O.Burn's Ordination

A young man's life is today changed forever.  It all happened in Blackville, NB.  Yeah, that's right, the village of Blackville.  Hundreds of people packed like sardines into Sunday Mass. Owen Burns of Blackville was ordained today.

Blanche would be proud.  She was assigned to pray for him after a daily Mass late last October.  Mrs. Underhill, also a Miramichier from the Blackville area, died in her 90th year earlier this April.  She was, as most Miramichiers are, a breath of fresh air.  Blanche was always able to crack me up with an off the cuff remark from a mind that clearly did not show all the signs of aging one would expect from someone boasting of nine decades of wear and tear.  She was asked to pray for Owen.  She often asked how he was doing.  She never forgot him.  I'm sure she was able to share in the joy of today - since she, by her prayers, helped to keep him clear of some trouble or other I am sure.  After the ordination, I told a group of volunteers staffing the food kitchen area - that he needed prayers all the more now that he is ordained. I hope some of them took me seriously.

The diocese of Saint John has a new deacon.   A diocese is a territory in church-speak.  The diocese of Saint John encompasses three deaneries - that is, smaller territories - of Saint John, Fredericton and the Miramichi.  I live and will forever live as a priest in the diocese of Saint John.  I am wedded, in a sense, to the diocese now.  Hence, we are named 'diocesan priests'.  I have a new brother deacon today.  Owen is ordained to the transitional deaconate as, in a year's time, he will transition into the order of priests.  He will be ordained to sacred orders in due time God willing.  

Owen said that he experienced the call of Christ in his life.  I know that following that call has not been an easy road.  It's not an easy road for anyone that is sane.  There are challenges, made greater by the Enemy who always discourages the heart.  However, in this case, the success belongs to the pull of the Holy Spirit and Christ's Holy Mother Church.  God be praised.  In a world often bereft of 'good news' - this occasion - and the hundreds of people from little parishes like our in New Brunswick - was indeed a deep blessing.  

The atmosphere was electric.  

Today, a young man pledges chastity publicly (read: young man pledges his powerful love for God) publicly - a perpetual promise.  I can almost hear the darkness cringe.  

Good.