Congratulations to Our New Priests
Our Diocese and the entire Church were greatly blessed on June 7th when, through the Imposition of Hands and the Prayer of Ordination, two new priests were ordained as priests of the Diocese of Raleigh: Reverend Romen Acero and Reverend Michael Spurr. Prior to the Ordination, a friend from out-of-state watched the video interview of these two men on our Diocesan web page, which I encourage you to view. Upon hearing their personal stories and spiritual insights, my friend said, “These men are extremely impressive. You must be very proud.” I am certainly very proud of these two priests as I am of all our wonderful seminarians. Father Acero and Father Spurr will be good, holy and zealous priests. I join you in wishing them much happiness in their first priestly assignment and always. I also express sincere congratulations to Father Gregory Plow, T.O.R., from our Diocese, who was ordained a Franciscan priest on May 24, 2008, and wish him abundant blessings.
Many priests of the Diocese concelebrated the Ordination Mass and our two new priests are blessed now to share in this unique and tremendous fraternity of the Priesthood. In their brother-priests, the newly-ordained will find great support and wonderful example. I express renewed thanks to all of our priests for the generous priestly service they offer in our Diocese and to the entire Church.
Also in attendance at the Ordination Mass were Deacons, Consecrated Religious, seminarians, family and friends of the newly-ordained, young people, seniors and lay faithful from throughout the entire Diocese. The Ordination Mass provided me the opportunity to thank all of them as well as all of my sisters and brothers in Christ for the countless ways you demonstrate your love and respect for the ordained Priesthood. I am particularly grateful for those who assure me that you pray every day for our priests and for our seminarians by name, as well as for the intention that the Diocese of Raleigh will be blessed with more priests and an increase of vocations to Consecrated Life. I am confident that the Master of the Harvest will hear our prayers and abundantly bless us.
As Father Acero and Father Spurr begin their new assignments they will have countless responsibilities and obligations. However, in my homily at the Ordination Mass, I reminded them of the words that Pope Benedict XVI spoke to priests and future priests on the occasion of his recent pastoral visit to the United States. The Holy Father encouraged us to remember what truly counts before the Lord: “To dwell in His love and to make His love shine forth for others.” Above all else, the priest must be a man of prayer who grows daily in his intimate relationship with the Lord. Then, he is strengthened to be a powerful instrument of the healing and compassionate love of the Lord, as he goes forth in service, as he proclaims the Good News and as he exercises his sacramental ministry, most especially the daily offering of Mass.
The important reminder the Holy Father offers is meant for all of us as we strive to live faithfully the vocation the Lord has entrusted to us. In the midst of the many demands and responsibilities that often consume us, it is essential that daily, especially at the beginning and conclusion of the day, we find a silent moment to pray and to dwell in the Lord. In our prayer, we not only call upon God’s help, we hear the gentle whisper of His voice constantly guiding, encouraging and leading us. In these summer months and always, please continue as individuals and as families to dwell in the Lord’s love in silent prayer and through your active participation at weekly Mass so that you will be sustained by His Word and nourished by His Eucharist. Renew also your commitment to make His love shine forth for others. Please be especially mindful of those in your family and those around you who may be in need of your time, attention, kindness, generosity and forgiveness and need to see in you the Light of Christ.
At the conclusion of my homily at the Ordination Mass, I entrusted Father Acero and Father Spurr and their priestly ministries to the care and protection of Mary Our Mother. Through her intercession and with the grace of Her Son, may our new priests and each one of us renew each day our promise to dwell in His love and to make His love shine forth for others!
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge