Springtime of Hope
Spring is a time for weddings. A wedding is a spiritual and inspirational event. While nearly all Catholics have been to a wedding, no matter how many you have already attended it is inspiring to see two people come before God and pledge their love and lives to each other. Very often this inspires married couples who are in attendance to examine their own vows and see how they are living out the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
Spring is also a time for ordinations. An ordination is a spiritual event every bit as inspiring as a wedding, but I would dare say most Catholics have not been to an ordination. To see a young man come before God and pledge his love and life is an extraordinary moment.
This spring in the Diocese of Savannah we are blessed to have three ordinations on three consecutive weekends! On May 24 there will be an ordination for our seminarians who will be ordained transitional deacons. On May 31st at the Cathedral in Savannah there will be an ordination of permanent deacons. These men have been preparing for the past five years to serve the Church as deacons. On June 7 the Cathedral will host a priestly 0rdination.These ordinations are a sign of the fruit of the presence of the Holy Spirit working with the Diocese of Savannah.
I would encourage you to consider attending an ordination this year. With an ordination in Warner Robins and two in Savannah it gives the entire Diocese a unique opportunity to have an ordination within driving distance. Presence at an ordination is a sign of prayerful support for the men being ordained. All these men have spent the past five or six years in prayer, study, formation and discernment preparing to give their lives in service. Your presence is a prayerful affirmation of their dedication.
You will also take something away from an ordination. It is a powerful event. To see these men lay on the floor of the church and commit to die to self and to live for Christ reminds us all of our baptismal call.
In the months ahead we will receive invitations to celebrations of Baptism, First Communion and Consecration, sacred moments that will inspire us on our journey. Consider attending an ordination this spring. Let us pray for the candidates in their final weeks of preparation. Veni Sancte Spiritus!
- By Fr. Tim McKeown, Vocation Director