(Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash)
Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison called it a “great occasion for the Diocese of Madison as the Lord gives us two wonderful new priests.”
Fr. Scott Jablonski and Fr. James Leeser were ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ on Friday, June 27, at St. Maria Goretti Church in Madison.
The Mass began with the customary procession with the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard Assembly 1200 Madison, Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, seminarians in the Diocese of Madison, priests of the diocese and guest priests — including Msgr. Todd Lajiness, rector of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Mich., where the two new priests studied — and Bishop Morlino.
The bishop thanked his “brother priests” for their attendance, and also thanked the seminarians who were “out in good force tonight, and we pray very hard for each one of you that you will persevere” in their path to the vocation of the priesthood.
‘Freedom’ in the priesthood
Following the Gospel reading, Deacons Jablonski and Leeser were presented to Bishop Morlino by Monsignor Lajiness, saying he found both men “worthy” for the office of priesthood.
During his homily, Bishop Morlino thanked both the Jablonski and Leeser families for the “precious gift” of Scott and James.
On the night of the ordinations, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and one day before the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bishop Morlino said, “We try to celebrate with the heart of Christ himself.” He encouraged the new priests to combine their hearts with the heart of Christ, because the heart of Christ is a “free heart.”
“Your freedom as a priest of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Morlino said, “your freedom will reflect His celibacy, His chastity, His purity.”
Bishop Morlino later added, “The heart of a priest is a just heart — a heart that knows and does justice.” He spoke of the obstacles of knowing what justice means because of the current challenges in the country of those who feel they have a right to something purely because they want it.
“Justice is based from the natural rights that we have from God,” the bishop said.
Ordination rites
Following Bishop Morlino’s homily, Deacons Jablonski and Leeser, the elect, rose before the bishop, saying “I do” to the Promises of the Elect, including “to implore God’s mercy upon the people entrusted to your care by observing the command to pray without ceasing.”
Then, the elect approached the bishop one-at-a-time and promised obedience and respect to the bishop and his successors.
The two men then lay prostrate for the Litany of Supplication as the Litany of Saints was sung as a prayer of intercession for the new priests.
Following the litany, the men again approached the bishop one-at-a-time for the Laying on of Hands and Prayer of Ordination. The bishop placed his hands on their heads, conferring upon them the gift of the Holy Spirit. Priests of the diocese and other priests in attendance lined up and took turns also laying their hands on the heads of the men, symbolizing their ordination to the presbyterate.
The newly ordained were then vested with a stole and chasuble. Father Jablonski was vested by Msgr. Kevin Holmes, pastor of Cathedral Parish in Madison. Father Leeser was vested by Msgr. Donn Heiar, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Janesville.
The bishop then anointed the hands of both new priests with Sacred Chrism.
After the gifts of bread and wine were brought forward and presented to the bishop, he presented each of them to the new priests, reminding them to strive to imitate the mysteries that are celebrated at Mass.
Priests in attendance again lined up to offer a sign of peace to the newly ordained.
The Mass continues
The Mass continued with a profession of faith, followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Father Jablonski and Father Leeser prayed with the bishop during the Eucharistic Prayer.
Before the bishop’s final blessing and dismissal, both of the new priests each gave their first blessings to Bishop Morlino.
Also taking part in the Mass were Deacon Christopher Gernetzke, who was the Deacon of the Word, and Deacon Tafadzwa Kushamba, who was the Deacon of the Eucharist. Both deacons, along with three others, are planned to be ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Madison next year.
Other seminarians from the Diocese of Madison were servers for the Mass.
Gwen Finnegan and Julie Laudonio were readers, and Greg and Lori Ballweg presented the gifts of bread and wine.
Members of St. Maria Goretti Parish served as greeters and ushers.
The Madison Diocesan Choir, directed by Dr. Patrick Gorman, provided the music, along with instrumental accompanists.
Also in attendance were consecrated virgins of the Diocese of Madison.
Starting Saturday, July 12, Father Jablonski will serve as the parochial vicar at St. Bernard Parish and St. Henry Parish, both in Watertown. Father Leeser will serve as parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish in Waunakee and St. Mary of the Lake Parish in Westport.