Photo Gallery of the Ordinations
In his homily, Bishop Echevarria said that “divine mercy places a great treasure in the hands of priests. They hold in their hands the bread and the chalice with wine that are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ.”
“With their hands,” said the Prelate of Opus Dei, “priests bestow divine pardon in the sacrament of Reconciliation and anoint the sick with the holy oils. With their hands they bless the apostolic initiatives of their brothers and sisters in the Church, they offer fraternal assistance to those in need, and they express their desire to serve all men and women, without exception.”
Bishop Echevarria continued: “My sons who are about to become priests: I ask you to always remain very close to our Lord through prayer and sacrifice. Strive to fulfill your ministerial duties lovingly each day. Stay close to Christ not only during the celebration of the Eucharist, but throughout the entire day. Have a deep devotion to Mary our Mother, and to St. Joseph. Imitate the example of St. Josemaria, our beloved Father, and thus you will always remain safe in Jesus’ hands.
The Prelate urged the family members and friends of the new priests, and everyone present, “to ask God to make these priests, and all the priests in the world, truly holy. Let us accompany them closely with our prayer and sacrifice.”
At the end of the ceremony, Bishop Echevarria asked everyone present to be united in filial prayer for the Pope, for the Cardinal Vicar of Rome and for all the world’s bishops, and transmitted the blessing of Benedict XVI for the 32 newly ordained priests.
