(Catholic Herald photo/Kat Wagner
MADISON — Bishop Robert C. Morlino said it was “a night of miracles” as he welcomed people to the Mass marking the ordination of Frs. David Gabriel Johannes and Mark William Miller to the priesthood of Jesus Christ for the Diocese of Madison.
In thanking people for coming to the ordination Mass, Bishop Morlino said, “We pray that the Holy Spirit will fill Mark and David with priestly grace as they become united with Jesus Christ. We’re here to get involved in the greatness that will take place here.”
In his homily, the bishop thanked the parents and families of the newly ordained priests for their “loving support.” He said their families gave them the freedom to “seek Christ.” (To read Bishop Morlino’s column, click here)
Steeped in tradition
The ordination Mass was steeped in tradition and solemnity. The music provided by the Madison Diocesan Choir directed by Patrick Gorman, the organist Glen Schuster, and cantor John Miller from Denver, Colo., was enhanced by instrumentalists: Mary Wilcosz, flute; Mary Ann Harr, harp; Kevin Erickson and John Schipper, trumpets; Paul Manfredo Litterio, horn; Jamie Kember, trombone; David Spies, tuba; and Joseph Bernstein, timpani.
Incense rose during the entrance procession as the choir and congregation sang the stirring Gustav Holst hymn, “O God, beyond all praising.” Taking part in the procession were the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard from Assembly 1200 in Madison, as well as the Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Bishop Morlino and the concelebrating priests followed. Among the concelebrants was Abbot Marcel Rooney, retired abbot primate of the Benedictine Confederation, along with priests of the diocese and priest-guests of those being ordained.
Learn more about the Madison Diocese’s new priests. Click here to read about their reflections on ordination.
Deacons were Rev. Mr. Vincent B. Brewer and Rev. Mr. Garrett B. Kau, both recently ordained as transitional deacons for the Diocese of Madison. Fr. Gregory S. Ihm was master of ceremonies, assisted by diocesan seminarians and cathedral servers.
Elector was Msgr. James R. Bartylla, vicar general. Fr. Paul U. Arinze, diocesan director of vocations, also concelebrated.
Readers were Justin Hall and John Paul Mitchell. Vesting priests were Msgr. Daniel T. Ganshert of Watertown for Father Johannes and Msgr. Douglas L. Dushack of Middleton for Father Miller.
Lorie and Greg Ballweg presented the Offertory gifts.
Besides being the ordination Mass, this Mass was also celebrated on the Solemnity of SS. Peter and Paul. In addition, it was the official diocesan Mass for the Fortnight for Freedom being observed throughout the United States.
Bishop Morlino addressed all three occasions in his homily, which is the basis for his column published in this week’s Catholic Herald.
Ordination rite
During the ordination rite, the two men declared their promise to fulfill the office of priesthood, including preaching, teaching the Catholic faith, presiding at the Sacrifice of the Eucharist, and sanctifying the Christian people. The ordinandi also promised respect and obedience to the bishop and his successors. They lay prostrate while the Litany of Supplication to the saints was prayed.
During the prayer of ordination, the bishop silently laid his hands on the head of each new priest. In turn, other priests present laid their hands on the newly ordained.
After being vested, the new priests’ hands were anointed with Sacred Chrism by the bishop. First the bishop, then the other priests, offered a sign of peace to the newly ordained as the congregation sang, “Now thank we all our God.”