The Valley Catholic IN our dIocese
June 11 , 2013 3
Bishop McGrath ordains three men to priesthood for Diocese of San Jose
By Roberta Ward
The ordination to priesthood of Dat Luong , Mendie Joseph Nguyen and Antonio Silveira ( see May 7 edition for biographies ) took place June 1 at St . Joseph Cathedral Basilica with San Jose Bishop Patrick J . McGrath presiding .
Following the Liturgy of the Word , the Rite of Ordination began with the Election of the Candidates as they were called forward , on behalf of the Church , and presented to Bishop Mc- Grath who formally elects them , and those assembled affirm their election .
The bishop said , “ Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ , we choose these , our brothers , for the Order of the Priesthood .”
In his homily the bishop addressed the three men , calling them by name , and noted the Gospel ( Luke 9 : 11-17 ) passage in which Jesus instructs the 12 Apostles to “ Give them all some food yourselves !”
“ What resources did these poor fishermen have ?” the bishop asked . “ The miracle of the loaves and fish is the model for the Christian life , for discipleship , for ministry , and for ordained ministry ,” he said .
“ The disciples had it in their power to feed the hungry because Jesus was with them . The disciples themselves handed to the crowds that which Jesus provided . They were partners with him in their joint ministry ,” he said .
“ The Twelve were wise to know their limitations , but they underestimated the power of the Lord that would manifest itself in their work . It is truly the Lord ’ s work that you will do as you embark upon your priestly ministry ,” Bishop McGrath told the candidates .
“ Mendie , Dat and Tony , I ask you always to impart to everyone the word of God . As you meditate on the law of the Lord , see that you believe what you read , that you teach what you believe , and that you practice what you teach .
“ You will be co-workers with Christ in the ministry of sanctifying . As celebrants of the mystery of the Lord ’ s death and resurrection , strive to put to death whatever in your members is sinful and to walk in newness of life .
“ You will gather others into the people of God through Baptism , and you will forgive sins in the name of Christ and the Church in the sacrament of Penance . Never tire of being merciful . You will comfort the sick and the elderly with holy oil ; do not hesitate to show tenderness toward the elderly .”
The Laying on of Hands commenced , beginning with the bishop placing his hands on each candidate ’ s head , followed by the approximately 80 priests present laying their hands on each of the elect .
The Litany of Supplication followed the homily as the candidates prostrated themselves in the sanctuary as a sign of submission , humility and dependence upon the mercy of God , while the assembly sang the Litany of the Saints .
Bishop McGrath told the three men , “ Carry out the ministry of Christ the Priest with constant joy and genuine love , attending not to your own concerns but to those of Jesus Christ . Strive to be true servants of the Lord and of his people .
“ Remember that you will never do this alone , for the Lord is truly with you , so long as you are with the Lord . Continue to learn from the ‘ veterans ’ with whom you will collaborate , especially your pastors and other priests and Religious and lay women and men who have dedicated themselves to service in the Church .
“ I give thanks to the parents and families of these three men , who are your sons , brothers , grandsons , nephews , and in the case of Tony , your father and your grandfather ! We remember in a special way Margie , Tony ’ s wife , who is now with the Lord , but is also present here in so many ways , particularly in Christina and Anthony and their children .”
‘ Mendie , Dat and Tony , I ask you always to impart to everyone the word of God . As you meditate on the law of the Lord , see that you believe what you read , that you teach what you believe , and that you practice what you teach .’
-Bishop Mcgrath
Bishop McGrath led the Prayer of Ordination over the elect followed by their investiture by family and friends with the priestly stole and chasuble ; and the hands of the newly ordained were anointed with chrism oil ( above ).
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