But they are all true. Which leads me to say I celebrated another anniversary of my priesthood ordination, number 38. Our Diocese of Pittsburgh class was the "no pope" class. By dumb luck--or divine providence--my 11 classmates and I were ordained two days after the untimely and unexpected death of Pope John Paul I, Albino Luciani. Two weeks later, on October 16, 1978, Pope (and now saint) John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla, was elected. the "year of three popes" was a good year for the church, and for us.
Today I celebrated in the best way possible, by saying Mass for the children and teachers of St. Vitus School. The kids gave me a pack of hand-drawn cards, which they know I love. And so I asked them to join me in a photo.
Our priesthood class will gather with family for the Eucharist and a meal this Sunday, as we do every year. May we have a few more years of proclaiming God's love and mercy, of serving the People of God through priestly ministry, of sharing the wisdom of the Spirit. "Jesus said, 'When you have done all you have been commanded, say, "We are useless servants, we have only done what we were obliged to do.'"" (Luke 17:10)
The Pittsburgh Ordination Class of 1978: (l-r) Fathers Dan Whalen (honorary), Tim Whalen, Bob Cedolia, Sam Esposito, Mike Decewicz, Vic Molka, Ben Vaghetto, Rich Yagesh, Frank Almade. Sunday, October 2, 2016, in Holy Sepulcher Church.
My brother Martie joins me in Holy Sepulcher Church, Butler, Pennsylvania.
Father Almade, we met a few times at the Serra Club luncheons over the years. 1978 was a special year! Congratulations on celebrating the 38th anniversary of your ordination!
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