my silver jubilee
"Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wondrous deeds." —Psalm 98:1
Today is my silver ordination anniversary. Twenty-five years ago today, the Lord showed His awesome love and mercy by ordaining me a priest. In these twenty-five years, the Lord has been true to His word by giving me a hundred times more than I have ever given to Him (Mk 10:30). Thank You, Lord!
"How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the Lord; my vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all His people" (Ps 116:12-14). On this silver jubilee, I renew my baptismal promises by rejecting Satan, all his works, and all his empty promises. I express my faith in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I renew my ordination vows to be obedient to my bishop, celibate for God's kingdom, and poor in imitation of Jesus. I renew my promises to intercede in unity with Jesus, the High Priest, and to lead God's people as the Good Shepherd wills. Thank You, Lord!
On this day of jubilee, I "pay homage to the Lord" (Sir 35:7). I thank the Lord for loving and choosing me. I thank each one of you for your love and prayers. You are a sign of hope, the body of Christ, and God's royal priesthood (1 Pt 2:9). Please pray in thanksgiving with me and for me. Thank You, Lord!
Prayer: Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Promise: "Give to the Most High as He has given to you, generously." —Sir 35:9
Praise: With his last breath, Venerable Bede sang: "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit."
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, October 9, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 17, 1998