Talks on the Sacramentals, by Msgr Arthur Tonne - Ceremonies of Priesthood

"Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech." Psalm 109:4.

This happened at a dinner way back in the fourth century. At the table were several famous people, notably the holy bishop, St. Martin, who later died in the year 400, and the Emperor Maximus. With the bishop was his secretary, a priest. In the course of the meal, as was the custom in those days, the royal goblet or chalice was brought in to the emperor. His Majesty, out of respect to his holy guest, passed the goblet untasted to St. Martin. The holy bishop drank to the honor of the emperor, but then, instead of returning the goblet to the ruler, the bishop handed it to his priest secretary, as being the next in order of honor and precedence, even before the emperor himself.

We can almost picture the saintly bishop explaining to his royal host that the priest, because of his ordination, was higher in dignity than the ruler.

One expressive part of the ceremony of ordination, namely, the handing over by the bishop of a chalice with wine and water in it, to the one ordained was perhaps also intended to be recalled by St. Martin. The ceremonies of Holy Orders are expressive sacramentals, as are the ceremonies of all the sacraments. What is done in that rite raises our thoughts and inspires our hearts. By that sacrament of Holy Orders a character or mark is imprinted on the soul forever. By that sacrament five powers are conferred:

1. The power to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

2. The power to bless any person or thing.

3. The power to rule a portion of Christ's flock.

4. The power to preach the word of God.

5. The power to administer the sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Holy Eucharist, and Extreme Unction, and to unite in Marriage. Two of the sacraments are reserved to the bishop, namely, Confirmation and Holy Orders.

We hope that a consideration of the ceremonies of Holy Orders, however brief it may have to be, will help everyone of you to appreciate more deeply the dignity and honor of the priesthood, a dignity greater than that of any emperor, king, or president. We also hope that this explanation will awaken in the hearts of some of our boys and young men the ambition, the holy ambition, to aspire to that high honor.

1. The ceremonies of ordination to the priesthood begin just before the Gospel of the Mass. The candidates are presented to the bishop by the archdeacon or religious superior, who gives his word that they are worthy. The bishop addresses the candidates, comparing them to the seventy priests of the Old Law, and to the seventy-two disciples whom Christ sent to preach His word. He reminds them that they are an important part of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Catholic Church. He urges them to be chaste and holy, and to preach both by word and example. The candidates prostrate themselves in the sanctuary.

2. Then the bishop imposes both of his hands on the head of each candidate. All the priests present do the same. The imposing of hands represents the giving of grace. This, with its prayer, is the essential part of the sacrament. The bishop chants a long preface, thanking God for the priesthood and begging God's blessing on those about to receive it.

3. He then moves the stole from the candidate's left shoulder to his neck, saying:

"Receive the yoke of Christ, for His yoke is sweet and His burden light."

The chasuble is placed on the shoulders, but folded at the rear. It means protection from evil--a sort of spiritual suit of armor.

After a hymn to the Holy Ghost, the palms of the hands of each candidate are anointed with the oil of catechumens on the palms, which become especially consecrated. The hands are tied with a strip of white linen, and remain bound until the Offertory of the Mass.

4. A chalice with wine and water and a paten with an unconsecrated host are placed in the hands of the candidate for the priesthood with the words:

"Receive the power to offer sacrifice to God and to celebrate Masses, for both the living and the dead, in the name of the Lord. Amen."

During the remainder of the Mass the newly ordained priests speak every word of the Mass along with the bishop. They celebrate with him. This is called concelebration or co- celebration.

At Communion they receive the Sacred Host but they do not receive the Precious Blood from the chalice.

5. After Communion the bishop places his hands on the head of each, repeating the words of Christ to His Apostles:

"Receive ye the Holy Ghost; whose sins ye shall forgive, they are forgiven them; whose sins ye shall retain, they are retained."

At this point the bishop unfolds the chasuble, saying:

"May the Lord clothe thee with the mantle of innocence."

Each newly-ordained priest places his hands in those of the bishop and takes an oath of obedience. The bishop again admonishes and blesses the group and imposes a penance. The ordained are obliged to say three Masses for his intention. When religious are ordained they do not take the oath of obedience to the bishop.

You realize that this is a brief and sketchy picture of the glorious and thrilling rite which changes a human being into a Roman Catholic priest, another Christ, a spiritual servant of God. The preparation was long and exacting. The honor and dignity of the priesthood demand that.

If you ever have a chance be sure to attend an ordination. Meanwhile pray for more priests, pray that more young men may prepare for and receive this sacrament which makes a man another Christ.

All other ordinations to the ministry are of no avail; they are worthless. Only in the Catholic Church does the true power come down through lawful succession from the very time of Christ. Thank God this morning for the priesthood and beg God to bless your priests. Amen.