Reflection of Priesthood and First Mass

Ordination to the priesthood was a very special and unique experience. The whole weekend was very hectic and felt like a blur, but even more than that it was very grace-filled. The day of ordination itself was surreal and tiring, but I also felt the many blessing and gifts God bestowed upon me. When everyone was coming up to congratulate me and asking for blessings, I was reminded about how they were excited for me, not only because they were journeying with me, but also because I now, more than ever, represented the Church and Jesus Christ. When the people were thanking and congratulating me, their real gratitude was not meant for me, but for God. Many thanked me for answering God’s call to the priesthood, but I also thanked them for their continuous prayers for the Church, for vocations to the priesthood, and for their support of priests. Without the prayers and support of the people of God we would not have new priests. On the following day, Sunday, I had my first Masses. It was a blessed experience to celebrate Mass for the first time. We practiced saying Mass many times at the seminary, but it was a very different experience actually celebrating the real actual Mass, especially during the consecration. I thank God for choosing me for this unique and special role in his divine plan and I am also honored that He has chosen me, an unworthy sinner, to answer His call to serve as a priest of Jesus Christ. Please pray for me and my classmates as we start our ministry as newly ordained priest.