"You are a priest forever..."
On Saturday one of "our" seminarians, Patrick Seo, was ordained to the priesthood. When Patrick visited for the first time as a second year theology student he asked Sr. Mary Martin (who happens to be his prayer partner) for permission to have his First Mass in our chapel. Sister said yes and on Sunday we were blessed to not only attend but host Fr. Patrick's First Mass. Quite a few of "our" seminarians, now priests or deacons, also took part in the Mass.
Fr. Patrick did a marvelous job and gave the best "new priest" homily we've ever heard...and that's not just because he talked up the nuns! We feel privileged and blessed to know this young priest and more than a few sisters could be seen wiping a tear or two away during the Mass.
Right before the final blessing Fr. Patrick explained the tradition of giving the maniturgium to the new priests' mother. (You can read about that here!) Father then presented his mother with the maniturgium. Fr. Patrick's father would have been presented with the confessional stole with which Fr. Patrick heard his first confession....except he hadn't yet!
After Mass Father gave us his first blessing, a special treat for the visiting sisters who are here from other monasteries for the last year of the study program (for this cycle)!
Please pray for Fr. Patrick Seo and all of the young men being ordained to the priesthood!
