conclusion of our time together, I asked him if I could take his blessing back to the people of my parish. His very simple words remain precious to me: "With all my heart, I bless you and your people." He then embraced me, and I knew that I was forever "home in my Father's house."