Around this time of year, those Jesuits who have completed their respective formation programs are being ordained to the priesthood. On Saturday, May 23, Greg Kennedy, S.J. will be ordained to the priesthood. Several others will be ordained to the transitional diaconate, with the intention of being ordained to priesthood in the spring of 2016.

We occasionally hear the language of “ontological change” used to describe the transition one experiences in being ordained.  The notion is rooted in the medieval theological synthesis of St. Thomas Aquinas. Our Catholic Catechism states that ordination “confers an indelible spiritual character” which “cannot be repeated or conferred temporarily.” The one ordained a priest is marked permanently. Ordination is done once and for all, as are Baptism and Confirmation.

Many people mistakenly use this notion of ontological change to place the priest in a privileged position. But what it means is that the priest is now expected to spend his life exclusively in service of the Church, the People of God. My experience of 27 years of ordained ministry is that any change deals with the expectations that others have of me and my need to be available, to serve in any ways in which I am called. I'm still basically the same person I was before my ordination, but hopefully I've grown in experience, grace, wisdom, and a deeper sense of how I am called forth in service.

Ordinations are beautiful events. I usually leave the church with the feeling that I've just participated in a hope-filled celebration and a wonderful statement about church: the joyful family and friends, the words of the ordination ceremony, the carefully-chosen scripture readings, the music and singing, seeing friends I haven't seen in a while, and so on. I'm sure that there are people attending who are disturbed at yet another statement about a male, hierarchical structure. But that seems to fade away for a day.

Pope Francis ordained 19 men to the priesthood on April 26, Good Shepherd Sunday. As is his custom, he offered very practical advice in his homily. He warned them against being vain priests who live for their own pleasure rather than for God's. "A priest is ugly who lives for his own pleasure.” The Pope added that such a priest "acts like a peacock."  "When you celebrate Mass, be aware of what you are doing. Don't be in a hurry. Imitate what you celebrate – it is not an artificial rite, an artificial ritual."

He also said that their preaching should center on Scripture, be rooted in prolonged prayer and meditation, and speak to the heart. "May your homilies not be boring; may your homilies go right to people's hearts, since they come from your heart." Francis also urged the new priests to never refuse anyone who sincerely requests Baptism. And, in the confessional, he urged them never to tire of showing mercy. "In the confessional you are there to forgive, not to condemn."

Good words! Let’s pray for Greg Kennedy and all who will be ordained to the priesthood this spring.