A Joyous Moment

The large assembly at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge erupted in cheers and the hymn “Oh God Beyond All Praising” majestically resounded in the church as Father Albert Blount and Father Joseph Bresowar walked down the aisle with their faces lit up in smiles after their ordination to the priesthood May 27.

Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s two newest priests.

During the Rite of Ordination, then-candidates Deacon Blount and Deacon Bresowar stood and confidently declared “Present” when Deacon David Furka of the Diocese of Lafayette individually called them to come forward before Bishop Duca to be ordained priests.

Presenting the candidates and testifying to their readiness to Bishop Duca were Father Andrew Merrick, director of the Office of Vocations; Mollie Landry, associate director for the Office of Vocations; and Father Bryce Sibley STL, representing Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Candidates Blount and Bresowar then turned to the assembly, which expressed its approval with applause.

In his homily, Bishop Duca commented that he had been telling Catholic school graduates this year that “hope allows us to imagine.”

In the same way, the bishop stated to the two priests to be ordained that they were undoubtedly ready to move forward.

“In fact, you’ve kind of thought about where you might go; you might have thought about what ministries you might be in over the years. You may internally have a plan of how it’s going to go,” the bishop said.

Speaking from experience, the bishop added, “It never happens the way you plan it.” He pointed out that “you have a plan for your life and God has a plan for your life.”

Bishop Duca reminded the two new priests, “This is not your priesthood.”

He said they are called by God to be priests but to be priests for service to the people of God.

“You are a dispenser of the sacraments of the church,” said Bishop Duca.

He emphasized, “You must put your life in service of those who come asking for the graces as God gives them through you. While it is not your sacrament it is your sacrament because God called you with your own unique gifts and talents, called you with your own circle of friends and acquaintances in history that allow you to bring Christ to a whole other part of this diocese, state, of the world.”

The bishop pointed out the priests and deacons that surrounded him were like a huge symphony each proclaiming the word of God, each with a different instrument, each in a different way but all with the same tune to proclaim Jesus Christ and baptize and convert all nations in the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit.

The priesthood is a journey of love, emphasized Bishop Duca. Priesthood calls clergy members to give up and give over in their lives over and over again so they can first and foremost be present to the people of God. It is their vocation as a priest.

“This is the defining moment in your life. You are a priest and everything else finds its meaning, purpose and place in light of that vocation,” said the bishop.

After the homily, Bishop Duca proceeded further with the Rite of Ordination, which included the examination of the elect and their pledge of obedience to the bishop and his successors, the litany of supplication, the laying of hands, prayer of ordination, investiture with stole and chasuble, the anointing of hands, the presentation of gifts and the fraternal kiss.

In a moving part of the Mass before the closing remarks and dismissal, Bishop Duca knelt before Father Blount and Father Bresowar to receive their blessing. The two also blessed their family members.

In his closing remarks, the bishop appealed to the assembly to pray for vocations, pointing out “we need more laborers in the vineyard.”

“Maybe some people out there today have been inspired to hear God’s call. If God gives you the idea that you might want to be a priest keep thinking about it. I don’t know where it will lead you, but if it leads you where God wants you and it is the priesthood, I can assure you it will be a most joyful and happy life for you … challenging yes, but it will be a fulfilling life, one where you can really make a difference in this world.”