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ORDINATION CELEBRATION AT THE BASILICA CATHEDRAL
“You have taken on an awesome responsibility”
(St. John's - June 25, 2009) Family, friends and parishioners filled the Roman Catholic Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St. John's yesterday for the ordination to priesthood of Philip Melvin.
The Rite of Ordination began with Reverend Ted O'Connor, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Marystown and a member of the Archdiocesan Vocations team calling and presenting Rev. Mr. Philip Melvin before Archbishop Martin Currie.
Philip Melvin, 30, is the son of Agnes and the late Vincent Melvin from Mobile on the Southern Shore. He completed his theological studies at St. Peter's Seminary, London, Ontario. He was ordained to the transitional diaconate for the Archdiocese of St. John's. by Archbishop Currie on December 19, 2008 at St. Patrick's Church, Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Witless Bay.
In the rite of ordination to the priesthood at the historic Basilica Cathedral two witnesses stood before Archbishop Currie and testified about the readiness of the candidate for the ministry of priesthood. Joanie Farrell who became acquainted with the Rev. Mr. Melvin during his pastoral year at Sacred Heart Parish, Marystown testified that he was a man of deep prayer and reflection.
Reverend John P. Comiskey, Vice Rector of St. Peter's Seminary and Assistant Professor of Historical Theology testified that the "young man before you is a man of prayer, a man with a good heart."
Following the bishop's acceptance of the recommendation, the assembly gave Reverend Mr. Melvin a resounding ovation as a sign of their consent.
In his homily at the celebration, Archbishop Currie speaking to those gathered said that it was "thirty years ago on this very day, on the Feast of John the Baptist, that Philip was baptised in his parish church" He reminded those gathered that lay people share in the common priesthood of all the baptized by that rite of baptism. The ordination to the priesthood of the presbyterate "does not make you better" he told the newly ordained "but you will be different."
He continued "my son your priesthood will be defined by how you teach the people of God. You have taken on an awesome responsibility. Share with all the Word of God, meditate on the Word of God. Let the example of your life build up the church."
Melvin officially became an ordained priest following the ancient liturgical rite of the Laying on of the Hands and Prayer of Consecration. In the New Testament this gesture signifies the bestowal of the Holy Spirit on those receiving it. It has been one of the constant elements in the Rite of Ordination throughout the ages.
Another rite of symbolic significance was the investiture with the stole and chasuble. Assisted by two friends Father Jeff Kolonel of the Archdiocese of St. John’s and Reverend Arron Knox of the Diocese of St. John, New Brunswick, he was vested in the stole, the sign of the priestly office and the chasuble, the Eucharistic garment.
One of the more emotionally moving moments of the celebration came following the communion rite. After the communion prayer the newly ordained went to the centre gate of the church where he bestowed his blessing upon his mother, Agnes Melvin.
Immediately following the mass friends and family joined the newly ordained Reverend Melvin and his family for a reception at St. Bonaventure’s College. Where a number of people stood in line for a blessing from the new priest.
He celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving at his home parish , Our Lady, Star of the Sea on June 25.
Reverend Melvin’s first pastoral assignment will be as Associate Pastor at the Basilica Cathedral effective July 1, 2009.
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