7th Sunday of Easter

05-21-2023Pastor's CornerVery Rev. Robert J. Deehan, VF

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?” (Romans 10:13-15) These questions are relevant to us today — in our world and in our Archdiocese of Boston. Our world needs priests now more than ever. A priest is chosen by God to carry on the ministry of Jesus and proclaim the Kingdom of God. As a spiritual father, by leading people to heaven, a priest’s work will last for eternity. The Gospel transforms and gives life to those who believe and follow, but if there is no one to proclaim it, then the world will not be able to receive it. Priests exist to proclaim the life-changing and life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. But Saint Paul also asks: “How can people preach unless they are sent?” (cf https://vocationsboston.org/the-priesthood/)

We are blessed to have five men who were ordained to the priesthood for service in the Archdiocese of Boston this Saturday, May 20. They are Fr. Peter Schirripa, Fr. Alphonsus Hien Quang Vu, Fr. Paul Born, Fr. Jose Ignacio Montero Burgos and Fr. Rodrigo Martinez. Unfortunately, those ordained do not replenish all of the priests that are needed. We can sometimes take for granted the priests who currently serve us and their added responsibilities due to the declining numbers in their ranks. Unfortunately, few parents and grandparents suggest priesthood as an option to their own sons or grandsons. So, the continuing decline in numbers of priests will have startling consequences for the future when it affects the availability of Holy Eucharist for the faithful. Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is plenty but laborers are few. Beg the harvest Master to send out laborers to gather His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38). On this occasion of the ordination of five new priests for our Archdiocese, please pray not only that these men may have a blessed and fruitful ministry, but also, that many more will respond to the Lord’s call to fill the vital need our Church has for priests.

God bless you!

Fr. Bob