Encouragement

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“You will be a priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:6

We have all had our childhood heroes in life whom we have looked up to.
I have been in awe of two such heroes. One, my maternal uncle, a martyr in his youth, years before my birth and whom I call a silent hero. Though, I never had the privilege of meeting him, I was always fascinated with stories of his heroism related by my mother.

The other was my paternal uncle who was a priest. I was fortunate enough to have grown up in his love and care. I have vivid childhood memories of his towering and powerful presence in our family, like a shepherd tending to his flock.
He passed away years ago after his silver jubilee priesthood having dedicated his whole life in the service of his parish and the school founded by him. He is a legend and still fondly remembered today for his untiring service.

The year June 19, 2009- June 19, 2010 has been consecrated to the Priesthood.
We read in Hebrews 5:4 “ No one chooses for himself the honor of being a high priest. It is only by God’s call that a man is made a high priest.”
Jesus is the high priest who sits at the right of the throne of the Divine Majesty in Heaven.
The work done by priests is a copy of what is done in Heaven.

Priests have been blessed with the power to change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ; to forgive our sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the name of Jesus and to preach the Word of God in the homily.
At every mass, the priest is a representative of Jesus himself; His own disciples.

It is a challenge today for our priests to lead the flock entrusted to their care.
We have to remember that they have dedicated their whole lives to this service with great sacrifices.
They may have their human weaknesses but we should never judge them. They are the chosen ones laboring in the vineyard of the Lord.
To them, every soul is priceless and their goal in life is to save as many as possible. Their spiritual contribution will be remembered way after they have left this world.

As the saying goes.... Old Soldiers never die-They just fade away.

Maria Franco

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