50 Years of Commitment in Faith

50 Years of Commitment in Faith

50 years is a very long time, in general, and especially to be serving in the Priesthood. It takes quite a bit of willpower and commitment to achieve such a feat, and completing such a task in no small feat. These are the reasons why it’s so amazing and wonderful that our very own priest, Father Joe, celebrated his 50th Jubilee last week. This means that he has been serving in the priesthood for 50 years following the day he was ordained. In my opinion, this is truly an honorable accomplishment, and should be celebrated with all the joy in the world.

 

Quite happily, the event was. For Father Joe’s 50th Jubilee did not go unnoticed by his school, and there was a lovely celebration for him, along with the reveal of a mural put up in his honor. In my opinion, I think it’s rather lovely that he got so much recognition. As I mentioned before, staying in the Priesthood for 50 years is no small or easy feat. You have to give yourself up to God and your Church completely, and be willing to take what comes with it. For example, priests cannot get married, because they are already married to their Church. In my opinion, I feel as though that takes a lot of strength. However, I do feel as though this is made easier by the community. Our priests will never truly be alone, for they will always have the support of the entire Church behind them, not to mention that of God. Being a priest, from my understanding, is simply giving yourself back to God in a way others don’t. Being a priest means that you allow yourself to celebrate God’s Sacraments by performing them, and you delight in helping God’s other children see him. You offer your wisdom to the people, your kindness, and your help, all for the sake of God. It is a most sincere lifestyle, and I feel as though one should take care to notice and appreciate all a priest does for them. In my experience, I have seen the type of commitment shown by a priest; constantly giving masses and offering prayers, going to the homes of the sick, and cleansing us of sin. If nothing else, the task of a priest is tiring, and I can imagine it takes a lot of tenacity to work through.

Though I understand that the work of a priest is difficult, I also know that it is worth it. Priests enjoy what they do immensely, and I know that they would not trade it for anything else.
In my opinion, I think that Father Joe’s 50th Jubilee should be a reminder and a celebration. This event should serve to make us remember all that a priest does, and appreciate everything that they do. And of course, with such appreciation comes the celebration, for though being a priest is not easy, it is very much worth it, and very much a happy event.