The Priest in Relation to the Holy Ghost

By a special anointing of the Holy Ghost, the priest receives power to consecrate the Eucharist, forgive sins, and administer the other sacraments. Consecrated by the anointing of the Holy Ghost and sent by Christ, priests mortify the works of the flesh in themselves and dedicate themselves completely to the service of the people…

All of us have the responsibility to encourage vocations to the priesthood. Studies reveal that the most common and most influential reason why young men aspire to become priests is personal acquaintance with a priest. We must pray the Lord of the harvest that He may send laborers into His harvest. We must love Christ and the priesthood. We must be optimistic. We cannot always complain about what is wrong with the Church or the priests. Rather we must be people of great hope and confidence. Christ has already gained the victory for us! “If God is for us, who can be against us?” “We are more than conquerors because of Him who loved us.” Who wants to be a loser? If you are a winner, others will want to join your team.

In an eloquent sermon delivered at the first Mass of a newly ordained priest, a famous nineteenth century Dominican preacher spoke the following words:

“To live in the midst of the world without wishing its pleasures; to be a member of each family, yet belong to none; to share the sufferings of all; to be aware of people’s deepest secrets; to heal the wounds of all; to go from people to God and offer Him their prayers; to return from God to people to bring pardon and hope; to have a heart on fire with charity and a heart of bronze for chastity; to teach and to pardon, console and bless always. My God what a life! And it is yours, O priest of Jesus Christ!

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching