"Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate." (CCC 1536)
One of the seven sacraments, Holy Orders is expressed through the Rite of Ordination, through which Christ gives us Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.
Needless to say, "The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; so ask the master of his harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." (Matt 9:37)
No priest, no Eucharist. It's pretty simple.
Parents, have you talked to your sons? Have you inspired them to ask the master of the harvest as to whether he may be calling one or more of them to priestly ministry? We recognize that we need many more priests, but what do we do about it?
There is a wonderful pious tradition has been passed on over the years that pays respect to the role a mother has in a priest’s life.
When a priest is ordained his hands are anointed with oil by the bishop. Afterward his hands are cleansed with a white linen called a maniturgium. The oil is sacred, and so the maniturgium cannot be discarded in the trash. Priests over the years decided to save these linen towels and present them to their mothers at their first Mass.
According to the age-old tradition the mother saves the towel in a safe place until she dies. Then for the funeral the maniturgium is placed in her hands: "When she arrives at the gates of heaven she is escorted directly to our Lord. Our Lord says to the woman – 'I have given you life, what have you given to me?' She hands him the maniturgium and responds, 'I have given you my son as a priest.'" It is a beautiful and consoling moment. Many tears of joy are shed when a new priest presents the maniturgium to his mother.
Fathers, your example of faith to your children will also serve as a powerful inspiration for vocations.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is not the only source of laborers for the harvest. God calls some to be religious brothers and sisters. Sometimes all it takes to plant the seed of a vocation is a simple invitation. Recognizing that someone might make a good priest or religious, and letting them know with a few simple words, can prepare the fertile ground for the Holy Spirit to bring a vocation to flower.
Please visit the Archdiocese of Louisville Vocation Office Website for more information.
And please pray the the Lord will send out laborers for his harvest.
