Priestly ordination with Bishop Demetrio Fernández of Córdoba, Spain / Diocese of Córdoba, Spain
Denver Newsroom, Jun 18, 2022 / 10:00 am (CNA).
In his weekly pastoral letter published a few days before ordaining five new priests on June 18, the bishop of Córdoba, Spain, Demetrio Fernández, wrote that the Catholic Church cannot live without her priests, stressing that they are “a vital necessity.”
“The Church can neither live nor survive without priests. It’s a vital necessity. Because she cannot live without the presence of Christ who continually vivifies her through the sacraments, and especially through the Eucharist,” the bishop said.
“Without priests there is no Eucharist or sacramental forgiveness of sins, or accompaniment to so many people who seek that presence of Christ by their side,” the bishop stressed.
Noting that the path to the priesthood isn’t easy, Bishop Fernández said that those who seek to respond to God in this vocation must seek him in prayer.
“In the serenity of prayer, with the counsel of the formators, and with the help of brother seminarians, the horizon becomes clearer until moral certainty is reached: God is calling me to be his priest, Jesus Christ is calling me to be his totally, people need the priest to draw close to God. Here I am, send me, as the prophet said,” the Spanish prelate wrote.
The bishop pointed out that a priest is a blessing for families, parishes, and fellow seminarians and encouraged young men not to be afraid to say yes to the Lord.
“Young men, if the Lord is calling you on this path, don’t be afraid. These young men who are ordained today are made of the same stuff as you are. And if you have any uneasiness about this direction, put yourself in the hands of a priest who will help you discern,” he encouraged.
“I assure you that if you take this step, you’ll be happy, because there is no greater happiness than giving your life to the Lord and making others happy, giving them to the Lord,” he said.
The bishop encouraged people to pray for priestly vocations to God since, furthermore, “there is no greater sadness for a diocese than not having seminarians, candidates for the priesthood” and “there is no greater joy for a diocese than to have seminarians, who are going to be ordained priests for the service of the holy People of God.”
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
If you value the news and views Catholic World Report provides, please consider donating to support our efforts. Your contribution will help us continue to make CWR available to all readers worldwide for free, without a subscription. Thank you for your generosity!
Click here for more information on donating to CWR. Click here to sign up for our newsletter.
Pope Francis said he prays every day for an end to the war in Israel and Palestine during a prayer service June 7, 2024, in the Vatican Gardens, commemorating 10 years since the symbolic planting of an olive tree in the presence of the president… […]
Päivi Räsänen, Finland’s interior minister from 2011 to 2015. / Courtesy of ADF International.
Helsinki, Finland, Mar 30, 2022 / 05:05 am (CNA).
The verdict in the closely watched trial of a Finnish Christian MP was announced on Wednesday. A co… […]
The “Holy Fire” is passed from inside Christ’s tomb to pilgrims gathered inside the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jersusalem on May 4, 2024, for the annual Orthodox Christian ceremony, held on the day before Easter, according to the Julian calendar. / Credit: Marinella Bandini/CNA
Jerusalem, May 5, 2024 / 09:00 am (CNA).
Pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem Saturday for the annual “Holy Fire” ceremony at the revered site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection, an ancient custom considered by many believers to be a miraculous event that takes place the day before the Orthodox Christian celebration of Easter.
For safety reasons, attendance at the May 4 event was capped at 4,200 people inside the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, though the crowds were more manageable and somewhat subdued this year because of a lack of pilgrims from the Palestinian territories and abroad due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Israeli police man a checkpoint inside the Old City of Jerusalem during the “Holy Fire” ceremony held at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher on May 4. 2024. Credit: Marinella Bandini/CNA
Access to the Old City where the basilica is located was restricted beginning on Friday night amid a heavy police presence. Numerous medical personnel and firefighters were present inside the basilica.
Though its authenticity is disputed by some, the “Holy Fire” or “Holy Light” refers to a fire of purported divine origin that ignites inside Jesus’ tomb while only the Greek Orthodox patriarch is present. Pilgrims then light their candles by extending them through a small opening in the tomb, producing a dramatic scene of flickering flames and joyous celebration.
The Orthodox Christian ceremony, which is attended by Catholics and other Christians, as well, has been held continuously since at least 1106, though accounts dating to the fourth century relate that the apostle Peter saw the holy light himself inside the tomb.
Pilgrims carry candles lit from the “Holy Fire” inside the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem on May 4, 2024. Credit: Marinella Bandini/CNA
The doors of the Holy Sepulcher were opened at 9 a.m. by Greek Orthodox representatives and again at 9.30 a.m. by representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church — the two Orthodox communities that serve with Catholic Franciscans as the custodians of the site. Only then did the faithful begin to enter the basilica.
Around 11 a.m., those present began to sing traditional hymns in the loudest voice possible. These chants date back to the Turkish occupation of Jerusalem in the 13th century when Christians were not allowed to chant anywhere but in the churches.
The heart of the ceremony was between 1 and 2 in the afternoon. After the solemn entrances of the other Orthodox patriarchs of Jerusalem, the Greek Orthodox patriarch, Theophilos III, entered the basilica.
Previously, the doors of the Aedicule (the small shrine that houses the tomb of Jesus Christ) had been sealed with a large wax seal — signifying that the tomb had been inspected and that nothing was present that could be used to start a fire. Shortly before the arrival of the Greek patriarch, the seal was removed, and a large oil lamp was carried into the tomb.
After completing three rounds around the Aedicule, leading a procession of monks and priests, Patriarch Theophilos III entered the Aedicule, followed by a delegate of the Armenian patriarch (who could not attend due to an internal dispute) and several bishops from various denominations.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III exits the Aedicule of the Holy Sepulcher on May 4, 2024, in Jerusalem, showing the faithful the two candles just lit from the oil lamp that is believed to have been miraculously ignited inside Jesus’ tomb. Credit: Studio Sami Jerusalem
Only the Greek Orthodox patriarch is allowed to enter the chamber that houses the tomb of Jesus, while all the others remain in the Chapel of the Angel, a sort of antechamber that commemorates the appearance of a heavenly messenger to the women at the tomb announcing Jesus’ resurrection.
Before entering the tomb, the Greek patriarch was inspected by Israeli authorities to prove that he didn’t carry any technical means to light the fire.
All the lights and lamps in the basilica were extinguished, especially those inside the Aedicule, which was left in darkness.
What believers attest to be a miracle takes place after a brief time of prayer: A holy fire is said to descend from heaven and ignite an oil lamp inside the tomb.
Pilgrims inside the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher hold their candles aloft after the “Holy Fire” was ignited inside Jesus’ tomb on May 4, 2024, the day before the Orthodox Christian celebration of Easter. Credit: Marinella Bandini/CNA
On Saturday, after the lamp was lit the Greek Orthodox patriarch emerged from the tomb and lit bundles of 33 candles (a number representing the age of Christ at the time of his crucifixion and resurrection.) Meanwhile, pilgrims lit their candles also from the small round windows on the sides of the Aedicule, creating a dramatic scene outside the tomb. It is said that the fire does not burn anything (or anyone) for the first 33 minutes after being lit.
For Orthodox believers, the lighting of the fire is a genuine miraculous event, although voices within the Orthodox world itself have repeatedly questioned the authenticity of the miracle, attributing the spontaneous lighting of the lamp to tricks or chemical methods.
A lamp used to transport the “Holy Fire” from the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to Bethlehem is carried at the lighting ceremony on May 4, 2024. By longstanding tradition, the flames from the purported miraculous fire are brought to the main Orthodox churches in the Holy Land and sent to the main Orthodox churches around the world via specially arranged flights. Credit: Marinella Bandini/CNA
In solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza and the victims of the war, the Orthodox Christians have chosen a more subdued celebration this year. To that end, the Holy Fire was not passed hand to hand through the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, as is the custom, but was brought directly into the homes of the faithful.
Special lanterns transport flames from the tomb to the main Orthodox churches in the Holy Land and around the world (via specially arranged flights). The arrival of the flames from Jerusalem will mark the beginning of the Easter celebrations.
In context of the Bishop’s warning, Daniel prophesies the well known abolition of the daily sacrifice and enshrinement of the abomination of desolation. At present we may hypothesize whether this prophecy has relevance to future changes to the liturgy of the Eucharist, what portent, if any, does the Synod on Synodality have.
Likewise most who read scripture are familiar with 2 Thess 2 and Paul’s reference to the great apostasy and appearance of the lawless one who occupies the sanctuary as if he were God. John in Revelation writes the false prophet is to assist the beast from the sea, and to induce men to adore its image. The first act of the drama concludes with a promise of victory over the beast by the lamb of God. Whatever we may assume regarding these passages we cannot say we should not read them, they were written to be read, and to assess what may be relevant.
“The Church can neither live nor survive without priests. It’s a vital necessity. Because she cannot live without the presence of Christ who continually vivifies her through the sacraments, and especially through the Eucharist” (Bishop Demetrio Fernández). It’s virtually impossible for vocations to cease to exist as it is for the priesthood not to exist unless there were some form of prohibitive measures in place.
Abolition of the Eucharist were it to occur, sans priests reminds us of the great saving gift the Eucharist is. It is the Eucharistic presence in us that draws us away from sin, to pull back when sorely tempted. It’s the daily offer of the body and blood to the Father that stays his hand from retribution. It’s the intrinsic nature of sacrifice and banquet that gives us our daily bread fed to us by the hand of the priest [as it should be]. Surely the Holy Spirit will strengthen us when these prophetic events occur, however the absence of the Eucharist will make the work of the Spirit that much more difficult. Whatever will occur Christ Vincit.
All who follow Christ need to be rebuked. Constructive criticism leads us to confession and betterment. Though much censure has been directed towards the incumbent, he seems unmoved by it.
“Physician heal thyself”. Yes and yet, I will need a trained doctor from time to time. The engineering project in the back of my mind needs a competent professional to bring the matter to fruition.
Our eternal soul needs tending to as well. A good pastor knows of these matters and rightly handles the word of truth!
Is the end of our life here, the beginning of eternal life with Christ, or does it mean eternal separation from Him?
We want to know that Jesus “is the way and the truth and the life” and a good priest helps show us the way.
In context of the Bishop’s warning, Daniel prophesies the well known abolition of the daily sacrifice and enshrinement of the abomination of desolation. At present we may hypothesize whether this prophecy has relevance to future changes to the liturgy of the Eucharist, what portent, if any, does the Synod on Synodality have.
Likewise most who read scripture are familiar with 2 Thess 2 and Paul’s reference to the great apostasy and appearance of the lawless one who occupies the sanctuary as if he were God. John in Revelation writes the false prophet is to assist the beast from the sea, and to induce men to adore its image. The first act of the drama concludes with a promise of victory over the beast by the lamb of God. Whatever we may assume regarding these passages we cannot say we should not read them, they were written to be read, and to assess what may be relevant.
“The Church can neither live nor survive without priests. It’s a vital necessity. Because she cannot live without the presence of Christ who continually vivifies her through the sacraments, and especially through the Eucharist” (Bishop Demetrio Fernández). It’s virtually impossible for vocations to cease to exist as it is for the priesthood not to exist unless there were some form of prohibitive measures in place.
Abolition of the Eucharist were it to occur, sans priests reminds us of the great saving gift the Eucharist is. It is the Eucharistic presence in us that draws us away from sin, to pull back when sorely tempted. It’s the daily offer of the body and blood to the Father that stays his hand from retribution. It’s the intrinsic nature of sacrifice and banquet that gives us our daily bread fed to us by the hand of the priest [as it should be]. Surely the Holy Spirit will strengthen us when these prophetic events occur, however the absence of the Eucharist will make the work of the Spirit that much more difficult. Whatever will occur Christ Vincit.
Continued blessings of discernment, insight and wisdom. Thank you.
Tell it to Pope Francis, who seems to berate and belittle priests at every turn.
All who follow Christ need to be rebuked. Constructive criticism leads us to confession and betterment. Though much censure has been directed towards the incumbent, he seems unmoved by it.
Blessings.
“Physician heal thyself”. Yes and yet, I will need a trained doctor from time to time. The engineering project in the back of my mind needs a competent professional to bring the matter to fruition.
Our eternal soul needs tending to as well. A good pastor knows of these matters and rightly handles the word of truth!
Is the end of our life here, the beginning of eternal life with Christ, or does it mean eternal separation from Him?
We want to know that Jesus “is the way and the truth and the life” and a good priest helps show us the way.