At 9 am this Sunday, Pope Francis will preside over the priestly ordination of nine deacons from three seminaries in Rome: The diocesan seminary, the seminary of the Neocatechumenal Way community, and the seminary of Divino Amore, or Divine Love, of a Marian congregation of priests.
The last time the Pope presided over a priestly ordination was in 2019.
As Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis seeks to preside over ordination ceremonies whenever possible, so as not to delegate the task to others.
During priestly ordinations, the Pope typically shares words of caution and advice on the meaning of the priesthood.
POPE FRANCIS
“Being a priest is not like joining a cultural association, it's not a trade union. You will be partakers in the ministry of Christ. Let your lives be a delightful fragrance for the faithful of Christ: men of prayer, men of sacrifice.”
Among the new priests are a soccer player who nearly joined Rome's professional team, as well as a former film director.
For the ceremony the Pope will once again preside at the central altar of St. Peter's Basilica rather than in a side chapel, as he has done since the pandemic began. As a result, a greater number of people will be permitted to attend the event.
JRB
TR: JM
