ROCKFORD—Three men were ordained to the diocesan priesthood in front of a packed-full Cathedral of St. Peter on Saturday, June 6.
The diocese now faces a three year “drought” before its next priesthood ordination in 2030. But on a new, positive note, the diocesan vocations office has received over 780 responses from parishioners across the Diocese of Rockford recognizing faithful young men whom they believe would be good and worthy candidates for priesthood discernment. That information is being followed up with letters of invitation to those men to attend events that explain the priesthood and the discernment process.
And, of course, the three new priests are to be celebrated: Father Patrick Glanville, Father Bailey Peterson and Father Michael Wojnarowski. They will begin service in their assigned parishes on June 22.
Bishop David Malloy directed most of his homily to the men before him.
“Patrick, Bailey, Mike, this day and this ceremony are filled with moments that are intended to teach you and all of us,” he said. “There are also moments that will follow shortly that should be embedded within your priestly hearts, to be drawn out in future years of reflection, in moments of joy or loneliness, perhaps on the anniversaries of your ordination or when you join your brothers in future years, sitting in those pews, concelebrating the ordination Mass of those who will come after you.”
The bishop noted the history of the moment and the essential tie from the first apostles to the present.
“What does not change through the centuries, and what unites you to the calling of the apostles recorded in the Gospels, is the personal call from the Master, from Jesus … As priests, we bear the knowledge of having received God’s personal touch, that in the midst of the priestly people formed by baptism (He) has set us aside to be joined to Him in a special way.”
Acknowledging that none are worthy of such a call, Bishop Malloy said, “Our confidence as priests comes from something more, again from Christ Himself. We have the joy and the consolation that He has called us. In that calling He supplies the worthiness before Himself that will strengthen you.”
He quoted “words to remember constantly” from a later part of the ordination rite: “Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”
They are, he said, to apply that understanding to the Eucharist and to their preaching, their commitment, their “life of simplicity in a materialist world,” and to be generous and loving in their ministry.
In the sacraments, the bishop said, priests are to remember, appreciate and imitate the gifts given them and embrace the mystery of Jesus. And, he instructed, by their lives the priests should show “that the cross of Jesus … (it) is not a sign or time of defeat. It is the sign of the greatest love, that God would come among us to offer Himself in our human nature. … Brothers, besides witnessing to our own consciences, … (a priest) witnessing by a life of patience and sacrifice, a priest who knows that he is always on duty, always a priest, that is how you conform your life the mystery of the Lord’s cross.”
Bishop Malloy quoted Pope Leo XIV as he pointed the candidates toward the future, saying, “In the communities where you will be sent, the risen One is already present, and many have already followed Him commendably. You will recognize His wounds and distinguish His voice. You will encounter people who will direct you towards Him. These communities will also help you to become saints! For your part, help them to walk together, following Jesus, the Good Shepherd, so that they may become places — gardens — of life that rise anew and share themselves with others.”
The bishop concluded his thoughts by telling the men that “the great task lies before you … (as you) cross the threshold into the priesthood of Jesus Christ.
“May God bless your every day, your every effort. And may God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.”
A luncheon followed the Mass where many lined up to receive one of the first priestly blessings of the three new priests. The new priests celebrated their first Masses at their home parishes the following day.
