UPDATED! Father Jason's First Mass on Aug. 13 is below.
On Saturday, August 12, Fr. Jason Lewis MIC, was ordained to the priesthood for the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
The 9:00 a.m. Mass was celebrated by the Most Rev. William D. Byrne, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts.
Watch the Ordination Mass here.
"Imagine becoming a father at age 52!" Bishop Byrne quipped as he began his homily. "God works in mysterious ways!"
Acknowledging the Lewis family, especially Fr. Jason's parents, Joyce and Larry, as "a living, breathing sign of God’s mercy through the intercession of the Blessed Mother," the Bishop continued, "As happy as you are today, there's someone who is even happier: the Blessed Mother, for her son Jason will join her Son Jesus in the priesthood. We pray you may be a worthy son of such a wonderful Mother."
A priest is called to be teacher, sanctifier, and shepherd, the Bishop explained.
"You are being ordained today to bring peace and joy to the world through the proclamation of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments. By your ministry the spiritual sacrifices will be made perfect. Imitate what you celebrate. Understand what you do. Walk in the newness of life. God’s love is always transformative. It is always life-giving. Strive to bring the faithful into one family so you can lead them to God the father and the Holy Spirit. Seek out the lost sheep."
Deacon Jason and his family, including his parents, Joyce and Larry.Deacon Jason lies prostrate before the altar, ecpressing his total submission to God, as the Litany of Supplication is sung, invoking the intercession of the Saints. The Bishop anoints the hands of the newly ordained, praying, "May the Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, guard and preserve you, that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God." Father Jason receives the fraternal kiss of peace from the Most Rev. Joseph Roesch, MIC, Superior General of the Marian Congregation. The celebration of the Mass continues. There is a special indulgence offered when receiving a newly-ordained priest's first blessing, with the usual conditions.That makes two new priests for the Marian Fathers this summer: Fr. Jason Lewis, MIC, and Fr. Timothy Childers, MIC. Please keep them in your prayers! Bishop Byrne's dog, Zelie, accompanies him wherever he goes. Zelie (who patiently waited outside during the Ordination Mass) is named after the mother of St. Thérèse of Liseux, Bl. Marie Zelie Guerin Martin.Father Jason's First Mass
Father Jason celebrated his first Mass on Sunday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.
Watch the Mass here. "The proudest and happiest moment of a Provincial Superior is the ordination of one of own own," said the Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC. in his homily. For his first Mass, Fr. Jason used the chalices of two beloved departed Marian priests, Fr. Mark Garrow, MIC, and Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC. Please pray for Father Jason Lewis and all of our Marian priests, brothers, and seminarians!
Is God calling you to be a priest? Or do you know someone who would make an ideal priest? Contact us!
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