The Rite of Ordination:

Shedding Light on the Work of Serra

by the Most Reverend Blasé J. Cupich, Bishop of Rapid City, USA Council Episcopal Adviser
 

During my days as a seminary rector, I always encouraged my seminarians to review, from time to time, the Rite of Ordination for Priests, as a way of helping them come to a better understanding of what was involved in seminary formation. The Rite of Ordination, I suggested, is a mirror that should help them reflect on what they should be doing in these years of preparation.
 

My point was not to treat priesthood as a goal and the ordination rite as a kind of graduation ceremony. Rather, I wanted them to see that what the Church expresses through symbol and word should shape their years of formation and their whole lives.
 

One of my favorite parts of the Rite of Ordination is the prostration of the candidate during the Litany of the Saints. This is a clear indication that the one to be ordained is not simply receiving a new task in the Church. Rather, it expresses that his whole life is a surrender to God. His whole being is transformed and changed, given a priestly character, because of his openness to receive God's grace.

His lying face down in submission to God is a recognition that he cannot stand on his own. He has a new identity, a new character, a new purpose, because he has been changed. By looking ahead to his ordination day when he will prostrate himself before God, the seminarian should reflect on how his formation is an ongoing surrender and conversion to God.

As I write this brief message to the Serrans, I want to draw to your attention that you also can look to the Rite of Ordination to find encouragement and direction. Immediately after the candidate is presented to the bishop, and the bishop accepts the testimony that he is worthy to be ordained, the people respond, "Thanks be to God," and then applaud.

If you have ever been at an ordination, you know that the swell of applause is one of the most moving moments in the rite. From my own experience, I can tell you that it is a lasting source of encouragement to the one being ordained.
 

Let me suggest that you give some thought and prayer to that action as you take up your work on behalf of vocations. Each and every day, give thanks to God for the gift of vocations found in seminarians, religious and priests.

Those answering the call to serve God and the Church are giving the gift of their lives and that should make us all ever thankful. Moreover, take seriously the important contribution you make in offering your support and encouragement to candidates for priesthood and religious life as they dedicate themselves to formation.

Then, on the day of their ordination, your "Thanks be to God" and your applause will be as familiar to you as old friends.

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