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Robert N. Sum, O.S.B. ordained a priest |
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by the |
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Most Reverend Daniel W. Kucera, O.S.B. |
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St. Procopius Abbey Church |
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July 2, 2005 |
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In the presentation of the candidate, the Abbot presents Robert to the Archbishop and requests that he be ordained.
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After accepting the testimony to the candidate’s suitability, the Archbishop asks the assembly’s consent to have the candidate serve them and all show their consent. An age old custom requires that the elect submit to a public examination and declare his willingness to accept the responsibilities which this ministry entails. “Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose Robert, our brother, for the order of the Priesthood.” |
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Continuing a gesture from feudal times, Robert kneels and places his joined hands between those of the Archbishop promising obedience to the Abbot, the local bishop, and his successors. In doing s, Robert unites his will with that of the Church in preaching the Gospel. |
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The entire ecclesial community is called upon to witness this event, and so, while the abbey bells peel, the church on earth invokes the church in heaven. In a profound posture of prayer, Robert lies prostrate while the ancestors of our faith are summoned by name. |
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In solemn silence, Archbishop Daniel lays his hand on Robert’s head. As a sign of ministerial unity, all the ordained do the same. This most ancient gesture, found in the scriptures and in the Church’s earliest ordination rites, is a tangible expression of calling down the Holy Spirit upon Robert. |
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Investiture with stole and chasuble. Robert, newly ordained, is clothed in garments which were the typical dress of ancient Rome. When worn in liturgy, they serve to designate the ministerial function and to embellish the rite with beauty and dignity. The schola sings “Veni Creator Spiritus.” |
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Robert’s hands are anointed with sacred chrism, the same blessed oil used at baptism, confirmation, and the dedications of churches and altars. Since antiquity, anointings designated a person for a specific purpose. In the New Testament, Jesus is called “Christ” which means “the anointed one.” Thus, the newly ordained is called to imitate Christ, the anointed one of God. Abbot Dismas and the priests present welcome Robert to the order of presbyter, and the monastic community welcomes him for service. |
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Robert receives the two gifts, presented by his parents, that will be the hallmarks of his ministry, bread and wine. In these humble gifts, the priest collects the desire of all creation and unites it to Christ’s eternal sacrifice of praise.
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Some of the Sum Family with Archbishop Daniel and Abbot Dismas, with Deacon Walter (St. John’s Abbey) |
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