Here are some stunning images of Saturday’s ordination to the holy priesthood of Father Michael Cassar and Father John Vinton at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing, June 15, Feast of St. Anthony of Padua. Congratulations Reverend Fathers! Ad multos annos!
“Jeremiah reports that God touched his mouth and put his words in Jeremiah’s mouth. Jeremiah was to be God’s spokesman and the interpreter of God’s will, the conveyor of the divine message. My sons and brothers, you become that today,” said Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing to the ordinands during his homily.
“The Lord touches your mouths and they are no longer yours. Not only did God give Jeremiah the words to speak, he also directed to whom he was to say those words, and God gave Jeremiah the courage to persevere. God will give you words; he will give you a congregation to serve; and he will give you courage and strength to fulfill that mission.”
Bishop Boyea also ordained to the diaconate Deacon Miguel Colunga-Santoyo, and Deacon Mark Martin II. Among the many clerics concelebrating Holy Mass with Bishop Boyea was Bishop Emeritus Carl Mengeling.
Despite the restricted numbers within the church due to COVID-19 guidelines, each ordinand was surrounded by ample numbers of friends and families who were present to pray with, and for, the newly ordained men.
Father Vinton will now take up his post as Parochial Vicar, St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, while Father Cassar will be Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Student Center, East Lansing. Meanwhile, Deacon Colunga-Santoyo and Deacon Martin are due to be ordained to the holy priesthood next year, Deo volente.
Please keep these four young clerics in your prayers in the days, weeks and months to come. St. Anthony of Padua, pray for them! Our Lady, Queen of the Clergy, pray for them!
Credit: Photographs by Tom Gennara
