benedetto. felice. amato.: Ordination in St. Peter's Basilica

Today I got to witness 37 men become deacons. I know I keep saying this about everything I do on this trip, but it was seriously the coolest thing ever. Annie and I took an early morning train to Rome and made our way straight to St. Peters Basilica for the ordination. Walking into that loving embrace that is the Catholic Church is such a beautiful experience each time. I knew that Simon Carian, one of the seminarians for our archdiocese, was going to be ordained a deacon and even though I didn't know him I thought it would be a great experience, and it was! The ordination was at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter (coolest thing ever!!!) and today is the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron of our Archdiocese of Santa Fe! It was incredible to see all these young men ready to make vows to the Catholic Church and commit to a life of service. Archbishop John Myers of Newark was the main celebrant and the ordaining prelate. After opening remarks from the Rector, the readings, and the Gospel, the Rite of Ordination began. The Archbishop called each candidate by name and then he delivered his homily. In his homily he said , "It is a wonderful thing to know one's vocation - Especially when it is not self-created, but of God!" It was great. Then the elect made their promises, the last one being obedience. After that was the actual laying on of hands and ordination. It was incredible. This was followed by the vesting of the new deacons and then each of them receiving the Book of Gospels from the Archbishop. To each deacon Archbishop Myers said "Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach". The Mass was really beautiful and it was such a blessing to attend an ordination. Afterwards we went over to the NAC for a reception. We ran into some others from New Mexico who made the trip out for the ordination and got to spend some time with Chris and Michael which was great and another huge blessing! Tomorrow we will head to Assisi, Perugia, and Norcia for the weekend! I can't wait! Happy feast of St. Francis! St. Francis of Assisi - Pray for us!