ordination

Ordination. The word comes from the Latin - ordinatio, which basically means to arrange, or to put in order. So, when the Church ordains men to the diaconate or the priesthood, it is an arranging - a putting in order, so to speak. And I think this makes great sense. The gifts of diaconate and priesthood bring a very certain purpose, a well-defined, well-ordered purpose to those who are ordained to the orders of deacon or priest - and they bring a very certain order and arrangement to the life of the Church, and the lives of her people.

Today, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe celebrated the Mass of Ordination for one priest, and two deacons (transitional deacons, who will be, God willing, ordained priests around this time next year). It was beautiful beyond words. Really, it was beautiful beyond even photographs. I can say that because I was privileged to photograph it, and I know that no camera lens could ever capture and do full justice to the beauty that is ANY Mass of Ordination, let alone the one at which I was present today. I have exactly 1,040 photographs from this morning (no, there won't be that many left by the time I'm done sorting through them), and I know that not one, not ONE, could possibly do justice to the amazing and sublime gifts that were poured out this morning.

I am blessed to be the photographer for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Vocations Office - it's one of the many blessings for which I give thanks to God each day. And I love photographing ordinations - they are, far and away, my favorite "event" to capture from behind the lens. Incredible love, incredible joy, all truly focused on Christ and the Church. Such a rare thing in our times.

Over the past few years during which I have been photographing for the Vocations Office, ordinations have taken on a much deeper meaning for me. True, I don't see all of the Archdiocese's seminarians that often, but when I have that opportunity, I am always struck by the knowledge that I'm around a group of men who will someday be bringing the Eucharist to the people of God. And I'm struck by what awesome people they are - not only because they endure me making photos of them ;-) but also because of their willingness to sacrifice so much for Christ, and because of their "realness," their humor, their love for God's people, and the kindness they show to others (including me!).

There is nothing like being around a group of future priests - and seeing how they grow and change over their years of formation, through all the ups and downs - and then seeing them reach ordination. Although I don't see them often, you don't have to see people often to consider them your friends - heh heh, of course I am friends with a few of them on Facebook! - and there is nothing like seeing your friends (who also seem an awful lot like they could be your older brothers!) reach that blessed moment of ordination. It is beautiful beyond words, and in ways that just make your heart want to explode.

I had the privilege of witnessing that blessed moment of ordination this morning. It reminded me yet again of how vitally important it is for us to love, and pray for, our priests, our deacons, and our seminarians - to pray that indeed, God may bring to completion the good work he has begun in them - and also to pray for more men to answer the call to serve the people of God in his Church.

Congratulations, blessings, and prayers to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe's newly ordained: Fr. Scott McKee, Deacon Danny Gutierrez, and Deacon Bob Peccatiello. God bless you!

And, one photo from this morning's Mass: