PRIESTS
COURTESY OF THE CONVENTUAL FRANCISCAN FRIARS
PRIESTS NEED to embrace the human condition with eyes of faith, finding God amid their own weaknesses and those of others. Here, Father Ryan Mutayomba, O.F.M.Conv. celebrates the sacrament of Reconciliation at the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio.
What it takes to be a good priest
BY FATHER JIM KENT, O.F.M.CONV.
Father Jim Kent, O.F.M.Conv. is a Conventual Franciscan Friar. He worked for many years in vocation ministry and since 2007 has served as the minister provincial for the Province of Our Lady of Consolation.
Being a priest is an awesome honor and responsibility. To be of service to others is to be a channel of God’s grace, and that is the heart of this special vocation.
Y
EARS AGO I was at a reunion of extended family members I don’t often see. While talking to my cousin and her husband, their 7-year-old came and sat on his lap. At a break in our conversation, little Megan leaned toward me and said: “You’re the priest, right?” “That’s me.” “Good,” she said, and her eyes flared with anticipation. “Tell me everything you know about God.” I was overwhelmed by the wonder and hunger of this 7-year-old. Of course,
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