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Ordination of Priests at the Cathedral of St Joseph

Today marks a momentous occasion for the Diocese of Baton Rouge as Deacons Huy Tran and Josh Zelden are ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. This sacred Rite of Ordination is far more than a ceremonial event; it is a profound sacramental act, where, through the laying on of hands by the Bishop and the consecratory prayer, a gift of the Holy Spirit is conferred, enabling them to exercise a "sacred power" in the person of Christ the Head (CCC 1538, 1548). As the Catholic Ordination book describes, the liturgy itself is rich in symbolism, from the calling of the candidates and their public promises of obedience, to their humble prostration during the Litany of the Saints, signifying their complete surrender to God's will. This day is the culmination of years of formation, prayer, and discernment, preparing them to serve God's people in a unique and indispensable way.

The priesthood, as described by St. Jean Vianney, the Curé of Ars, is a sublime mystery. He famously declared, "The priest holds the key to the treasures of heaven: it is he who opens the door: he is the steward of the good Lord; the administrator of His goods... The priest is not a priest for himself, he is a priest for you."
 This profound understanding highlights the essence of priestly ministry: it is entirely selfless, dedicated to the salvation and sanctification of the faithful. Deacons Tran and Zelden, by virtue of their ordination, will now participate in Christ's unique priesthood, enabling them to preach the Gospel, administer the Sacraments – especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation – and guide God's flock. Their hands, anointed with sacred chrism, are set apart for these holy duties, symbolizing their participation in Christ's own priestly office.

Indeed, the Church teaches that the ministerial priesthood, which Deacons Tran and Zelden now enter, "is a means by which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads his Church" (CCC 1547). St. Jean Vianney further emphasized the priest's essential role, saying, "If there were no priest, the Passion and death of Jesus would serve no purpose. What use is a treasure chest full of gold if there is no one who can unlock it? The priest has the key to the treasures of Heaven." Through their commitment to celibacy and their promise of obedience to the Bishop, Fathers Tran and Zelden embrace a life wholly consecrated to the Lord for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. As they embark on their new assignments as parochial vicars and vocation recruiters, let us pray that they will be filled with the grace to faithfully fulfill their sacred office, bringing countless souls closer to Christ and unlocking the treasures of His mercy for all.

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