By Tami S. Scott, Associate editor
Bishop Lucia presides at the Liturgy. Photos | Submitted by Maria Klawiter.
The word “gift” is defined by Merriam-Webster as “something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation.” Oxford Languages defines it further: “a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present.”
Who doesn’t love presents?
On July 28, seminarians Cornelius Deep and Joseph Kulcun each received their Rite of Candidacy at St. Vincent de Paul-Blessed Sacrament in Vestal. During his homily, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia reflected on this important step toward the Sacrament of Holy Orders, relating the day’s Scripture readings with one specific word that echoed in his heart upon his return home from the National Eucharistic Congress.
And that word was “gift.”
“Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them to those who were reclining,” he said, referring to the miracle Feeding of the 5,000 despite a scant supply of five loaves and two fish. “Jesus himself was gifting others. And so this afternoon, we’re gathered here also because Joe, and because Cornelius, want to give themselves as a gift, a gift very much in memory of the Lord Jesus.”
Cornelius Deep’s brother Jeremiah proclaims a reading during Mass.
The pews were filled with family, friends and other faithful on a sunny, warm afternoon to witness the aspirants’ public admission, examination and joyful acceptance by the Church to progress on their journey toward priesthood. The next step is working towards ordination as a transitional deacon.
Parishioner Alex Walsh, a teacher at Seton Catholic High School, came to support Cornelius who Walsh said was “a big part of our life over at Seton,” where he helped coach soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Susie Ryan, mother of Transitional Deacon Joe Ryan, was also there to support both men as they prepare for the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Joseph Kulcun’s family members, pictured before Mass.
“Our generosity and our gifts are how God changes the world,” Bishop continued in his homily. “Jesus feeds us through each other … Let us always remember that what the Gospel teaches, that where Jesus is present, abundance is there.”
