Sunday, December 28, 2008

Ordination of Fr. Louis Kim Nguyen

On the 8th of December, the Feast of The Immaculate Conception of Mary, our Archdiocese celebrated a happy event in the Ordination to the Priesthood of Fr. Louis Kim Nguyen. Fr.Louis' road to the priesthood was a long and challenging one because of the situation in his homeland of Vietnam. His perserverance in the face of many challenges made this day very special. You can read some of this interesting history on the Archdiocesan Web Page: http://www.archregina.sk.ca/NewsOrdination20081208.htm

An ordination to the Priesthood is always a special occasion for all the priests of the Archdiocese, a great number of whom came to participate in the ceremony. The presence of the assembled people of the diocese, the deacon and the priests together with their Bishop made a full image of the Church gathered in Christ to celebrate this beautiful sacrament.

Deacon Louis Kim was presented to the Archbishop for ordination by Fr. William T. McGrattan, the Rector of St. Peter's Seminary in London, Ontario, where Fr. Louis completed his studies for the priesthood. His presence and participation in the Ordination was welcomed and greatly appreciated.
"Most Reverend Father, holy mother Church asks you to ordain this man, our brother for service as priest."
Bishop: Do you judge him to be worthy?
Fr. McGrattan: After inquiry among the people of Christ and upon recommendation of those concerned with his training, I testify that he has been found worthy.

Bishop: We rely on the help of the Lord God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, and we choose this man, our brother, for priesthood in the presbyteral order.


The candidate then, responding to questions put to him by the Bishop, affirms his resolve to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the priesthood in the prestbyeral order. Following this, he places his hands between those of his bishop and promises respect and obedience to the Bishop and his successors.


The candidate then prostrates himself in prayer and the community prays the Litany of the Saints asking that God will pour out the gifts of heaven on this servant of God whom God has chosen to be a priest. "Bless this chosen man, make him holy, and consecrte him for his sacred duties. Lord, hear our prayer."


The bishop then lays his hands on the candidate's head and he is followed by all the priests present who do likewise. The laying on of hands is a gesture used from the earliest times in the church to confer the Holy Spirit. The laying on of hands by the bishop, with the consecratory prayer, constitutes the visible sign of the sacrament of Holy Orders.

"...Almighty Father, grant to this servant of yours the dignity of the priesthood. Renew within him the Spirit of holiness. As a co-worker with the order of bishops may he be faithful to the ministry that he receives from you, Lord God, and be to others a model of right conduct." Consecratory Prayer)

The palms of the newly ordained priest are anointed with the consecrated Oil of Chrism: "The Father anointed our Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. May Jesus preserve you to sanctify the Christian People and to offer sacrifice to God."



The gifts of the people are brought forward to the Bishop by friends and family of Fr. Louis.


The Bishop then hands the paten with the bread and the chalice containing the wine for the Eucharist to the newly ordained priest: "Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to him. Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate: model your life on the mystery of the Lord's cross."
Fr. Louis Kim now celebrates the Eucharist for the first time, concelebrating the Mass with the Bishop and the priests present. "Father, accept this offering from your whole family and from the one you have chosen for the order of priests. Protect the gifts you have given him, and let him yield a havrest worthy of you."

Following the Mass there was a delightful reception in the cathedral hall for the many friends who took part in the celebration of this ordination to the prieshood.

From left to right: Hong Pham, Fr. Louis' brother in law; the newly ordained Fr. Louis Kim Nguyen. Next to me is Fr. Louis' Sister, Nhu Nguyen; then Fr. Louis's two brothers who travelled from Vietnam: Fr. Alphonsus Long Nguyen and Fr. Joseph Vung Nguyen. Fr. Louis' mother was not able to make the long journey from Vietnam to attend. Her presence was none the less felt and we are grateful to God for her gift of her youngest son to serve God in the ministerial priesthood.

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