We welcome a new priest
On the first Saturday of June, I shall have the honor of ordaining
Deacon Patrick Farley as a priest for the service of the Diocese
of Phoenix. This will be a day of great joy for our local Church
and of course a rich blessing for Patrick himself. For more than
six years he has studied, prayed, discerned and looked forward
to this day. His family, his parish and his friends have accompanied
and assisted him with their love and prayers. Now, having received
the unanimous recommendation of the seminary personnel in charge
of his formation, Patrick is ready to be ordained to the ministerial
priesthood for the service of Christ and His Church.
What does it mean to be a priest in 2005?
In its most essential identity, priesthood today means the same
as it meant to St. Augustine in the fourth century, to St. Thomas
Aquinas in the 13th century, and to St. Maximilian Kolbe in the
20th century. A priest of the New Testament is a sacramental representation
of Jesus Christ, the Head and Shepherd of the Church. He teaches
and preaches in Christ's Name. He administers the Sacraments,
especially Penance and the Eucharist. He shows loving concern
for the portion of Christ's flock entrusted to his pastoral care.
As a co-worker with the bishop, the priest continues Christ's
mission as priest, prophet and king.
On the other hand, the pastoral setting for serving as priest
today in Arizona and its many challenges and opportunities differ
considerably from centuries past. So, to serve well, a priest
must listen carefully each day to the voice of God and be attentive
to the concrete needs of those he serves, and those with whom
he serves.
A gift for others
A priest is not his own. Together with all the baptized, he has
been purchased by the Blood of Christ and united to Him through
the Holy Spirit. Like the rest of us who are ordained, Patrick's
ministry will belong entirely to the Mystical Body of Christ,
the Church, for it aims at advancing and supporting the common
priesthood of all the Lord's followers. Because he has been configured
more closely to Christ through ordination, a priest represents
Christ, the Head, Shepherd and Spouse of the Church.
The soon-to-be Fr. Farley will not exercise his priestly ministry
alone, but in communion with me, his bishop, and as a brother
alongside all the priests of our diocese. He will also find fraternal
support in our deacons and the whole community of the faithful.
This communitarian nature of the priesthood offers a healthy antidote
to the individualistic tendencies of popular culture. It also
offers needed support as a priest lives out his sacred duties
in bonds of fraternity and friendship.
Please join me in welcoming Patrick as he is ordained a priest
and begins his pastoral service among us. Keep him in prayer as
he makes the inevitable adjustment from seminary to parish life,
and begins to be in our midst a sign and instrument of Christ,
who came not to be served but to serve.
