Ordination ceremony is replete with symbols

Intermountain Catholic

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The ritual of the laying on of hands is at the core of the Ordination Mass. IC file photo

SALT LAKE CITY — An ordination ritual is imbued with spiritual meaning and is an event that is significant not only for the candidate being ordained, but also for the entire Church.

"You’re talking about a ceremony that is 2,000 years old, so it is steeped in symbolism," said the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, who will ordain Transitional Deacon Christopher Gray to the priesthood in the Cathedral of the Madeleine on June 29. (See story on page 16.)

"My priestly ordination will be a very special moment, but not just for me," said Deacon Christopher Gray in his blog. "It will be an occasion for everyone present. The ritual and the associated traditions are very rich."

The Ordination Mass begins with the Entrance Procession, Introductory Rites and the Liturgy of the Word. After the Gospel is proclaimed, the candidate is called forward to the altar and the vocation director informs the bishop that the candidate expresses his resolve to carry out his office in accord with the mind of Christ and of the Church under the direction of the bishop. The bishop "elects" the candidate for orders and the people present in the assembly give their consent by applauding.

Following the Election, the bishop gives his homily. Then the deacon comes forward for the Examination. After a series of questions by the bishop to determine if the candidate is willing to discharge faithfully the office of priesthood, the candidate puts his hands into the bishop’s and promises respect and obedience to him as the Ordinary of the Diocese, and his successors.

Next is the Litany of the Saints.

"During the Litany of Saints, the candidate lies prostrate on the floor, which is a complete sign of humility; acknowledging his nothingness in the presence of God," said Deacon Lynn Johnson of the Cathedral of the Madeleine. "It is then that the congregation begins to pray that the Holy Spirit will come down upon this man, and at the same time, invoking all of God’s saints to pray for him."

The actual Sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred when the bishop places his hands on the candidate’s head, said Deacon Johnson.

"This is an ancient biblical gesture beseeching God to empower the candidate by the Holy Spirit, and is a sign of the authority and is passed through the ages from the apostles. Following this, all the priests present in the cathedral do the same in sharing in the ministry of the bishop," he said.

During the laying on of hands, there will be no music or speaking. "It’s complete silence, to allow the symbol to speak for itself," Bishop Wester said.

Next, is the Prayer of Consecration and vesting in liturgical garb, followed by the anointing of hands and the presentation of gifts. The Prayer of Consecration is recited by the bishop, which along with the Laying on of Hands, constitutes the essential act of the sacrament.

"The anointing of hands with the Sacred Chrism is a symbol of Christ the High Priest, who has offered the one and unique sacrifice," said Deacon Johnson. "It goes back to ancient times when priests, prophets and kings were anointed with oil, which symbolized strength, power and authority. Deacon Gray’s hands will be anointed because he will anoint people in the sacraments, bless them, lift up the body and blood of Christ and raise his hands in the confessional to absolve sins."

The presentation of gifts or the chalice and paten, the gold plate that holds the host at Mass, "is like the bishop giving the priest his tools of trade," said Deacon Johnson. "The core of the priest’s ministry is to preside at Eucharist."

The Mass ends with blessings and congratulations.