September 25, 2024

By Sister Mary Eamon Lyng, SSJ
Diocesan Vocations coordinator

“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizekek.” – Hebrews 7:17.

These words are used in the ordination ceremony of men to priesthood. Jesus Christ is the perfect priest who offered sacrifice upon the Cross.

Every priest who is ordained becomes the “persona Christi,” the mediator between God and His people as he offers sacrifice upon the altar.

We remember Bishop Terry R. LaValley and all the priests of our diocese on this special day celebrating Priesthood Sunday, September 29. They are men filled with faith, joy, hope and love as they steadfastly and perseveringly serve God and the people of God, guiding them to bring the face of Jesus Christ.

Our priests nurture the faith of their people in countless ways, celebrating the Eucharist, bringing the sacramental life to those who are sick, homebound, dying and to prisoners. They are the face of Christ who radiate His presence in every situation –easy or difficult – in order to save souls.

Our priests ask the difficult, challenging question, “Who is Jesus for you?” “What place does He occupy in your life?” “How do you encounter Christ in your home, workplace, parish?”

As each priest offers sacrifice upon the altar, he prays that all our lives be transformed into Christ in the celebration of the Eucharist, the Bread of Life who alone has the words of eternal life.

Let us honor our priests by thanking them individually with an offering of prayer, a “Thank You,” a gift of support and kindness. Let us pray for more faithful priests, for our seminarians who continue to discern their vocation to priesthood, and to the many priests who have gone before us that have served in the Diocese of Ogdensburg.