A New Priest

I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me. Song of Songs 7:10

Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive (back) an overabundant return in this present age and eternal life in the age to come. Lk 18:29-30

Fr. Nathan Ernest Harburg
Ordained to the
Priesthood of Jesus Christ
May 20, 2011 – Diocese of Saginaw

This morning one of the new priests ordained from our parish said the Sunday mass, assisted by one of the new deacons, our pastor, and the many other parish deacons and men in formation to the priesthood. And the best of our parish choir sang in the best of their voices. It was a very moving sacrifice in which we all celebrated.

Fr Nate sang the mass with a great joy obvious to everyone. And as he began, opening the mass with the words: “My brothers and sisters …,” he was truly saying to us: MY brothers and sisters.

I’m not sure I recall ever participating in a mass with my brothers and sisters in Christ and having that feeling that we were truly brothers and sisters, a family, praying, honoring, and rejoicing, together. It was a beautiful experience.

And yes, in happiness, I cried. God has been so good to us.