Special day for my class

Today was a momentous day for my class here at Kenrick. I write this entry tonight having taken an oath of perpetual celibacy and an oath of obedience to my bishop, the Magisterium and the Holy Father this morning. After Morning Prayer, 4 of my classmates and myself took our oaths of celibacy and fidelity as well as made a profession of faith. After taking our oaths, we each signed and dated the oaths at the center of the altar with our right hand resting on the Book of Gospels.

This is a wonderful and yet simple ceremony in which we swear, in writing, to give ourselves totally in service to the Church. The signed oaths will be sent to our bishops, which fulfills the requirements of paragraph 1036 & 1037 in the Code of Canon Law that says:

Can. 1036 In order to be promoted to the order of diaconate or of presbyterate, the candidate is to present to his bishop or competent major superior a declaration written in his own hand and signed in which he attests that he will receive the sacred order of his own accord and freely and will devote himself perpetually to the ecclesiastical ministry and at the same time asks to be admitted to the order to be received.

Can.  1037 An unmarried candidate for the permanent diaconate and a candidate for the presbyterate are not to be admitted to the order of diaconate unless they have assumed the obligation of celibacy in the prescribed rite publicly before God and the Church or have made perpetual vows in a religious institute.

This is the final step before receiving orders to the diaconate. It is such an important moment for my classmates and myself because it confirms our commitment to the Church. On May 27th, my bishop will seal this commitment by the laying of his hands on my head, reciting the Prayer of Consecration and by the power of the Holy Spirit. The responsorial antiphon from Morning Prayer today sums up this event: This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia!

Please pray for me as I prepare for my ordination in just over a month. Pray that I may be a humble, holy and faithful servant who ministers His people with love and care. Until next time…God bless.

posted by: crossman at 18:49 | link | comments |
blog