Last week, Pope Leo XIV met with the priests of Rome, and after a truly beautiful address that was filled with gratitude for their priesthood, a plea for them to create communion with one another and with those to whom they minister, the Holy Father concluded with this appeal of Saint Augustine: “Love this Church, remain in this Church, be this Church. Love the Good Shepherd, the beautiful Bridegroom, who deceives no one and does not want anyone to perish.”
This weekend we celebrate significant ordination anniversaries for Monsignor Scheyd (60 years; eternal rest grant unto him), Father Bob Uzzilio (60 years), and Father David Franklin (40 years). The ministry of the priest is rooted in the mystery of the Cross and the grace of the Eucharist. Resting often in the shadow of the Cross, the priest embraces the sacrifice and the hope that mark Christ’s great act of love for the sake of sinners and saints. Accompanying others as they bear their own crosses, he offers consolation that Christ also walks with them, loves them, and offers healing through word and sacrament. The great gift of the Eucharist which the priest makes present with the power of the Holy Spirit feeds us so that we become what we receive – the Body of Christ. The true presence of Christ in the Eucharist is our food for the journey, and priests have the privilege of bringing Christ in such a way to the faithful at Mass, the sick, and those who are dying. It is most fitting that we honor our brothers on this solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.
We give thanks to God this weekend for the gifted priestly ministry of Msgr. Scheyd, Father Bob, and Father Franklin. Each of them has shown us the love of Christ through decades of servant leadership. As I reflect on all of the sacraments they have celebrated, the homilies they have preached, the consolation they have offered, the healing that they have made possible, and the many prayers they have said for us, I am overwhelmed with awe and gratitude. Thank you, dear brothers, for loving Jesus and the Church. You are truly good shepherds who have loved us with such a great love.
