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On Saturday, December 19, 2020, my desire to respond to the universal call to holiness through the Catholic priesthood was confirmed by the Church through the imposition of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit by His Excellency, The Most Reverend John C. Wester, the Catholic Archbishop of Santa Fe, NM. I am grateful to God, and the Catholic Church for this precious gift and privilege to serve as “another Christ” among the People of God.
Before and especially during my canonical retreat for my priestly ordination, I have been asking myself the question, “What is the Catholic priesthood for me?” I fully believe it is a means and not an end. It is one of the many means to know God, to love God, to serve God and his people, and to be happy with God forever and ever.
It is an enormous blessing to be able to celebrate the sacraments. Being “another Christ” makes me humble, and consequently, I have chosen: “He humbled Himself” (Philippians 2:8) as my priestly motto. It is my prayer that humility remains the shining lamp of my priestly life and ministry.
While I was able to celebrate this extraordinary and joyous event with my friends and colleagues, there was a touch of sadness to the day as well. I felt the absence of my beloved parents, Joseph and Veronica, who influenced my priestly vocation, and longed to see my priestly ordination but have gone to be with the Lord. And I missed my siblings, who longed to attend my priestly ordination but could not because of the global pandemic.
I am grateful to those who have become my family and friends here. I am appreciative of all those who have helped me in discerning the will of God for me and those who have contributed in so many ways to make my priestly ordination a success. Thank you, and may God bless you for your prayers and support.
A special thanks to our pastor, Very Reverend Stephen Schultz, for recommending me for priestly ordination, and for being a good mentor for me; may God bless you and reward you. Please pray for me to be faithful and fulfilled in my vocation; and be assured of my prayers too.
Reverend Anthony Ezeaputa
