Father John Victor Gournas Ordained in Joyous Celebration
The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge bestowed the Sacrament of Holy Orders on Father John Victor Gournas at an Ordination Mass celebrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh, May 22.
Father Gournas was presented for service to the people of the Diocese by Vocations Director Fr. Bernard Shlesinger, VF. After inquiring if he was worthy to be ordained, Bishop Burbidge accepted the request, with the packed Cathedral showing consent with its applause.
Among family and friends in attendance were Father Gournas’ older sisters, Liz Taylor, who resides with her family in Blue Springs, Missouri, and Toni Davis, who resides with her family in Raleigh.
Expressing gratitude for the blessings of the day for the Church and the Diocese of Raleigh, Bishop Burbidge said, “We offer thanks to God for leading Vic to this sacred moment and to thank Vic for his enthusiastic ‘yes’ to God’s call.”
Following the Bishop’s homily, the Rite of Ordination continued with Father Gournas promising fidelity to Christ and to the ministry of the Priesthood. Kneeling before Bishop Burbidge, with his hands between those of the Bishop, Father Gournas promised respect and obedience to the Bishop and his successors. The gift of the Holy Spirit was then conferred by the laying on of hands, followed by the Bishop saying the Prayer of Ordination. The Bishop then anointed the palms of Father Gournas’ hands as a sign of the sealing with the Holy Spirit Who was called forth through the imposition of hands and the Prayer of Ordination.
In an interview just days before his Ordination, then Deacon Gournas said he approached the Sacrament with gratitude and confidence in God’s assistance. “The honor and responsibility of Priesthood can seem overwhelming,” he said, “unless I remember that God has entrusted it to me. I’m not alone. I only need to show up and let Him work through me.”
Father Gournas entered the Catholic Church in his 30s. But he was attracted to Catholic practices such as the Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration even as a teenager. Another great influence on his vocation, Father Gournas says, was caring for his mother in her last years. “Despite her suffering, I saw the power of caring for someone close to me,” he said. “In the assisted care facility where she lived, I saw so much fulfillment, beautiful relationships and healing – not physical but spiritual and emotional.”
He spoke also of his Deacon year and how fulfilled and empowered he felt by the opportunity to preach. “I felt the joy of God’s bringing growth into my life, and enabling me to bring Him into the lives of others.”
Father Gournas celebrated his first Mass on May 23 at his home parish of St. Luke the Evangelist in Raleigh. Effective June 30, he will serve as Parochial Vicar at St. Paul Church in New Bern.