Ordination Day in Newark

Ordination at Newark's Cathedral-Basilica of the Sacred Heart on May 24. Archbishop John Myers of Newark, New Jersey, stands with newly ordained. Three are Augustinian Recollects.

Saturday, May 24, 2003, was priestly ordination day for three of the five deacons at Tagaste Monastery in Suffern, New York. These were: Fr. Michael Rafferty of Glens Falls, New York, Fr. Michael Kenny of Bronx, New York, and Fr. Fredric Abiera of Seattle, Washington. The gloom and occasional rain of the day did not dampen the spirit of the enthusiastic crowd gathered for the occasion (many of whom arrived from Tagaste by bus.) In an impressive ceremony at Newark's Cathedral-Basilica of the Sacred Heart, presided by Archbishop John Myers, the three Recollect friars joined nine candidates from the Archdiocese for the imposition of hands and anointing with blessed oil that signified the conferral of the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

Some 250 priests were present for the occasion, three auxiliary bishops, including our own Bishop David Arias, and retired Archbishop Peter Gerety. All imposed hands along with the Archbishop in a sign of the solidarity of the priesthood. The cathedral was filled with family and friends of the newly ordained, who gave a rousing round of applause to the candidates. Vesting priests for the occasion included Frs. Provincial (for Fr. Abiera), Edward Fagan (for Fr. Kenny), and Francisco Legarra (for Fr. Rafferty). Fra. Francisco Sandoval was one of the acolytes for the occasion. The Archbishop graciously acknowledged the presence of the Augustinian Recollect candidates in his opening remarks. The ceremony, which lasted some two and a half hours, was surrounded by the pageantry of the magnificent gothic cathedral as well as the sounds of pipe organ, drums, and brass instruments which joined the animated singing of choir and people in making a "joyful noise" truly fitting for this most happy event.

Following the service all Recollects and family and friends of our newly ordained returned to Tagaste for a catered lunch. Fr. Frank Wilder, prior, gave the welcome and table blessing, and Frs. Rafferty, Kenny, and Abiera each spoke words of thanks to all those who had helped them to reach this goal in their lives. Three large cakes were presented, inscribed with the names of our three new priests. Afterward each gave his first priestly blessing to all of the people who had assembled in their honor. First Masses were scheduled for Fr. Kenny (May 25 in the Bronx), Fr. Abiera (May 27 in Suffern), and Fr. Rafferty (June 1 in Glens Falls).

First Mass: Newly ordained Fr. Fredric Abiera, flanked by his classmates Fr. Michael Kenny (l) and Michael Rafferty (r), presides at Tagaste Monastery, Suffern, New York, on May 27.

 

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