Let us all be Nazarenes!

The post below and the photo to the right show the Arabic letter "nun", the first letter of the world Nazarene which has been sprayed on the doors and buildings of homes and businesses of Christians in Mosul. This is reminiscent of the Nazi treatment of Jews in the years leading up to the war when the yellow Star of David was smeared on their businesses and the Jewish people were ordered to wear one. I have chosen, as have thousands of others, to change my Facebook picture to that in the post below as an act of solidarity with our Chaldean Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq and our Syriac brethren in Syria. 

We are witnessing a genocide and the world stands by.

An interesting report follows below of sincere Muslims holding signs; "I am Iraqi; I am Christian" as an act of solidarity, the report even identified the same "nun" on many facebook pages and below as a popular social-media act of solidarity.

You and I can do little directly but we can pray, we must pray; and we can also show our solidarity by this symbol and to show our politicians and these evil perpetrators that we stand with our sisters and brothers but also that we will not be moved.

Are there good Muslims? 

Of course there are, and there are bad Christians.

But, where there are good Muslims, it can only be because of natural law and a sense of justice and truth that is somewhere written upon their hearts in spite of; and not because of their religion. 

Islam's view of God is false, it cannot be otherwise. 

It's founder was a murderer, a child-molester, a thief and warlord. No "prophet" from God would do what he did, nor have put in a book the lies which exist in it (Mahomet himself was illiterate). There was no appearance by the Angel Gabriel and even the so-called prophet, disposed of the Satanic Verses from his own book because he believed that Satan had appeared to him disguised as an angel. Perhaps, he was always disguised as one, eh? 

Truly, we cannot both be right. If Islam is true, then Christianity is a lie. That is how opposed the two are.

Islam denies the revealed truth of the Holy Trinity, the Triune Godhead of FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT: 

"O People of the Scripture! Do not speak lies against Allah, but speak the Truth. That Jesus Christ, son of Mary, was a messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not ‘Trinity.’ Desist! It is better for you. For Allah is one God." An-Nisa 4:17

Islam denies the Divinity of Jesus Christ, His Kingship and His Sonship and His equal part of the Godhead.

The Apostle Paul tell us clearly:

"I wonder that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another gospel. Which is not another, only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to you besides that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema. As we have said before, so now I say again: if any one preach to you a gospel, besides that which you have received, let him be anathema." Galations 1:6-9.

The Second Vatican Council document on the Relations of the Church with Non-Christian Religions (Nostra aetate) has this to say about Muslims:

Church regards with esteem also the Moslems who adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself, merciful and all-powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, and has spoken to men take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God point of reference. Jesus whom, indeed, they do not acknowledge Him as God, they revere Him as a prophet, honour Mary, His virgin Mother; sometimes they even call on her with devotion. In addition, look for the day of judgment when God will reward all men raised. From that time, they value the moral life and God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting worship them. 


But if in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Moslems, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and for all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom. P3 Nostra aetate.

Who am I to contradict this document?  Well, we cannot place a non-doctrinal document which was loaded with politics above revealed truth as in Holy Scripture. Reading St. Paul and then reading Nostra aetate, who are we to believe? Clearly, there was a desire to have the Council reject any antisemitism of the past directed towards are "elders brothers in the faith;" but in order to achieve this, there was a negotiation with the Catholic bishops, Latin and Eastern Rite of the Arab countries -- something needed to be said for them living in the midst of the Islamic world. Something else about Nostra aetate? It was the ranked as a "Declaration" not a "Constitution" and does not carry the same weight.  

Not only is Nostra aetate not doctrinal, it is political and it cannot be placed over Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition.

There are some that believe that Islam's god is the ancient moon-god of the pagan Arabs, clearly, Mahomet knew this "god" from his own pagan background and he mixed this paganism with what he knew of Judaism from trading with the Jews and what he learnt from Bahira, a heretical Christians monk fused with Arianism and Nestorianism. Bahira was the one that put the poison fruit of false Christianity in the mind of the young "prophet." There can be no doubt as Catholics; we must not call Mahomet anything other than what he is -- an antichrist!

Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that Antichrist cometh, even now there are become many Antichrists: whereby we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would no doubt have remained with us; but that they may be manifest, that they are not all of us. But you have the unction from the Holy One, and know all things. I have not written to you as to them that know not the truth, but as to them that know it: and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar, but he who denieth that Jesus is the Christ? This is Antichrist, who denieth the Father, and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father. He that confesseth the Son, hath the Father also. As for you, let that which you have heard from the beginning, abide in you. If that abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning, you also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. 

1 John 2:18-24

Islam will explain this simply, -- the apostles were liars and there is a mask on the real Jesus.

What we are seeing in all of this violence and bloodshed is in fact, the true Islam.  Islam was founded by the sword and spread by the sword. Mahomet was an antichrist, his book is the same and those who would preach to you that they are not ignorant of history. 

Throughout history, Islam has been the purveyor of death and murder. We are seeing the early centuries of it replayed before our very eyes.

Our governments are impotent because they have no understanding of the Social Kingship of Christ. They cannot deal with this because they cannot understand its roots. 

Our people are suffering and dying. 

Will we at least be strong enough to stand up for them?

God grant us courage and peace.

17th century pulpit, sculpted in wood by Mattheus van Beveren from the Church of Our Lady in Dendermonde, Flanders showing Mahomet and the Koran crushed by two angels. 

I am a Nazarene

As a Christian.

In solidarity with our suffering Christian sisters and brothers of Chaldea, Persia and Antioch.

In condemnation of the demon inspired system called Islam and its murderous, lecherous, deceitful Christ-hating founder Mahomet.

I am a Nazarene!

Francis Speaks, Scalfari Transcribes, Brandmüller Shreds

Pope Francis has again given an interview that has caused consternation.

The official Vatican communications department cannot clarify what he did or did not say.

The reporter may be distorting the facts.

A Cardinal sets all of them straight.

Vatican Radio changes profane web page after being called out

It seems that the culprits at Radio Vatican's German branch have realised their egregious and profane error. Too bad the bishop has not.

For the original, see the post below.

Who are these idiots?

Fire them, Holy Father! 

Out them and get on with it!

Clean up this filth!

Now about that title?

For what it is worth, this is Bishop of Trier, Stephan Ackermann being annointed by a protestant laywoman Lutheran minister.

Vatican communications out of control - "Homosexuality must not be 'cured' " -- Disgraceful picture on Vatican site!

The Vatican carnival continues!

What a filthy disgrace!

Now playing in the Vatican City State

Silly you; you thought he said that the "carnival" was over.

What he really said was that it had just "begun!"

Having fun yet?

Thank you Papa Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger!

On this blessed day, let us remember seven years ago on July 7, 2007 and what our beloved Pope, Benedict XVI did for us!

Personally, this is what he did for me (below)! This rite was my right and I did not have to beg or grovel before any bishop to be denied it as as I had to do for my mother's funeral, which was denied because they could not be "disturbed" due to the CCCB plenary.  

Thank you Lord for Papa Joseph Ratzinger, may you be consoled and know how much you are loved and missed.

Never again will we allow our "rite" to be taken away.

Never again.

Coren's quotes

A tip of the hat to J.D. for these links:

First from Catholic Insight:

“A first column for a new year for a Roman Catholic magazine. Let’s ask a few basic questions about what it means to be Catholic, because as much as it pains me to admit it, a lot of alleged members of the Church seem to be absolutely bewildered. My opinion, by the way, is irrelevant here. It’s Church teaching that matters, not how any of us feel or think on one day or another.” 

“Look, it comes down to this. If you wish to live as a Christian but reject the authority of the Catholic Church, have the courage and integrity to leave the Church and become a Protestant—where, I assure, you will find something else to complain about and reject, so you can go to another Protestant church, and then another.”

“Nobody has to be a Catholic, unless you are a Catholic. Then, sorry, you have no choice. There is no such thing as a Kennedy Catholic, a Dalton McGuinty Catholic, a cafeteria Catholic. It’s Catholic, or not.”

“This year may be one of the most challenging and pivotal for Canadian Roman Catholics. We are likely to lose more of those who like to select which parts of the Church please them. We’ll lose those not committed to human life, those not glued to the cross, those not convinced that a Papacy that has never taught heresy in 2000 years can be trusted.”

“We will also witness more attacks from federal and provincial politicians, the increasing triumphalism of sexual minorities, and more aggression from organized atheism. But we will also gather more converts from failing Protestantism, and more committed young people: briefly, more and better and real Catholics. It is never easy, but more exciting and rewarding than ever.”

From the Catholic Register:

“In mid-October I was part of a panel at a Toronto university discussing how the world views the Church. It was all pretty good stuff with some faithful and successful Catholic writers on the platform. The academic present, however, was not known to me. But her views were. Not that I had ever heard of the woman before; what I mean is that her opinions on Catholicism were entirely typical of an attitude that has caused colossal damage to the Church in recent years. While discussing abortion, for example, she said that there were “gradations” within Catholicism and implied that supporting the rights of the unborn or promoting their slaughter were various and valid Roman Catholic positions.”

“You can have all sorts of opinions on all sorts of subjects but the fundamentals of Catholicism are just that and if you reject them you are not a Catholic in good standing.”

“Selfishness and fad posing as Catholicism is becoming less common and has been exposed as the intellectual and theological fraud that it is.”

“He (Raymond Cardinal Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura) made it abundantly clear that the “hypocrisy” of those who claim to hold personal Catholic beliefs but publicly support same-sex marriage, abortion and euthanasia is unacceptable. Speaking of pro-choice and pro-same-sex marriage politicians, business people and doctors he continued, “It is not possible to be a practising Catholic and conduct oneself publicly in this manner” and “When a person has culpably espoused and co-operated in gravely sinful acts, leading many into error and confusion over fundamental questions regarding respect for life and integrity of marriage and family, his repentance of such actions must also be public.”

“Thank God for Archbishop Burke, thank God for the Church, thank God for His Son who gave it to us and thank God it is never too late to say sorry and get it right.”

Your words Michael, not mine.

Recommended reading at Toronto Catholic Witness: "Michael Coren and the inconvenient Catechism of the Catholic Church."

Coren and the truth

Dear Michael,

Thank you for the "Tweet"; it will drive many readers to my site and I am sure that it will result in a lot of hate mail.

As I wrote to TH2, I've long resisted commenting on this because of our friendship and fraternity. However, my conscience can no longer allow it. It is one thing to have a private opinion and dissent on the truth, it is quite another to make it public and at the same time continue to attest to be Catholic. Your latest column directly contradicts the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You have determined that you have a right to publicly dissent and I have a right, as do others in your parish, to call you out with fraternal correction.

Taking advantage of goodwill

It boggles my mind how you could write the books which you have and take the funds of charities to speak at our meetings ( as you have with the one in which I am President ) and then turn around and create a public scandal and distort the teachings of the Church. You have made money on Catholics and now that your public writing and broadcasting has caused the cancellation of appearances, you lash out. What did you expect?

Saul Alinsky tactics

You can opine that because one wishes to follow the true teachings of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and its Catechism they must be hateful but that is a lie and you, my erudite friend, know this. I hate no individual and criticism of your public scandal does not equate with the "haters coming out" as you so arrogantly state the Arena and in social media. You are using Alinsky's tactics and you should know better.

You've chastised people in your own parish because they've actually had the temerity to disagree with you, whilst agreeing with the Church. You silence those who disagree with you and insult them publicly in response on social media. 

The difference is you are a Catholic and profit from it!

If you were a protestant, atheist or secularist and undertook what you've done in the last few months, I would disagree with you but I would ignore you and what you've written, but this is not the case. You are a Catholic and have made that well known. You have created a public scandal in its truest definition and it deserves a public response. You have earned money off of Catholics and their charities and you have taken a public position opposed to Catholic beliefs. 

The link with the murder of Emanuel Jacques is, in fact, very relevant in the larger picture; just as the abuse of  boys by priests that were ebophiles and pederasts is relevant. It is all part of the whole realm of a loss of the sense of sin and the reality of evil. The "acceptance" of so-called, same-sex marriage, the public displays of nudity, the endorsement of that which is against the Church is a grave matter for a Catholic. You have chosen a wrong road.

You simply cannot expect Catholics to sit by and say nothing, whilst you distort teaching and make money on us.

Michael, your friends care about you and regret that you have taken such a public position over the last few months that is distorting the Church's teaching. People are keeping you and your family in prayer.

Be well my friend,

Vox

Michael Coren‏@michaelcoren

This is the sort of thing I face. Someone using the murder of a child to attack my views on gay people: http://voxcantor.blogspot.ca/2014/06/the-scandalising-of-little-ones.html … #pride2014

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3:03 AM - 30 Jun 2014

1. Darren ‏@Purdy890321  6h

   @michaelcoren Apparently they forgot that Jesus also taught forgiveness, mercy, love, above laws. There are no levels to sin.

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2. Mark Ferro ‏@MrSteel79  5h

   @michaelcoren one event to stereotype an entire segment of society?! Why do they care how others live. I guess they are perfect

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3. Dave Dawkins ‏@DawkinsDave  4h

   @michaelcoren No worries, Michael. Religious fanaticism and hateful intolerance plague all faiths. Reasoning with them is pointless.

The Scandalising of Little Ones

Our Toronto blogging Barona, at Toronto Catholic Witness exposes a raw event in this City's history and has reminded us of a great tragedy that has been all but forgotten, the sodomy, rape and murder of a little boy of twelve years. A boy of an impoverished family from Azores helping to make ends meet in a new place; even this little boy was helping his family by shining shoes.

For the last ten days, culminating today, a world event is taking place in this City; I will not name its name. In my own neighbourhood, 12 kilometers from downtown, the poles are decorated with rainbows, some businesses (which will now be boycotted) are flying pennants and one youth centre has posted in its windows rainbow art made by children -- children no doubt around the age of the child pictured below. Today a parade will wind it's way past the place where the little Martyr of Yonge Street was murdered and nobody there will know, let alone care. 

In this same City of Toronto, a friend and prominent Catholic writer and media personality has written, this very day on his Facebook:

"Nobody believes the story of Sodom refers to consensual homosexuality any more and Jesus never mentions the subject. He does, however, repeatedly condemn judging others and - oh yes divorce. Quite a lot of both in Christian circles these days. (St) Paul's writing may well refer to the use of young boys by adult heterosexual men and not adult, gay partnerships. Thing is, we need to discuss all this and not just smugly point fingers."

My friend is wrong and he needs to be corrected. He has been upsetting a lot of  Catholics lately. He is creating scandal in public by its very definition and is distorting the truth and the Catechism. He has bought into and is promoting an agenda by suggesting that the sin of Sodom was a lack of hospitality.

This is a lie! 

The sin of Sodom was exactly what it was, the oral and anal rape of young men by older men. They were not "heterosexuals" because there was no word "homosexual" until 100 years ago from which to distinguish it. It was a grotesque evil, it was sinful and it was and remains an "abomination" that cries out to God for justice. Our Blessed Lord did not use the word "homosexual" because the word did not exist. He condemned sodomy because He condemned Sodom in union with the Father and the Holy Spirit when Sodom was destroyed by God. He condemned sodomy and what it entails when he condemned sin, many times. He commanded us not judge the person's soul which is His alone to do; he did not tell us to not call sin, sin or evil, evil and to say otherwise is to call Jesus a liar. Those who would believe such things have fallen for the Father of Lies who was a "murderer from the beginning."

Last night, some friends were over for dinner and they brought me a little book on Our Lady of Good Success. Given my other friend's national and international influence, this quote from our Blessed Mother to Sister Mariana in 1594 at Quito, Ecuador is most appropriate. Please note that Our Lady specifically told Sister Mariana that she was speaking of our time, not Sister's:

"Wealthy and powerful Catholics will stand by and witness the oppression of the Church, the persecution of virtue, and the triumph of evil without employing their resources to oppose evil and restore the Faith."

It is one thing for "wealthy and prominent Catholics" to stand by, but to engage in it -- the "persecution of virtue" and the acceptance of "evil"? Do we know need to include my friend with Justin Trudeau, Nancy Pelosi and the Kennedy clan amongst so many others?

Love of and respect for the individual human person are one thing friend but to support this "abomination" in God's eyes and what has become fascist tyranny is quite another. This distortion of Catholic truth must be corrected and on this day, when the "world" emboldened by its prince celebrates its "pride," the source of all sin, let us take a moment and remember this little boy.

Emanuel Jacques

"Receiving Communion not obligatory at Mass" -- Thomas Cardinal Collins

Please visit Word on Fire for this terrific interview by Brandon Vogt with Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, where he defends marriage, comments on the danger of the media build-up of the Synod and reminds us on the reality of receiving Holy Communion.

The Catholic Church simply teaches what Jesus teaches: marriage is an unbreakable covenant between a man and a woman, faithful in love and open to the gift of life. Divorce and remarriage is not allowed when it is a matter of a valid, sacramental, and consummated marriage. 

 +++

Our Lord's teaching on marriage, like his whole teaching on discipleship, can at times be very difficult. Especially in the world in which we live, but really in all periods of history, a certain heroism is required in the Christian life. We are all called to holiness; that is not just the vocation of the few who are canonized, but of all of us. 

 +++

One thing that would help would be if all of us realized that receiving communion is not obligatory at Mass. There are many reasons why a Christian might choose not to receive communion. If there were less pressure for everyone to receive communion, it would be some help to those who are not in a position to do so. 

 +++

So when Pope Paul did not change what he could not change, but re-affirmed Christian faith, many, many people were upset, and simply decided to ignore the teaching. That is our present situation. I certainly hope that we do not suffer a repeat of that, as unfounded speculation swirls concerning a change by the Church of the explicit teaching of Jesus on marriage. 

Reparation for "World Pride"

Rather than despair over the situation; one Toronto resident and blogger has come up with another plan. Alan Yoshioka is a former "Gay activist". I've known Alan for a number of years now and his wife. If you do not know Alan's story then it is worth a visit to his blog, The Sheepcat. Alan is a devoted Catholic man in love with Jesus and his wife Theresa. I will always be thankful for the invitation to Lector at their marriage. It was a great honour to do so.

Alan and Theresa have come up with the only just response possible to the so-called, World Pride event which has been thrust upon our City -- to fast and pray in reparation.

May God bless them both; and may He forgive us for what we have permitted.

 

One year ago!

The glorious weather of Saturday, June 15, 2013 marked a rare liturgical event in the last half century in Canada; the Solemn Nuptial -  Missa pro sponso et sponsa. It was the marriage of the Miss Frankie and the Vox.

The magnificent liturgy was held at the beautiful St. Patrick's Kinkora in the Diocese of London in Ontario where the Mass in the EF will be moving from to the City of London in July 2013. The Mass was celebrated by Father Paul Nicholson, Pastor and Priest for the Solemn Liturgy. Father Kim D'Souza, Associate Pastor at St. Joseph's Mississauga (Streetsville) was Deacon and Mr. Stephen Bruzzese, Seminarian from the Diocese of St. Catharine's Ontario was Subdeacon. Mr. Joseph DeCaria was Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Steven Eckert, MCII aided by five Clerks. The music was provided by Ensemble Sine Nomine of Kitchener under the direction of Mr. Stephen Strauss with Angela Straus, Organist

The music included St. Anthony's Chorale based on a Theme of Haydn's by Brahms during the liturgical procession. The congregation and choir then sang the Veni Creator Spiritus prior to the Nuptial Rite. Mass began with the Gregorian Introit and all the Gregorian Propers from the Liber Usualis. The Ordinary of the Mass -- Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei was the Mass for Five Voices by William Byrd. After the Offertory Antiphon was sung the sublime Ave Maria by Robert Parsons followed and Byrd's Ave Verum Corpus was sung after the Communion Antiphon and Psalm at Holy Communion. All sang the Salve Regina which was followed by the presentation of the Bride's bouquet at the Altar of Our Lady whilst the Ave Maria by the Rt. Rev. John Edward Ronan, founder of St. Michael's Choir School, Toronto was sung with choir and organ. The recessional was La Rejouissance from the Royal Fireworks by Handel.

A luncheon reception followed at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Mitchell, Ontario.

+ Deo gratias +

Photographic talent courtesy of Mr. George Opreff

Priest of two years, murdered in Phoenix, another critically injured! Father Kenneth Walker, FSSP - Our Lady of Seat of Wisdom alumnus

The late Father Kenneth Walker, FSSP celebrating the Holy Mass
at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy at Barry's Bay, Ontario.

From Rorate Caeli Blog.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST
FSSP Priests attacked in Phoenix, Arizona, 1 murdered, 1 critically wounded

The Mater Misericordiae Mission, the Latin Mass community of the Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona, run by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP), was the scene of a terrible tragedy on Wednesday night, following the breaking and entering of their church.

Father Kenneth Walker, FSSP, Assistant Pastor, was murdered. Requiescat in pace. Please, pray also for the consolation of his family.

Father Joseph Terra, FSSP, Pastor, was severely wounded by the criminals, and is (at least to our knowledge as of this moment) hospitalized in critical condition. Please, pray for his health and his complete recovery, through the mercy of God Almighty.

Finally, let us also pray for their parishioners and all who are affected for this ordeal. Let us pray for the law enforcement officers, may they accomplish justice according to God's will.

Let us pray for the criminals, may they find conversion and salvation on this earth and avoid eternal damnation. [Tip: Parishioner. Local news report and video here.]

____________________________

R.P. KENNETH WALKER

TU ES SACERDOS IN ÆTERNUM
SECUNDUM ORDINEM MELCHISEDECH

Father Kenneth Walker, FSSP, at the moment of his Ordination, on May 19, 2012 (post from the time):

Father Walker is the first on the right.

Father Walker gives his first blessing to his ordaining bishop, Bishop Bruskewitz

____________________________

First Alumni Ordained to the Priesthood: Fr. Kenneth Walker, FSSP, and Fr. Ben Weber

i

Fr. Kenneth Walker, FSSP, on far right, at his May 19 ordination. (Photo (c) fssp.org – Priestly Fraternity of S. Peter)

This spring OLSWA rejoiced as two alumni, Fr. Kenneth Walker (’05) and Fr. Benjamin Weber (’06), were ordained to the priesthood and are now priests forever “according to the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 5:6).”

Fr. Kenneth Walker, a member of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, was ordained on May 19, 2012, with four other young men. They were ordained by His Excellency Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz in the beautiful Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln, Nebraska. On May 26, 2012, in the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, His Excellency Bishop Gerard P. Bergie ordained Fr. Ben Weber and Fr. Chad Grennan for St. Catharine’s diocese in Ontario.

Through this sacrament of Holy Orders these young men are now consecrated and called to act ‘in persona Christi Capitis’ (in the person of Christ the Head), bringing the Sacraments to Christ’s Church. The joy of this vocation shone in Fr. Ben’s smile as he gave his first priestly blessings. In answering the Divine call to the priesthood Fr. Kenneth and Fr. Ben gave a resounding ‘yes’ to God’s will.

Bishop Bergie confers Holy Orders on Fr. Ben Weber.

As His Excellency Bishop Bergie noted in his homily at Fr. Ben’s ordination, this ‘yes’ answered the question that Jesus posed to Peter in John 21, “Do you love me?” Christ called in love, and these men have responded by choosing to live out their yes to God daily in joyful, loving dedication to Christ and His Church.

As each priest gave his first priestly blessing, he handed out cards of remembrance. Fr. Ben’s cards fittingly quoted John 2:5, “Jesus’ mother said to the servants, ‘do whatever He tells you.’” Fr. Ben, Fr. Kenneth and all other priests are doing what ‘He is telling them to do.’ They are living out an apostleship of love. As the Curé of Ars states, “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.”

 Fr. Kenneth shared the following message with OLSWA leading up to his ordination: “I would also like to express my gratitude to the Academy for the truly excellent education and warm friendship I experienced there, and I found it to be a wonderful preparation for entering seminary. May God continue to bless the efforts of all those involved in the Academy!”

Let us keep Fr. Ben, Fr. Kenneth and all priests in our thoughts and prayers, thanking God for them daily.