New priests to serve in parishes across the Diocese
Three Deacons were called to ordination to the Order of Priesthood on Saturday morning, May 19th, by Cleveland Bishop, Most Reverend Richard Lennon.
Peter Kovacina from St. Clare parish in Lyndhurst, John Mullee of Holy Trinity Parish in Avon, and Patrick Spicer of St. Thomas More Parish in Brooklyn are now ordained priests of the Diocese of Cleveland.
In a reverential and colorful celebration inside St. John Cathedral, Bishop Lennon told the three men, "shepherd wisely and prudently over God's holy people...as you are steeped in ways of caring for God's people, especially those in need. You are given a persevering obedience to God's will and are challenged to embrace wisdom and prudence for the glory of God."
The sacrament of Holy Orders includes the Rite of Ordination (video available below) where the three candidates respond to their promise of the elect by saying "I do." The laying on of hands (photo to the right) is done for each candidate by Bishop Lennon and all the priests in attendance in a reverential practice of praying to God to bring each of the three wisdom and prudence. Each candidate also promises obedience to the Bishop and his successors.
After investiture with each receiving a Stole and Chasuble, the anointing of hands with holy oils and being handed over the bread and wine...the Bishop added, "what a wonderful vocation, being a priest of Jesus Christ is."
Father Kovacina will serve his first assignment at St. John Vianney Parish in Mentor, Father Mullee will begin his priestly work at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Litchfield in Medina County, and Father Spicer will start his vocation to the priesthood at St. Rita Parish in Solon.
At the conclusion of the Mass applause resounded in the Cathedral from the capacity gathering of clergy, family, and friends who witnessed the administering of the sacrament of Holy Orders.
Click here to see more photos from Ordination.