MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
A Journey to Priesthood 2
JUNE 13, 2014
New priests continue historic journey By Mary Woodward
hroughout our diocese’s 177 year history many missionaries have served the Catholic faithful and the community. Nations such as France, Ireland and Italy supplied many of our early clergy. Now India, Mexico, Guatemala, Indonesia and Vietnam are new avenues for vocations. In addition to these men
Father Louis Dutto served throughout the diocese including communities in the Delta and Jackson.
who left family and country to come to Mississippi, American born vocations from our own families and other states including Pennsylvania, Iowa, Ohio and Missouri serve our church today. Though not so big of stature, Msgr. Mathurin Grignon, a Frenchman, was a long-serving, dedicated priest who served under four bishops – Chanche, Van de Velde, Elder, and Janssens – as rector of then St. Mary Cathedral and vicar general for the diocese. He died in 1887. Father Jean-Baptiste Mouton, another native of France, at one time covered almost the entire eastern side of the diocese, from Paulding to Corinth. Many locations only celebrated Mass once a year in the early days of the diocese. Father Mouton was a trained architect and designed the original Columbus Annunciation Church, which has recently been restored. He served as a chaplain in the Civil War and ultimately died of yellow fever in 1878, during a span of five weeks in which six priests died of the mosquito-born illness. Early native clergy include Father Charles Oliver and Msgr. Hubert Spengler. Father Oliver was the first native Mississippian ordained for the diocese. He completed the work on the third St. Peter Church in Jackson, which is now the Cathedral of the diocese. Father Louis Dutto from Italy began the work on the church in 1896, but left before completion to join the Sons of Don Bosco – Salesians. He later returned to the diocese and ultimately died on the Gulf Coast. Msgr. Spengler was a member of one of the founding families of the state’s capitol city, Jackson, and St. Peter Parish. In 1911, he published an article describing the diocese in Catholic Extension’s magazine. Two sets of Quinn brothers came from Ireland – uncles to nephews. The early Quinns were Peter and Francis. Peter was a decorated army chaplain who served in the European theater in World War II. Francis became a monsignor and served for decades. The nephews were Peter and Patrick. Peter served for 50 years in parishes in Mississippi. Patrick, known throughout northern Mexico as Padre Quinn, established our state mission in Saltillo, Mexico. Padre Quinn hosted lit-
Msgr. Patrick O’Reilly, (fifth from right in middle row) was invested as a monsignor by Bishop Richard Gerow (center) in April 1930. Diocesan clergy pose on the steps of the St. Peter’s rectory after the ceremony. Msgr. O’Reilly built the rectory and completed the interior of then St. Peter Church. He was pastor from 1914 -1942.
Msgr. Mathurin Grignon, vicar general for the diocese under four bishops, came from France to minister in Mississippi. erally thousands of young Catholics on mission trips to Saltillo. For many it was a life-changing experience. These are just a few of the myriads of priests who have committed themselves to working in the Lord’s vineyard in Mississippi. Our new young priests are now tasked with carrying on the mission of the church and also the legacy of these dedicated pioneers, who built up the church and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ for the past 177 years. We hope you enjoy this special edition devoted to priesthood. It reflects the journey made by Binh Nguyen, José de Jesús Sánchez and Rusty Vincent – the same journey made by countless others before them in the ministerial priesthood. We thank all of those who helped put this edition together, especially our advertising parishes. Photographs are from the diocesan archives, Michael Barrett, Elsa Baughman, Jason Johnston, Maureen Smith and Nat Zummo. May God bless our new young priests with the strength and wisdom they need to grow in holiness and prayer. They will laugh with us and cry with us. They will baptize, marry and bury us. In all this may they reflect the mercy and compassion of Christ to all whom they encounter and may they celebrate each Mass as if it were their last Mass.
Father Peter Quinn receives a battlefield commendation for his service as a chaplain in WWII.
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A Journey to Priesthood
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
Ordinands, families, friends share joyful day
JUNE 13, 2014
By Maureen Smith he ordination Mass of Binh Nguyen, José de Jesús Sánchez and Rusty Vincent had joyful overtones from the very start. Not only was it the first time in many years more than one man was ordained at a time in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, but it was celebrated Saturday, May 31, the Feast of the Visitation, when St. John the Baptist leaped in his mother’s womb upon hearing our Blessed Mother’s voice and sensing the presence of the Lord in her womb. The men being ordained reflect the diversity of the universal church as well as the diversity of the local church in the Diocese of Jackson. Father Nguyen, a native of Vietnam, has served the Vietnamese community around Forest. Many of these Catholics came to Mississippi thanks to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) efforts to resettle refugees after the Vietnam War. Members of the community gather regularly to honor and celebrate their heritage with Masses in Vietnamese at both Forest St. Michael and Jackson St. Therese Parishes. “I first met Binh Nguyen when he was on a summer assignment at my home parish in Meridian,” said seminarian Nick Adam. “I was immediately impressed with his hard work ethic and happy disposition. Binh was always ready to help out in any way he could, and he had such a great attitude,” Adam continued. Father Sánchez left his native Mexico to serve the missions in Mississippi which have a growing and very active Hispanic community. Adam described him as welcoming, kind and thoughtful. “He even showed me how to properly tie a knot in a cincture,” he joked. Father Vincent is a local vocation who has taught in the Catholic schools in the diocese. He calls Pearl St. Jude his home parish. The other seminarians describe his quiet sense of humor and good attitude as some of his best assets. Family members from Mexico, Vietnam and across the U.S. took their seats in the front rows of the cathedral to witness the rite. “I am overwhelmed with emotion, a big emotion, I can’t describe it,” said Jesús Sánchez, father of Father Sánchez, with a soft and warm voice. “God has given him the blessing of this day today, to be ordained a priest and we are all very happy for him,” he
Father Scott Thomas gives the fraternal sign of peace to Father José de Jesús Sánchez.
Flanked by a Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, Father Rusty Vincent and Father José de Jesús Sánchez descend the steps of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle following their ordination Mass. A standing room only crowd packed the Cathedral for the ceremony on Saturday, May 31. added said that the best part of the job as a priest is that peoFather Nguyen’s parents are deceased, but an aunt ple pray for you,” said Father Simmons. “I don’t think and a sister and brother attended the ordination. “The priesthood is ever what one expects it to be; so one has day of ordination was a very beautiful and grace-filled to be vigilant in prayer at the time of transition. There day in my Christian life,” said Father Nguyen after the is a change in one’s experience of prayer as a priest,” he Mass. “God is good, all the time,” he added. said. He went on to ask that all the faithful of the diocese Father Vincent’s parents, Rhea and Denise Vincent, continue to pray for the new priests even as they pray attended as did his siblings, their spouses, children and for new vocations. lots of extended family. Father Simmons challenged priests to make their joy “The day of our ordination was an incredible oc- an inspiration to others. “The National Conference of casion. The excitement and nerves of the whole day Diocesan Vocation Directors emphasizes to every priest flowed through me,” said Father Vincent in the week that it is his responsibility to recruit at least two men to after the event. “The most memorable part was when the priesthood during his lifetime. I am confident that the oil was poured into my hands, for it was a sign of me Binh and José de Jesús and Rusty will share their joy being conformed to Christ. It was a day that I was filled in priesthood in such a way that their being priests will with joy, and it was a blessing to finally realize my voca- bear that kind of fruit for God and His Church.” tion and I’m looking forward to serving the diocese,” he went on to say. While ordination falls at the end of a long process of discernment, prayer and study, it is also the start of a new journey. “As the director of vocations and a fellow priest, I am very happy for Binh and José de Jesús and Rusty. Bishop Kopacz emphasized to the personnel board in making their parish assignments that he was more concerned about their having a good assignment than he was about putting them where they might be most needed. That support of the bishop for the newly ordained is very important,” said Father Matthew Simmons. Father Simmons said in the past priests might fall prey to the idea that the grace of ordination would somehow make the transition into life as a priest automatic. That’s not so, said Father Simmons. “Instead, a newly ordained priest and, indeed, every priest needs to be proactive in his relationship with God as a priest,” he said. “Thinking one can coast along is dangerous. When the priests were profiled for the Father Binh Nguyen offers remarks in Vietnamese at the end of Year of Priests by Mississippi Catholic, I the ordination Mass.
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
JUNE 13, 2014
A Journey to Priesthood 4
New vestments debut at ordination Mass
estments are an important part of any liturgical celebration in the church. Since con-celebration became a practice of the church, there has been an effort to coordinate the vesture of priests in the sanctuary. Most dioceses have a set of official con-celebration vestments for diocesan Masses where many priests gather such as the annual Mass of Chrism during Holy Week, ordinations, anniversaries and funerals of priests. The Diocese of Jackson has just acquired a new set of vestments which were debuted at the ordination of three new priests on May 31. According to Mary Woodward, director of the bishop’s liturgy office, “the previous set of vestments served the diocese very well for more than 15 years. But because of so many years of travelling around the diocese in bags and trunks, the set began to show a lot of wear and tear. Therefore in the fall of 2013, the priests’ council began a search for a new vestment set. “During the preparations for the ordination of Bishop Joseph Kopacz, we ordered several vestments to compliment an existing set used mainly for visiting bishops. The new ones coordinated well with the existing set and the decor of the cathedral,” Woodward added. Made by Chagall Designs in this country, the priests’ council chose to order a vestment for each priest in the diocese, including retired clergy and to have extras for visiting clergy and future ordinations. Parishes will cover the cost of the vestment for their pastor or sacramental minister. The diocese is providing a vestment for the retired priests and for vestments set
Sporting their new concelebration vestments, diocesan clergy enter the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle for the ordination of Fathers Binh Nguyen, José de Jesús Sánchez, and Rusty Vincent on May 31. aside for visiting clergy and future priests. For clergy unable to make the ordination Mass, vest“Chagall has two main sizes, but also custom makes ments were being transported to them at the various ansizes. Each priest was contacted and asked for his height niversary celebrations. If anyone would like to assist in so the proper size could be ordered for him,” Woodward providing a vestment to a retired priest, please contact stated. “After hearing from most every priest, the dio- Woodward at (601) 960-8475. cese ordered a mixture of sizes for the extra set,” she continued. A total of 101 vestments were ordered. Instead of keeping the entire set at the diocesan offices, now each priest is responsible for caring for and transporting his own vestment. To assist in this the diocese provided a bag and hanger for each vestment set to help maintain its life. Diocesan staff and Cathedral altar guild members prepared each vestment with a name and bag for the ordination. “It took about eight total hours of steaming the vestments as part of the preparation for the ordination,” said Woodward. “They were shipped across the country packed 12 to a box so when unpacked there were some definite creases in them. “Overall our priests were very pleased with the new vestment, and many in the congregation at the ordination offered nice compliments. We hope this new set will last 238 East Center Street Canton, MS 39046 as long as the previous (601) 859-3749 set,” Woodward concluded.
Thank you for your service and congratulations!
Gracias por su servicio y felicitaciones!
Diocesan evangelization office seceretary, Sue Anne Booth, prepares name cards for vestments.
Sacred Heart Parish
Mary Woodward, minister of ceremony, steams vestments after unpacking and hanging them following their journey across the country in boxes.
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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
A Journey to Priesthood
JUNE 13, 2014
PROFILE: Father Binh Chau Nguyen
Do you have any family attending the ordination? If so, who?
My Aunt, Sister Mary Martin Tran Thi Tue, O.P., from Vietnam. She is my mother’s sister. My brother and sister from Texas and California will come as well.
What are you most looking forward to as a priest?
I am looking forwarding to SERVING everybody in the diocese of Jackson as a priest
Hobbies:
Collecting Stamps (Vietnamese and Vatican Stamps); Reading theological books.
Something about you that people may not know: I have black belt of Taekwondo.
Do you have any advice for those discerning a vocation? Father Binh Nguyen blesses members of St. Michael’s Vietnamese community in Forest following his first Mass as a newly ordained priest. His first assignment will be at Madison St. Francis Parish. EDITOR’S NOTE: in the weeks leading up to ordination, Mississippi Catholic asked each ordinand to fill out a personality profile so the faithful could have some insight into their new priests.
Home Parish: Saint Michael Parish in Forest Favorite Saints: Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Louis de Montfort (he is my baptismal name). Favorite Scripture: “He loved them to the end” (Jn. 13:1) Favorite prayer or devotion and why?
My favorite devotional prayer is the rosary because my mother, first of all, is the first person who taught me how to pray this wonderful prayer. In addition, I always believe that my spiritual life as a deacon or a priest will not be pleasing to God unless it includes devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Moreover a seminarian, a deacon or a priest needs the help and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary more than anyone else. So, mindful of the important role of our Blessed Virgin Mary, I always ask for her help through saying
this awesome prayer every day.
Who will “vest” you at your ordination and why?
Archbishop Alfred Hughes, Archbishop Emeritus of Archdiocese of New Orleans will vest me at my priestly ordination. The reason why I choose him because he is my spiritual Director during the time I have studied at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans. He has been my closest person to my priestly vocation since 2009. He always gives me spiritual support and shares with me a lot of wonderful guidance and insight for my spiritual journey toward the priesthood. He has been teaching me how to become a good and holy priest by passing his great and valuable spiritual experience on me.
From my experience as a seminarian, I would say that keeping faithful to daily prayer is very important point for those discerning a vocation. I think that a vocation to the priesthood or to a religious life can only survive with our personal relationship with God through our daily prayers.
Parishes where you served as a deacon/seminarian: Jackson St. Therese; Meridian Saint Patrick and Saint Joseph; Forest Saint Michael; Newuton Saint Anne; Paulding Saint Michael.
Congratulations Father Binh Nguyen Father Jose de Jesus Sanchez Father Rusty Vincent Deacon (now Father) Binh Nguyen shares a light moment with Lafayette seminarian Joseph Nguyen Friday, May 30, at the rehearsal for his ordination Mass in St. Peter Cathedral.
The Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
A Journey to Priesthood 6
JUNE 13, 2014
PROFILE: Father José de Jesús Sánchez
Deacon (now Father) Sanchez visits with friends, Malena Oviedo y Alicia Obispo, and others outside St. Peter Cathedral before his ordination Mass on May 31.
Father José de Jesús Sánchez blesses his new chalice during his first Mass on June 1, at St. Mary Parish in Jackson.
Hometown: Zapote de Peralta, Abasolo, Gto. Mexico. Home parish: Our Lord of Esquipulitas Elementary/High School: Ignacio Aldama, Telesecundaria 55, and Video bachillerato. Favorite Saint: Saint Joseph Favorite Scripture: John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
What are you most looking forward to as a priest?
Favorite prayer or devotion and why:
Hobbies:
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is my favorite devotion because it helps me to keep in mind that I need to pray for all the souls as a good shepherd.
Who will “vest” you at your ordination and why?
My spiritual director, Father Joe Palermo, will vest me because he knows me very well and he has been a good model for me during my discernment toward the priesthood.
Do you have any family attending the ordination? If so, who? Yes, my parents Celia Quiroz and Jesús Sánchez, and two siblings Maribel Sánchez and Juan de Dios Sánchez.
I am looking forward to administering the sacraments to my future parishioners and to grow in holiness with them.
Favorite Book:
lives. Then we should celebrate the sacraments more often because through them God helps us to come closer to him, and finally, we should have a spiritual director, who will be able to guide us in our discernment. Let us not be afraid to say “Yes” to the Lord, let us walk together the way toward holiness!
Parishes where you served as a deacon/seminarian:
Jackson St. Therese; Canton Sacred Heart; Catholic Community of West Jackson Christ the King and St. Mary
Father Benedict Groeschel, The Mystery of Joseph.
Favorite Movie:
Gifted Hands—The Benjamin Carson Story.
I like to read, to run, to walk, and to play basketball.
Do you have any advice for those discerning a vocation?
God calls every day to each of us, but we need to learn how to listen to his voice. We should spend some time in prayer with the Lord and ask Him to strengthen us to do his will in our
St. Joseph Catholic School
Celebrates ALL VOCATIONS especially our alumni priests, Rev. Mark Johnson Rev. Joe Tonos Alumni Seminarian Mark Shoffner and Seminarian, Joseph Le, currently serving our parish and school.
www.stjoeirish.org www.lourdes.greenville.ms.us Father Sánchez incenses the altar at the beginning of his first Mass. His first assignment will be serving the Meridian Catholic community.
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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
A Journey to Priesthood
JUNE 13, 2014
Profile: Father Rusty Vincent
PEARL – Father Rusty Vincent celebrates his first Mass on Sunday, June 1, at 2 p.m. in St. Jude Church. His first assignment will be at Greenville St. Joseph Parish.
Hometown: Brandon Home Parish: St. Jude, Pearl Elementary/High School: Brandon High School Favorite Saints: St. Augustine and St. Therese of Lisieux Favorite Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 (Parable of the Prodigal Son) Favorite prayer or devotion and why:
Rosary, for it helps me meditate on the life of Christ through the eyes of his mother.
Who will “vest” you at your ordination and why?
Fr. Patrick Mascarella, because he is my uncle who is a priest from the diocese of Baton Rouge.
Do you have any family attending the ordination? If so, who?
I have my parents, siblings with their spouses, nephews, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many more in my extended family. It will be quite a celebration in my family.
What are you most looking forward to as a priest?
I am looking forward to celebrating Mass. It is the
center of our faith and worship, and it will be a humbling experience to be given the opportunity to celebrate Mass.
Favorite Book:
“The Return of the Prodigal Son” by Henri Nouwen.
Hobbies:
Chess, Golf, Building Legos and models, watching or playing football and basketball.
Something about you people may not know: I never thought about becoming a priest when I was growing up. It was not until college. It shows that God can call us at any moment in our lives.
Do you have any advice for those discerning a vocation? Patience and fortitude. I learned over the years that a vocation does not reach maturity overnight. In fact, it takes a great deal of
Father Pat Mascarella, left, visits with his nephew, Deacon (now Father) Rusty Vincent at the ordination rehearsal May 30. time and patience in prayer for it to be realized. Also discernment is never easy. Through the difficult times it took a great deal of strength and trust in God to reach this point in my pilgrimage.
Parishes where you served as a deacon/seminarian:
Jackson St. Richard; McComb St. Alphonsus; Starkville St. Joseph; Vicksburg St. Paul.
Thank you for answering God’s call with generosity and faith to build up the Body of Christ. – St. Richard Parish
St. Richard Catholic Church Denise and Rhea Vincent, Father Vincent’s parents, kneel during the Eucharistic prayer at their son’s ordination Mass May 31, in St. Peter Cathedral.
1242 Lynnwood Drive Jackson, MS 39206 www.saintrichard.com
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
JUNE 13, 2014
A Journey to Priesthood 8
Benedictines form first steps in seminary
By Maureen Smith ost seminarians studying for the Diocese of Jackson start their studies and formation at St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, La. The Diocese of Jackson does not have a seminary of its own so they have to go out of state to begin their education. “We count 10 seminarians right now with another man in the application process,” said Father Matthew Simmons, director of the Office of Vocations. “Two new seminarians, Colby Mitchell and Andrew Bowden, will be pursuing their undergraduate degrees at St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, La. “An undergraduate seminarian is required to complete so many philosophy courses as a prerequisite to his graduate studies in theology that he will almost invariably finish with an undergraduate degree in philosophy. Two seminarians will be primarily studying English at St. Joseph Seminary. The others will be studying theology at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans,” he explained. Students refer to St. Joseph Seminary College as St. Ben’s. It is part of a Benedictine Monastery and is marking its 125th anniversary this year. The Abbey and Seminary College began it’s rich history in 1889 with the arrival of four Benedictine monks from St. Meinrad, Indiana. It was their humble task to repeat the ancient task of establishing a monastery and “a school for the Lord’s service,” in southern Louisiana. During the past 125 years, the college has educated many of the Gulf South’s civic and religious leaders. It has founded and staffed numerous parishes in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. By sponsoring and promoting programs in both liturgical and secular arts, the Abbey and Seminary College has had a significant
impact on the area’s culture. An abiding spiritual presence which is manifested in its daily rhythms of prayer, has also been maintained in the community. This year the seminary broke enrollment records just in time for a new dorm to open to house all the students. “Today, we continue to educate young men for the Catholic priesthood, and our reach has widened. We are home to seminarians from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, Georgia and Tennessee,” said Vanessa Courere, development director for the Abbey. “We have seminarians ranging in age from 18 to 38 who
have received their call to serve. This year we graduated 27 fine young men, including three from the Diocese of Jackson, Nicholas Adam, Mark Shoffner and Aaron Williams,” she added. The Abbey serves more than just future priests. St. Joseph sponsors an art atelier to teach drawing and painting to anyone who wants to learn. Brothers bake thousands of loaves of bread to distribute to the poor using donations to fund the program, called Pennies for Bread. It offers a retreat center and hosts one of the region’s largest youth gatherings, Abbey Youth Fest, a long weekend of worship, song, fun and exposure to vocation opportunities for high school and college students from across the South. For years the Abbey has been making caskets for their Benedictine community members. Following Hurricane Katrina, which left many downed trees on the property, the abbey started crafting caskets to sell to the broader community. After some legal issues with funeral directors and state law, the courts granted the Abbey the rights to make and sell caskets to anyone wishing to have one. The Abbey is offering a series of public lectures and concerts as part of its 125th anniversary celebration. On Friday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. in Benet Hall Biblical scholar Luke Timothy Johnson will present “The Prophetic Role of Monasticism Today.” Robert LeBlanc will play an organ concert on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m. in the Abbey Church and on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. three men will present a concert and choral performance in the Abbey Church demonstrating Saint Joseph Abbey’s contribution to liturgical music. See more about all the offerings at St. Ben’s on the Abbey website, http://www.saintjosephabbey.com.
Seminarians assist at Masses celebrated in St. Joseph Abbey Church. Pictured above are the interior (inset) and exterior. (Photos courtesy of the Abbey.)
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A Journey to Priesthood
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
Notre Dame provides graduate studies
JUNE 13, 2014
Notre Dame Seminary’s main building has been the site of formation for diocesan seminarians for many years. (Photo courtesy of Notre Dame Seminary) ince the Diocese of Jackson does not have a seminary of its own, diocesan seminarians complete their formation and graduate studies at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The original seminary was founded in 1838 in Plattville, Louisiana and moved several times before settling in its current location. All three of the diocese’s new priests graduated from there, as did Bishop Emeritus Joseph Latino. The following is an excerpt from the seminary’s history, written in part to celebrate the anniversary year: Archbishop John W. Shaw (1918-1934) called a meeting of laymen at his Esplanade Avenue residence for the purpose of discussing with them the ways and means of erecting a substantial building on a site acquired in 1910. An outcome of the August 20, 1920, meeting was the launch of a capital campaign. By the following January the campaign netted close to $1 million from some 50,000 subscribers. Encouraged by this broad-based display of interest and generosity towards a permanent major seminary, the archbishop commissioned the architect, General Allison Owen, to draw plans for Notre Dame Seminary. The corner stone was laid for the handsome chateau-like building on May 7, 1922. The seminary began functioning on September 18, 1923, with 25 students from the three Louisiana dioceses registering for philosophical and theological courses. In 1925, the present Archbishop’s residence was built next to the seminary. From the beginning of the seminary until 1967, the Marist Fathers of the Washington Province were in charge. The first rector was Father Charles Dubray, S.M. The number of students remained small through the formative years, not exceeding 60 until September 1932. During his relatively short tenure, the Most Rever-
end John P. Cody (1962-1965) laid the groundwork for the emergence of Notre Dame Seminary into a provincial seminary exclusively for theological students. Prior to the establishment in 1964 of the St. John Vianney Preparatory School, also located in the Carrollton section, diocesan seminarians normally spent six years at St. Joseph Preparatory Seminary (established by the Benedictines at Gessen, Louisiana in 1891) and then six more years at Notre Dame Seminary. St. Joseph Seminary College (in Covington, Louisiana since 1902) became a four-year college seminary in 1968, serving principally the province of New Orleans. In addition to the Marist Fathers, diocesan priests and others of specialized competence have been professors and lecturers at Notre Dame Seminary since the arrival of Archbishop Philip M. Hannan in 1965. Notre Dame Seminary observed its 90th anniversary during the 20132014 academic year. As a graduate school and a seminary, Notre Dame Seminary continues to be an apostolic community of faith forming future priests for the church as well as a center of theological studies preparing the laity for ministry and
leadership positions in the church. Take a virtual tour at www.nds.edu. Editor’s note: to support seminarian education contact Father Matthew Simmons in the Office of Vocations, 601-960-8484.
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
JUNE 13, 2014
A Journey to Priesthood 10
Ordination Mass showcases ancient rites
ceremony to rehearse for the big day. The rehearsal began with Vespers, evening prayer, sung by all those gathered. The mood was quiet, but expectant as the seminarians led the small congregation in song and prayer. The Rite has many parts so the then-deacons walked through every movement so they could better understand the mechanics of the ordination as well as have some time to reflect on its impact. Mary Woodward spoke to each seminarian about the responses he would be expected to give, when to stand and kneel and how the Mass would proceed. Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Deacon Travis Abadie of Baton Rouge and seminarians The Rite of Ordination comAndrew Nguyen and Peter Nguyen line up for the opening procession May 31. mences after the Gospel. It began when Father Matthew Simmons, director of the diocesan vocations office, called forward the men and Father James Wehner, rector of NoBy Maureen Smith and Mary Woodward he Mass of ordination for Binh Nguyen, José de tre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, attested that the men Jesús Sánchez and Rusty Vincent honored the were ready to be ordained priests. Bishop Kopacz directed his homily to the three, calling cultures of all three men and the church. Hymns, to mind Pope Francis’ exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium,” chants and readings in Spanish, Vietnamese, English and (The Joy of the Gospel), explaining that our joy is a reflecLatin alluded to the ancient tradition and modern reality tion of God’s joy for us. of Catholicism. Bishop Joseph Kopacz greeted the congreHe called Holy Orders a special gift given directly to gation and thanked the ordinands’ families in English, the men, but also to the whole church. “In turn, the gift of Spanish and Vietnamese. their lives laid down in loving service will be a blessing to Planning for the celebration began months ago as the the People of God, the Body of Christ, scattered throughmen completed their studies. Volunteers and staff memout the Diocese of Jackson,” said Bishop Kopacz. “Without bers from the cathedral and chancery helped with every a doubt you are a gift to all of the clergy of this diocese. detail from parking arrangements to handing out proEach year at the Chrism Mass priests renew the promises grams and making sure the tables at the reception were we made on the day of our ordination. In a singular way well stocked with food. today, as we lay hands upon you, you are inspiring us to The night before the Mass the ordinands gathered in stir into flame the gift we received with the laying on of the cathedral with Bishop Kopacz, the other seminarians, hands,” he added. who acted as servers at the Mass and the ministers of He told them the call to the priesthood does not end
Friends and family from all over the world make their way into the Cathedral.
Knights of Columbus honor guard gets into position for the ordination ceremony.
Diocesan Chancery staff member, Sue Anne Booth, passes out programs for the Mass.
Members of the congregation fill the pews of St. Peter Cathedral for the ordination Mass on May 31.
Diocesan seminarians prepare to process for the Mass.
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.... celebration reflected cultures of diocese
at ordination. It is a life-long call, starting in the family, the domestic church, and continuing through their lives. “Those in the vocation ministry and in seminary formation, through dialogue, discernment, teaching and preaching, brought the Lord’s call in your lives into living waters. Without a doubt it takes an entire church to inspire and cultivate a vocation. It’s a community effort, and ultimately God’s work,” said the bishop. After the homily each of the ordinands made five promises. As described in the rite the promises are to discharge the office of priesthood in the presbyteral rank as worthy fellow workers with the Order of Bishops; to exercise the ministry of the Word worthily and wisely, preaching the Gospel and teaching the Catholic faith; to celebrate faithfully and reverently the mysteries of Christ handed down by the church, especially the sacrifice of the Eucharist and the sacrament of Reconciliation, for the glory of God and the sanctification of the Christian people; to implore God’s mercy upon the people entrusted to their care by observing the command to pray without ceasing and to be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered himself for us to the Father as a pure sacrifice and to consecrate themselves to God for the salvation of all. The men then knelt individually before the bishop,
JUNE 13, 2014
placed their hands in his and promised obedience to him and his successors. The next part of the rite is perhaps the one that most people associate visually with ordination. The men then prostrate themselves before the altar as the congregation prays the litany of the saints. The prayer calls to mind the ancient tradition of asking the saints to pray for us and calls for the Holy Spirit to come down on the men about to be ordained. Bishop Kopacz laid hands on each candidate’s head, and then each priest present also imposed hands on the men in silence symbolizing the men are joining the presbyterial college of the local church. The Diocesan clergy, priest friends and mentors impose hands on the newly orpriests remained in the dained Fathers Bing Nguyen, José de Jesús Sánchez and Rusty Vincent. sanctuary, surrounding the bishop as he invoked the prayer of ordination. This Baton Rouge, vested him. Ideally priests should always prayer traces the priesthood from the call of Aaron in wear a stole and chasuble when they celebrate Mass the Old Testament to the work of Jesus in the New Tes- thus vesting symbolizes the men’s new status as priests. – continued on page 19 – tament.
“In turn, the gift of their lives laid down in loving service will be a blessing to the People of God, the Body of Christ, scattered throughout the Diocese of Jackson. Without a doubt you are a gift to all of the clergy of this diocese.” Archbishop Emeriuts Alfred Hughes of New Orleans vests Father Nguyen.
Bishop Kopacz presents a chalice and paten to Father Sánchez as part of the rite.
The new priests were then vested in stole and chasuble by a priest they had chosen, usually a mentor. Father Nguyen had Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes of New Orleans, his spiritual director help vest him. Father Joseph Palermo, director of spiritual formation for Notre Dame Seminary vested Father Sanchez and Father Vincent’s uncle, Father Patrick Mascarella of the Diocese of
Bishop Kopacz anoints the hands of Father Vincent as part of the ordination rite.
Deacons Nguyen, Sánchez and Vincent lie prostrate during the singing of the litany of the saints.
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
A Journey to Priesthood 12
JUNE 13, 2014
Ordenados, familias, amigos comparten día de júbilo
Por Elsa Baughman
l sábado 31 de mayo, una hora antes de su ordenación al sacerdocio y aún sin su vestimenta oficial, José de Jesús Sánchez caminaba un poco impaciente y nervioso afuera de la Catedral de San Pedro, dándole la bienvenida a sus amigos y a las personas que venían a su ordenación. Adentro de la catedral, sus padres, Jesús Sánchez y Celia Quiróz, sentados en primera fila junto con su hermano, Juan de Dios y su hermana Maribel, esperaban ansiosos el momento del inicio de la misa. Ellos habían venido de México días antes para estar presente en este momento tan especial en la vida de su hijo y hermano. “Tengo mucha emoción, ... es muy grande, ... no puedo describirla”, dijo pausadamente con una voz suave y cálida el padre de José de Jesús. “Dios le ha dado la bendición de llegar al día de hoy, a ser ordenado sacerdote y estamos todos muy felices por él”, añadió. Los seminaristas mexicanos, César Sánchez y Adolfo Suárez, junto con otros seminaristas de la Diócesis de Jackson, asistirían en el altar durante la misa de ordenación al sacerdocio de los tres diáconos, José de Jesús, Binh Nguyen, nativo de Vietnam; y Rusty Vincent de Pearl, Miss., que se celebraría a las 10:30 de la mañana por el Obispo Kopacz y concelebrada por el Arzobispo jubilado de New Orleans, Alfred Hughes, los obispos jubilados de la Diócesis de Jackson, Joseph Latino y William Houck, sacerdotes de la diócesis y otros sacerdotes amigos. A las once en punto los participantes comenzaron a entrar a la catedral, primero los seminaristas, vestidos con una sotana blanca, llevando el incendiario y los cirios, seguidos por el diácono Everardo Mora-Torres, quien llevaba el Evangeliario, detras de ellos venían los diáconos, Vincent, Sánchez y Nguyen, los sacerdotes y de último entraban los obispos. A continuación los obispos, sentados en el lado derecho del altar, los sacerdotes, a ambos lados del altar, y la comunidad de creyentes, presenciarían este evento que llena de gozo y júbilo a la diócesis que está tan necesitada de nuevos sacerdotes. Como en toda ceremonia de este tipo, lo primero que el obispo hace es purificar el altar con incienso para dar inicio a la celebración religiosa. Seguidamente, los tres diáconos, vestidos con una sotana blanca cruzada con una franja color crema en el pecho, en presencia del Obispo Kopacz y todos los fieles expresaron su determinación de llevar a cabo sus funciones de acuerdo al plan de Cristo y de la iglesia, bajo la dirección del obispo. Durante el canto de las letanías los tres candidatos estuvieron postrados en el altar, a los pies del obispo, mientras la congregación oraba y pedía a todos los santos la gracia de Dios para ellos. El Obispo Kopazc dijo durante la homilia que se podía ver claramente que era un día bendito y jubiloso para la diócesis, para todos los presentes y aquellos presentes en espíritu y oración, reunidos en júbilo con un sólo corazón y una sola alma para celebrar el Sacramento del Orden, el regalo más allá de toda medida, impartido a José, Ben, y Rusty. “A su vez, el don de sus vidas en servicio de amor será una bendición para el Pueblo de Dios y el Cuerpo de Cristo, esparcidos por toda la Diócesis de Jackson”, dijo. “Sin duda ustedes son un regalo para todos los sacerdotes de esta diócesis”. El Obispo Kopazc les dijo que sus mentes, corazones, y voluntades están resueltas a llevar a cabo el ministerio de Cristo, el sacerdocio, con constante alegría y amor genuino, atendiendo no a sus propias preocupaciones sino a las de Cristo Jesús. “Desde sus nacimientos la mano de la Providencia ha despertado esta llamada personal, su vocación, a través de muchos devotos discípulos quienes los han amado y guiado por el camino al sacerdocio. Sus padres y sus familias, la iglesia doméstica, le dio forma al medio ambiente en el cual
JACKSON – Los tres candidatos al sacerdocio (izq.-der.) Binh Nguyen, José de Jesús Sánchez y Rusty Vicent son presentados a la congregación antes de comenzar la ordenación en la Catedral de San Pedro. sus vocaciones prosperaron. Muchas gracias. Asimismo, dijo que las comunidades parroquiales de ellos, en varios lugares del mundo, les ofreció a una experiencia de la belleza y la verdad del sacerdocio que los llevó a profundizar en el misterio del plan de Dios para sus vidas. Antes de terminar la misa, cada uno de los tres nuevos sacerdotes tuvieron la oportunidad de presentar su mensaje de agradecimiento, en su propio idioma, por haber sido ordenados. José de Jesús, hablando en nombre de los tres, dijo que le daba gracias a Dios por su vocación y le pidió que lo siga bendiciendo para ser fiel a su iglesia y a su gente. “Le damos las gracias a nuestros padres por habernos educado, por habernos dado estos valores y buen ejemplo, a la Diócesis de Jackson por habernos escogido y darnos la bienvenida, al Obispo Kopacz por habernos ordenado el día de hoy, y a todos ustedes amigos, y a todos aquellos que oraron por nosotros”. El Obispo Kopacz anunció que Sánchez fue asignado como pastor asociado de las Parroquias St. Patrick y St. Joseph en Meridian; Nguyen fue asignado a la Parroquia San Francisco de Asís en Madison y Vincent a St. Joseph Parish in Greenville. La celebración continuó con una re-
cepción en el salón de la catedral.
Beloved Rev. Rusty Vincent
You have worked hard, prayed faithfully, and generously served many. St. Jude Parish, Pearl
is SO PROUD of you!
May God bless your priesthood a hundred-fold!
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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
A Journey to Priesthood
Necesito oraciones para seguir caminando
Por Elsa Baughman l domingo 1 de junio, Día de la Ascensión de Jesús al Cielo, a las 11 de la mañana, casi 24 horas después de haber sido ordenado, el Padre José de Jesús Sánchez estaba celebrando su primera misa bilingue en la Iglesia Santa María en Jackson, en compañía del Padre Joseph Palermo, su director espiritual durante sus cuatro años en el Seminario de Notre Dame en Nueva Orleans, los Padres Ricardo Phipps, párroco de las Iglesias Santa María y Cristo Rey, los seminaristas Adolfo Suárez, César Sánchez y Roselio Fuentes, de Taylor, Texas. Durante la homilía, el Padre Palermo explicó que es costumbre que un sacerdote recién ordenado no predique en su primera misa de acción de gracias porque tiene muchas cosas más de que preocuparse, sobre todo de que la misa “sea válida”, lo que ocasionó risa a la congregación. Luego mencionó lo que el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica dice sobre la ordenación al sacerdocio, “uno de los medios por los cuales Cristo no cesa de construir y de conducir a su iglesia para la salvación de las almas”. El Padre Palermo también citó el Catecismo Católico al indicar que “en el servicio eclesial del ministro ordenado es Cristo mismo quien está presente en su iglesia como Cabeza de su cuerpo, Pastor de su rebaño, Sumo Sacerdote del sacrificio redentor, Maestro de la Verdad. El sacerdote ordenado no solamente representa a Jesús ante la asamblea de los fieles sino también actúa en el nombre de la iglesia entera cuando le presenta a Dios la oración de la iglesia y sobretodo cuan-
El Padre José de Jesús Sánchez ofreció por primera vez la Comunión siendo ya sacerdote ordenado.
Profile: Padre José de
Jesús Sánchez
Ciudad natal: Zapote de Peralta, Abasolo, Gto. Mexico. Parroquia: Nuestro Señor de Esquipulitas Colegios: Ignacio Aldama, Telesecundaria 55, and Video bachillerato. Santo favorito: San José Escritura favorita: Juan 10:11 - “Yo soy el Buen Pastor. El buen pastor da su vida por sus ovejas.
Oración/devoción favorita y ¿por qué?
La Divina Misericordia es mi devoción favorita porque me ayuda a recordar que necesito orar por todas las almas como un buen pastor.
¿Quién te “vestirá” en tu ordenación y por qué?
El Padre Joe Palermo me vestirá porque el me conoce bien y ha sido un buen modelo para mi durante mi
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do ofrece el sacrificio de la Eucaristía”. Sobre su experiencia como director espiritual del Padre Sánchez durante sus años en el seminario, el Padre Palermo le dijo que había sido escogido por Dios para esta especial vocación. “Dios te llamó en tu tierra natal de México para ser un sacerdote misionero en los Estados Unidos”, dijo. “El por qué Dios te llamó a esta misión es un misterio. Es la providencia de Dios. Tú eres un hombre bueno, pero no perfecto; tampoco lo soy yo ni ninguno de nosotros, ni los primeros sacerdotes a quién Jesús llamó. Ellos también tenían fuerzas y debilidades como nosotros, pero amaban a Jesús y estaban dispuestos a dejar a sus familias y sus tierras natales para seguir a Jesús, igual que tú lo has hecho. Gra- El Padre Mario Solorzano (izq.) lee la oración de bendición del nuevo cias por tu generosidad en seguir la lla- cáliz del Padre José de Jesús Sánchez durante su primera misa en mada de Cristo de México a Jackson, la Iglesia Santa María el domingo 1 de junio. El Padre Joe Palermo Mississippi, y gracias a tus padres y (der.) fue su director espiritual. parientes por su generosidad en compartirte con esta iglesia local. el salón de fiestas de la Parroquia Cristo Rey. “En el seminario te comprometiste diligentemente a Para Esperanza Velásquez, de la Parroquia Santa Teresa estudiar inglés y aunque amas tu cultura y tus raíces lati- en Jackson, era la primera vez que asistía a una misa de nas, te has adaptado a la cultura y a la comida americana ¡y ordenación sacerdotal. “Fui a la catedral el sábado en la además a las máquinas de correr. A este hombre le encanta mañana para presenciar la más increíble manifestación del correr! amor de Dios por sus criaturas cuando estos tres jóvenes, “Durante tus años en el seminario fuiste un hombre de feliz y voluntariamente se comprometerían a servir a Dios oración, uno que se levantaba temprano, disciplinado, hu- y sus comunidades”, dijo, agregando que la ceremonia fue milde en servicio; lavando los platos y atendiendo las mesas impresionante, más allá de sus expectativas. para servir a la comunidad del seminario. “Me sentí abrumada por emociones de alegría, de amor “Durante tu sacerdocio, por favor mantente fiel a lo y gratitud a Dios primero y a los jóvenes. Viendo la ordeque te ha traído a este día, la oración, el estudio, el auto nación, por primera vez, pude sentir cómo Dios realmente sacrificio, el servicio humilde, tu sentido del humor, tu con- escucha nuestras oraciones. Por lo tanto, es verdad, pensé, fianza en Dios y la devoción a la Virgen de Guadalupe. “La Dios respondió a nuestras oraciones. ascensión de Jesús al cielo es un regalo increíble de Dios Velasquez anotó que al día siguiente, durante la primera para nuestro mundo. El sacerdocio ordenado es también misa del Padre José de Jesús Sánchez, el padre Joseph Palerun regalo increíble de Dios para nuestro mundo y Dios nos mo, en su homilía, hizo la observación sobre cómo el padre ha dado este regalo de nuevo”, dijo el Padre Palermo al final José (nacido en México) no decidió ser un sacerdote en los de su homilía que fue interpretada al español por Patrick Estados Unidos”, Dios lo elegió a él”, dijo. “El ha aceptado la Fields, un gran amigo americano del Padre Sánchez. voluntad de Dios en su vida”. Antes de finalizar la misa, el Padre Sánchez le dio las Velásquez dijo que eso fue muy significativo para ella, gracias, en inglés y en español, a todos los que asistieron en como inmigrante. “Mirando a mi alrededor podía ver al Pala misa y a la comunidad reunida y les pidió que se arrodi- dre José en muchos de nosotros. La ordenación de estos jóllen y oren por él y por todos los sacerdotes para que sean venes sacerdotes, tan interesante como ha sido, también ha santos. “Necesitamos oraciones para seguir caminando y sido una llamada de atención para mí. Oren, porque Dios poder acompañarlos en este caminar”, dijo. escucha. No hay duda de ello”, dijo. Seguidamente se ofreció una recepción en su honor en discernimiento hacia el sacerdocio.
¿Dónde celebrará su primera misa?
En la Iglesia Santa María en Jackson el domingo 1 de junio de 2014.
¿Alguno de sus familiares asistirá a la ordenación? ¿Quién? Sí, mis padres, Celia Quiróz y Jesús Sánchez; y dos hermanos, Maribel Sánchez y Juan de Dios Sánchez.
¿Qué es lo que más esperas con interés como sacerdote? Deseo administrar los sacramentos a los fieles y en el futuro crecer en santidad con ellos.
Libro favorito:
“El Misterio de José” del Padre Benedict Groeschel
Película favorita:
“Manos Talentosas – La historia de Benjamin Carson”
Pasatiempos:
Me gusta leer, correr, caminar, y jugar basketball.
Consejo para los que están discerniendo una vocación Dios nos llama a cada uno de nosotros todos los días pero necesitamos aprender como escuchar su voz. Debemos pasar tiempo en oración con el Señor y pedirle que nos fortalezca para hacer su voluntad en nuestras vidas. Después debemos celebrar los sacramentos con mas frecuencia porque a través de ellos Dios nos ayuda a acercarnos más a él, y finalmente, debemos tener un director espiritual quién podrá guiarnos en nuestro discernimiento. No tengamos miedo de decir “Sí” al Señor. ¡Caminemos juntos el camino hacia la santidad! Parroquias en las cuales sirvió durante su tiempo en el seminario: St. Therese (Jackson), Sagrado Corazón (Canton) y Cristo Rey (Jackson).
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JUNE 13, 2014
Profile: Father Binh Chau Nguyen Parroquia: St. Michael Parish in Forest Santo/Santa favorito/a: la Virgen María, San José, y San Luis de Montfort (él es el santo de mi bautismo) Escritura favorita: Juan 13:1. “Los amó hasta el fin”. Oración/devoción favorita y ¿por qué?
El rosario porque mi madre, primero que nada, fue la primera persona que me enseñó como rezar esta maravillosa oración. Además, siempre pensé que mi vida espiritual como diácono o sacerdote no sería agradable a Dios a menos que incluyera la devoción a la Virgen María. Aún más, un seminarista, diácono o sacerdote necesita la ayuda y protección de la Virgen María más que ninguna otra persona. Por lo tanto, consciente de la importancia de nuestra Virgen María, siempre pido por su ayuda por medio de esta maravillosa oración todos los días.
¿Quién te “vestirá” en tu ordenación y por qué?
El Arzobispo Alfred Hughes, arzobispo emerito de la Arquidiócesis de Nueva Orleans. Lo escogí a él porque ha sido mi director espiritual durante mi tiempo de estudios en el Seminario de Notre Dame en Nueva Orleans. El ha sido la persona más cercana a mi vocación sacerdotal desde el 2009. El siempre me ha dado apoyo espiritual y comparte conmigo una gran orientación y perspectiva en mi camino espiritual hacia el sacerdocio. El me ha estado enseñando como llegar a ser un buen y santo sacerdote al pasarme su grande y valiosa experiencia espiritual.
¿Dónde celebrará su primera misa?
En la Iglesia St. Michael en Forest el domingo 1 de junio a las 9 a.m. en inglés y a las 6 p.m. en Vietnamese.
¿Alguno de sus familiares asistirá a la ordenación? ¿Quién?
Mi tía, Hermana Mary Martin Tran Thi Tue, OP, de
Vietnam. Ella es la hermana de mi madre. Mi hermano y hermana de Texas y California.
¿Qué es lo que más esperas con interés como sacerdote?
Estoy deseando SERVIR como sacerdote a todos en la Diócesis de Jackson.
Libro favorito:
Leer libros sobre teología.
Película favorita: Pasatiempos:
Coleccionar estampillas de Vietnam y el Vaticano.
Consejo para los que están discerniendo una vocación:
De mi experiencia como seminarista, yo diría que mantener fielmente la oración diaria es un importante concejo para los que están discernando una vocación porque pienso que una vocación al sacerdocio o a la vida religiosa solo puede sobrevivir con nuestra relación personal con Dios a través de nuestras oraciones diarias.
Algo sobre tí que la gente quizás no sabe: Que tengo un cinturón negro de Taekwondo.
Parroquias en las cuales sirvió durante su tiempo en el seminario:
El Obispo Joseph Kopacz unge las manos del Padre Binh Nguyen durante la misa de ordenación. El Padre Nguyen ha sido asignado como pastor asociado en la San Francisco de Asís en Madison.
St. Therese (Jackson), St. Patrick y St. Joseph (Meridian), St. Michael (Forest), St. Anne (Newton), St. Michael (Paulding), donde hice mi entrenamiento de diaconado).
“Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.”
Congratulations to all our new priests from St. Joseph Parish, Starkville El Padre Nguyen celebró su primera misa en inglés en la Parroquia San Miguel en Forest a las 9 de la mañana y en vietnamés a las 6 de la tarde.
607 University Drive, Starkville, MS 39759 (662) 323-2257 www.stjosephstarkville.org
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JUNE 13, 2014
PROFILE: Padre
Rusty Vincent
Ciudad natal: Brandon, Mississippi Parroquia: San Judas, Pearl Colegios: Brandon High School Santo favorito: San Agustín y Santa Teresa de Lisieux Escritura favorita: Lucas 15:11-32 (Parabola del Hijo Pródigo) Oración/devoción favorita y ¿por qué?
El rosario porque me ayuda a meditar sobre la vida de Cristo a través de los ojos de su madre.
¿Quién te “vestirá” en tu ordenación y por qué?
El Padre Patrick Mascarella, porque es mi tio sacerdote de la Diócesis de Baton Rouge.
El Padre Rusty Vincent le da el signo de la paz a su madre, Denise Vincent, durante su primera misa en la Iglesia San Judas en Pearl.
¿Dónde se celebrará su primera misa?
En la Iglesia San Judas el domingo 1 de junio a las 2 de la tarde.
¿Alguno de sus familiares asistirá a la ordenación? ¿Quién? Mis padres, hermanos y sus esposas, sobrinos, abuelos, tios, tias, primos y muchos otros familiares. Será una gran celebración en mi familia.
¿Qué es lo que más esperas con interés como sacerdote? Estoy deseando celebrar la misa. Es el centro de nuestra fe y devoción, y será una humilde experiencia de darnos la oportunidad de celebrar misa.
cerniendo una vocación:
Paciencia y fortaleza. Aprendí con el tiempo que una vocación no llega a su madurez de la noche a la mañana. De hecho, toma mucho tiempo y paciencia en oración para que se llegue a realizar. El discernimiento tampoco es fácil. A través de los tiempos difíciles requirió mucho esfuerzo y confianza en Dios para alcanzar este punto en mi peregrinaje.
Algo sobre tí que la gente quizás no sabe:
Vicksburg Catholic School congratulates Fr. Nguyen, Fr. Sanchez, and Fr. Vincent on the celebration of their ordination.
“El Regreso del Hijo Pródigo de Henri Nouwen
I
n the rich tradition of St. Aloysius graduates pursuing vocations with the church, we also prayerfully support alumnus Seminarian Jason Johnston, SAHS Class of 2003, as he continues his studies to join other alumni:
Película favorita:
La guerra de las galaxias (Star Wars)
Pasatiempos:
Consejo para los que están dis-
Parroquias en las cuales sirvió durante su tiempo en el seminario: St. Richard (Jackson), St. Alphonsus (McComb), St. Joseph (Starkville), St. Paul (Vicksburg), St. Mary Basilica (Natchez) si mi experiencia de enseñar está incluída en esta categoría.
Nunca pensé en ser sa-
Libro favorito:
Me gusta jugar ajedrez, golf, construir legos y modelos, mirar o jugar fútbol americano y baloncesto.
cerdote cuando estaba creciendo. Mi inquietud comenzó cuando estaba en la universidad. Muestra que Dios nos puede llamar en cualquier momento en nuestras vidas.
El Padre Gerard Hurley, párroco de la Iglesia San Paul en Flowood, le da el abrazo de la paz al Padre Vincent el día de su ordenación en la Catedral de San Pedro.
Bishop Joseph Bernard Brunini, Class of 1928 Fr. Don Derivaux, Class of 1946 Brother Carl Evans, Class of 1948 Fr. Charles Loyacono, Class of 1941 Fr. William Vollor, Class of 1952 Fr. John Vollor, Class of 1960 ST. FRANCIS XAVIER 1200 Hayes Street Vicksburg, MS 39183
ST. ALOYSIUS HIGH SCHOOL 1900 Grove Street Vicksburg, MS 39183 vicksburgcatholic.org
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
JUNE 13, 2014
A Journey to Priesthood 16
New American priests share similar stories
By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) – Despite varying paths to the priesthood, the burning desire for ordination as the culmination of their discernment over a vocation is the one constant among many in the current group of men being ordained as priests. At just 25 years old, Father Brad Zamora, ordained May 17 for the Archdiocese of Chicago, is a bit of a throwback. In an earlier time, most new priests were his age. This year the median age is 32. Two priests at his home parish in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood approached him when he was in eighth grade and told him they thought he would make a good priest. “That was all it took, really, and I entered high school seminary, Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary, the following August,” he told Catholic News Service in an email exchange May 21. Although he was in Washington, he could not break away from the eighth graders from Sts. Faith, Hope and Charity School in Winnetka, Illinois, he had been chaperoning in the nation’s capital. But for Father Rusty Vincent, who was ordained a priest May 31 for the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, “I never thought about becoming a priest when I was growing up. It was not until college. It shows that God can call us at any moment in our lives.” He made his comments to the Mississippi Catholic, Jackson’s diocesan newspaper. He is one of three priests ordained for Jackson – a rich harvest for a diocese where Catholics are less than three percent of the overall population. Father Zamora is part of the nation’s largest diocesan priestly ordination class at 12, but even that figure doesn’t replace the
number of priests in Chicago who retire or die each year. Dominican Father Peter Martyr Yungwirth – his given name is Patrick but Dominicans take on a new name as they approach priesthood – told CNS the day before his May 23 ordination that he had “gotten out of a relationship with a girlfriend” and was sensing a call to a priestly vocation, which he did not want. “I wanted to marry and have a family,” he recounted. But the priest he consulted about this dilemma advised him to discern the priestly vocation. If priesthood was for him, it would make the discernment process quicker; if it wasn’t, then he could tell his future children what he understood about priesthood. “I spent the whole fall semester fighting with the Lord,” Father Yungwirth said. God won. What won him over was seeing a TV miniseries in December 2005 on the life of St. John Paul II. Another new Dominican priest, Father Cajetan Cuddy, was born in South Korea, and adopted and raised by evangelical parents. During his first semester at an evangelical school, Grove City College in Pennsylvania, he befriended one of the sons of Scott Hahn, who had been a Presbyterian minister before joining the Catholic Church. Father Cuddy, whose baptismal name is Christopher, met the elder Hahn, quickly became convinced that the Catholic Church was best suited for him, and transferred from the evangelical college to the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. He joined the church and started pondering whether ordained ministry was meant for him. His adoptive parents, Father Cuddy admitted, were “a little confused” by his switch, thinking he did so “may-
be for a girl.” But “as time went on, they were real happy” for him. Father Binh Nguyen, who is Vietnamese-American, was also ordained May 31 for the Diocese of Jackson, and like every new priest gets to choose a priest to vest him for his first Mass. He chose not just a priest, but an archbishop: retired Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans. “I choose him because he is my spiritual director during the time I have studied at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans. He has been my closest person to my priestly vocation since 2009,” he said. “He always gives me spiritual support and shares with me a lot of wonderful guidance and insight for my spiritual journey toward the priesthood. He has been teaching me how to become a good and holy priest by passing his great and valuable spiritual experience to me.” The third Jackson ordinand, Father José de Jesús Sànchez, believed he wanted to be a priest in America, but had some doubts after spending a cold winter in Iowa. After he returned home for more discernment he ended up in the Diocese of Jackson, a much better fit with its warm climate and growing Hispanic population. “At the end of the school year, I went back to Mexico because the winter time was too cold. I wanted to become a priest for the Archdiocese of Morelia (Mexico), but my will was not God’s will. God brought me back to the U.S.A. to study for this wonderful Diocese of Jackson,” he explained. Both Fathers Zamora and Vincent selected Father Henri Nouwen as one of the models for their own priesthood. For the Jackson ordinand, Father Nouwen’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son” is his favorite book.
Congratulations!!! Fathers Binh Nguyen Jose de Jesus Sanchez Rusty Vincent From Christ the King and St. Mary Parishes— Jackson, MS We thank God for you, that God has called you to serve in our diocese. Damos gracias a Dios por ustedes, que Dios les llamó a ustedes para servir in nuestra diocesis.
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A Journey to Priesthood
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
Pope to priests: ‘go out into world, serve with love’
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) – A priest is called to be in the midst of his flock, protecting his people, searching for those who are lost and always serving those in need, Pope Francis told the world’s priests. If a priest wants to overcome those inevitable moments of sadness, exhaustion and boredom as well as discover his true identity, he must head for the exit sign, going outside himself to be with God and his people, he said April 17 during the chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. He must also be a dutiful servant who listens to people’s need and builds a church whose doors are wide open, offering refuge for sinners, a home for the homeless, comfort for the sick and God’s word and joy for the young, he said. Presiding over the first of two Holy Thursday liturgies, Pope Francis blessed the oils that will be used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, ordination and the anointing of the sick.
JUNE 13, 2014
He said it’s not an exaggeration, given the “grandeur of the gift granted us” to minister and serve, to say the priest is a very small person. While “in that littleness we find our joy,” he said, being “little” without God spells danger. “No one is more ‘little’ than a priest left to his own devices.” Priestly joy must be sought and rooted in God’s love and it can find protection from evil in prayer to Mary, he said. Otherwise a priest risks becoming “the poorest of men unless Jesus enriches him by his poverty, the most useless of servants unless Jesus calls him his friend, the most ignorant of men unless Jesus patiently teaches him as he did Peter, the frailest of Christians,” unless Jesus gives him strength in the midst of his flock, he said. Self-denial, forsaking earthly happi“The priest who tries to find his priestly ness and giving oneself to others mean identity by soul-searching and introspecthe priest “has to seek his joy from the tion may well encounter nothing more Lord and from God’s faithful people. He doesn’t need to try to create it for than ‘exit’ signs, signs that say: Exit from himself.” yourself, exit to seek God in adoration, go Nor should the priest be trying to out and give your people what was encarve out his own identity because trusted to you.” “there is no identity – and consequently joy of life – without an active and unwavering sense of belonging to Deacons carried the sacramental oils in large silver God’s faithful people,” he said. urns to the main altar to be blessed by the pope. “The priest who tries to find his Pope Francis kisses the foot of a disabled person at Our Lady of Joined by more than 1,500 priests, bishops and car- priestly identity by soul-searching and Providence Center during Holy Thursday Mass in Rome April 17. dinals, Pope Francis led them in a renewal of their priest- introspection may well encounter noth- (CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters) ly vows and a reflection on what it means to be a priest, ing more than ‘exit’ signs, signs that say: in a homily that was lengthier than usual. Exit from yourself, exit to seek God in at times overcome us in our priestly life and which I too He focused on the meaning of being anointed through adoration, go out and give your people what was entrusthave experienced,” the pope said. ordination, emphasizing that Holy Thursday was the day ed to you.” With his infinite compassion “for all the little ones Jesus shared his priesthood with the apostles by anointThe people of God “will make you feel and taste who and the outcasts of this earth, wearied and oppressed ing them with “the oil of gladness.” you are,” he said. They will also be able “to protect you, like sheep without a shepherd,” Jesus calls people to his “Priestly joy is a priceless treasure, not only for the to embrace you and to help you open your heart to find ministry, so that he can be present and work “in the perpriest himself but for the entire faithful people of God,” renewed joy” during those moments a priest finds himson of his priests, for the good of his people.” the pope said. self feeling isolated, gloomy, listless and bored, “which Like an attentive servant, the priest “makes the church a house with open doors, a refuge for sinners, a home for people living on the street, a place of loving care for the sick, a camp for the young, a classroom for catechizing children,” he said. The priest must be wherever there are people in need or searching; he needs to know how to listen, and feel driven by Christ to lift burdens with mercy and encourage hope with charity. He asked that people pray for vocations so that when young people hear the call to religious life, they have “the stroke of boldness to respond willingly.” He asked for prayers for the recently ordained, that they never lose the “joy sparkling” in their eyes as they “go forth to devour the world.” He also prayed for elderly priests and those who have served many years, that they may “gather their strength and rearm themselves, get ‘a second wind.’” Later in the day, the pope celebrated the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at a Rome rehabilitation facility for the elderly and people with disabilities. He washed the feet of four women and eight men with different disabilities and ranging in ages from 16 to 86. Of the 12 chosen, nine are Italian, one woman is Priests extend their arms in prayer as Pope Francis celebrates Holy Thursday chrism Mass in St. from Ethiopia, one young man is from Cape Verde and Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 17. The pope told the priests to go out into the world and do one man from Libya is Muslim, according to organizers.
service.(CNS photo/Paul Haring)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
A Journey to Priesthood 18
JUNE 13, 2014
Ordination class statistics show patterns within church
WASHINGTON — The 2014 class of men ordained to the priesthood includes 15 percent Hispanic/Latino. This reflects a gradual increase of Hispanic/Latino priests in the U.S. church over decades, but is about half the percentage of Hispanics in the Catholic Church in the U.S. overall. Catholic education stands out as a strong factor in the background of the new priests, with half having attended a Catholic elementary school, 41 percent a Catholic high school and 45 percent, a Catholic college. The median age of the new priests is 32, with the youngest 25 and the oldest 70. The Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) gathered the data for “The Class of 2014: Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood.” CARA collected the data annually for the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. About 77 percent of the estimated 477 potential ordinands in 2014 responded to the study. Respondents were from 114 dioceses and archdioceses and 31 religious orders. The largest number of respondents came from the Archdiocese of Newark (11), Archdiocese of Chicago (10) and Archdiocese of Boston (9). Among religious orders, the largest number of respondents came from the Jesuits (18), Dominicans (10) and Benedictines (8). The full report can be found at http://www.usccb. org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/ordination-class/ index.cfm Among the survey’s major findings: • The median age of ordinands is 32. Eight in
ten are between 25 and 39. This distribution is slightly younger than in 2013, but follows the pattern in recent years of average age at ordination in the mid-thirties. Five men are being ordained to the priesthood after age 60. • Two thirds (67 percent) report their primary race or ethnicity as Caucasian/European American/white. Eleven percent are Asian or Pacific Islanders and 15 percent, Hispanic/Latino. • Three of ten of the new priests (31 percent) were born outside the U.S., with the largest numbers from Mexico, Vietnam, Colombia, Poland and the Philippines. Mexico and Vietnam are the most frequently mentioned countries of birth among ordinands born outside the U.S. The class identified 33 different countries of origin. The number of ordinands who are foreign-born increased from 22 percent in 1999 to 38 percent in 2003, but has declined since then and is now 31 percent. • Most ordinands have been Catholic since birth, although 9 percent became Catholic later in life. Among the latter, their average age of conversion was about 19. • More than half completed college (54 percent) before entering the seminary. One in six (16 percent) entered with a graduate degree. Twenty-two percent completed only high school before entering the seminary. A quarter (23 percent) attended some college or a technical school before entering the seminary. Most responding ordinands (54 percent) completed college before entering the seminary. New priests for religious
orders are more likely than priests for dioceses to have a graduate degree before entering the seminary (22 percent compared to 14 percent). • More than a quarter (26 percent) carried educational debt when they entered the seminary, averaging a little more than $21,000. • Six in ten ordinands (60 percent) report some type of full-time work experience prior to entering the seminary, most often in education. • Ordinands have been active in parish ministries, with eight in ten (80 percent) indicating they served as an altar server and about half (52 percent) report being a lector. • About seven in ten ordinands report regularly praying the rosary (68 percent) and participating in Eucharistic adoration (70 percent) before entering the seminary. • On average, responding ordinands report that they were about 17 when they first considered a vocation to the priesthood. Seven in ten (71 percent) say they were encouraged by a parish priest. Other frequent encouragers include friends (45 percent), parishioners (43 percent) and mothers (38 percent). • A third of ordinands first considered a vocation to priesthood in elementary school. About a quarter first considered a vocation in high school. One in five first considered this in college. Diocesan ordinands are more likely to have considered priesthood in high school, while religious ordinands are slightly more likely to have first considered this during their college years.
CONGRATULATIONS,
Deacon Binh Nguyen, Deacon José De Jesús Sánchez, and Deacon Rusty Vincent, on your Ordination to the Priesthood St. Mary Basilica Parish and Cathedral Unit School congratulate you on your ordination to the priesthood on May 31, 2014, and support you in prayer as you begin your ministry among the people of the Diocese of Jackson. ST. MARY BASILICA, Natchez 105 South Union Street Pastor: Father David O’Connor www.stmarybasilica.org www.stmarybasilicaarchives.org
[email protected] 601-445-5616
CATHEDRAL SCHOOL, Natchez 701 Martin Luther King, Jr. St. Administrator / Principal: Pat Sanguinetti Elementary Principal: Shannon Bland 601-442-2531 www.cathedralgreenwave.com
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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
A Journey to Priesthood
JUNE 13, 2014
... Mass culmination of months of planning – continued from page 11 – Following the vesting came the anointing of the new priests hands. Anointing is a tradition dating to the earliest days of God’s covenant with his people. The bishop anointed the palms of each ordinand with Sacred Chrism consecrated on Tuesday of Holy Week at the Mass of the Oils. Family members then brought up the gifts so the bishop can present each new priest with a chalice filled with water and wine and a paten with a host on it. The men held the gifts as the bishop recited the command, “Receive from the Holy People of God the gifts to be offered to God. Know what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s cross.” The Rite concludes with the ancient exchange of the fraternal kiss of peace. The bishop offered it first to each priest and then all the priests in attendance took their turns giving the men a hearty hug. The exchange of peace is a way for the local clergy to welcome their new coworkers into their ranks. The Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Before the final blessing each priest greeted the congregation. Father Nguyen read his greeting in Vietnamese, Father Sanchez in Spanish. Father Vincent approached the ambo and began, “I guess I’ll just talk in English.” He spoke of how he was feeling the joy St. John felt upon hearing Mary’s voice, saying he could barely contain it. During the rehersal Bishop Kopacz, Father Simmons and Mary Woodward go That same joy rippled through the rite of ordination with then-deacons Vincent, Sànchez and Nguyen. throughout the congretreated to a variety of foods. gation as the bishop announced parish assignments for Members of the Vietnamese community came early the men. The congregation erupted in applause as each to prepare hundreds of hand-rolled spring rolls on site assignment was read. Father Nguyen will serve at Mad- to serve at the party along with catered food served by ison St. Francis of Assisi; Father Sanchez in the Catholic dozens of volunteers. Community of Meridian, St. Patrick and St. Joseph, and The Cathedral Flower guild created overflowing Father Vincent will go to flower arrangements for the tables in the center full of Greenville St. Joseph. dark pink, white and green flowers to compliment the Festivities continued in colors of the cathedral. the Cathedral Center with Well-wishers could sign guest books congratulating a reception for everyone. the three new priests and leave cards and gifts on a table Those who attended were set up just for that purpose.
“Then he said to his disci-
ples, “The harvest is plen-
urch trick Ch t. Pa S an idi
few. 38 Ask the Lord of the
harvest, therefore, to send
out workers into his
harvest field.”
M
er
Leah Corhern, Father Vincent’s sister, helps her son Nicholas sign the guest book at the reception after the ordination.
tiful but the workers are
Mer
idi
an
h sep Jo St.
CONGRATULATIONS & BLESSINGS
Matthew 9: 37-38
Members of Father Nguyen’s family enjoy the variety of foods offered at the reception.
Catholic Community of Meridian serving Meridian, Lauderdale and the surrounding Counties, including Naval Air Station Meridian. www.catholicmeridian.org
rch
from the Catholic Community of Meridian
C hu
+ Father Nguyen + Father Sanchez + Father Vincent
A lifetime of serving in the vineyard
– To our newly ordained priests – Father Binh, Father Jesús and Father Rusty e look forward to your service in the diocese of Jackson. May your journey be as long and fulfilling as those who have come before you and now celebrate in their golden years. May the Lord lead you where you need to go; and may you always find joy in your ministry among us.
May God bless you!
