Mona Christo and her son Fr Robert Christo hugged each other tightly and cried tears of joy for half a minute after she placed the purple chasuble over his head. His brother David later joined in a family hug.

It was a touching moment at last Sunday evening’s ordination to the presbyterate at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. In the words of the archdiocese’s newest priest at the back of the programme “a waiting in joyful hope for this coming…like a new advent for me!”

It began in similar fashion to May 19, the day of his diaconate ordination: African and East Indian drummers beating in the midst of a 60-member choir led by Winston Garcia. They sang and chipped down the aisle leading the procession of altar servers and clergy.

Once again, Debra Bartholomew-McEwen of St Mary’s Church, Mucurapo, in a flowing white dress, danced barefoot at the front of the procession. She was not alone this time though: two young girls, one dressed in East Indian wear, the other dressed as a Carnival masquerader with standard, followed her toward the altar.

Approaching simultaneously from the flanks were two large purple banners with a kaleidoscope of colours emanating from the central Eucharistic image.

“This is a special day of hope for the archdiocese,” remarked the archbishop in his welcome at the start of the Mass at which many local and regional clergy were present. Deacon Robert’s family and friends, who sat in the front pews, were responsible for the first and second readings.

A Carmelite novice sang as she carried the Book of Gospels, covered in African print to the podium. Deacon Hugh Logan of the diocese of St George’s-in-Grenada proclaimed the Gospel.

The rite of ordination followed with the Calling, and Presentation of the Candidate.

Procession in the Cathedral

Praying the Litany of Saints

Priests lay hands

Archbishop Gilbert introduces the new priest Fr Christo

In the homily, Archbishop Gilbert expanded on his welcome remarks saying that a priestly ordination was “not only a joy but a sign of hope for the archdiocese, because new life brings forth new life.”

He cited the presence of seminarians, pre-seminary students and those participating in the permanent diaconate programme as proof; this was a sign of the “irrepressible Holy Spirit”. “Pray for those discerning, and those helping them to discern.”

He said priests should strive for holiness, be comfortable with prayer, study, seeking quiet time and being available to the people. He noted however that the Church was still recovering from the serious blow of scandals in 2002 and 2003. “But we have the Holy Spirit and the Church will recover, and the Church will move on.”

He said through the synod process, many are working shoulder to shoulder with their priests but everyone must be patient. “Patience is necessary because the vision will take time to fulfill.”

The archbishop said the “disaster” the Church and the world have in common is selfishness, and challenged the laity to play their part should their priest show signs of selfishness. “Your responsibility is to read the scene and do your best to counter it.”

He thanked Rev Christo for his work in prison ministry and urged him to continue using that energy during his priesthood.

After the Examination of the Candidate, the priest-to-be promised obedience and the congregation prayed the Litany of Saints with Frs Godfrey Stoute, Wilfred John and Roger Paponnette, and Brendan Mitchell and Atherly Nicholas as cantors.

Next came the Laying on of Hands, the Prayer of Consecration and investiture with the stole and chasuble. The archdiocese’s newest priest was vested by his mother, with his brother and close friend Ray Setna assisting.

Extending congratulations to Fr Christo were outgoing Cathedral administrator Msgr Cuthbert Alexander and Vicar for Administration Fr Jason Gordon; both sat next to the archbishop during the early part of the Mass and the ordination rite.

The liturgy continued as normal after the Archbishop presented the new priest to the congregation.

As in the May diaconate Mass, an adaptation of David Rudder’s High Mas, led by Gasparillo choir members, was used for the Our Father. East Indian rhythms accompanied the communion hymn, As Bread That Was Broken. Shirley “Beulah” King of Cunupia parish, sang this time around in Hindi Yishu Masih Mero Prana Bachaiya (Jesus, Master, save my soul).

After Mass the congregation was invited to proceed to the Catholic Centre car park via the George St entrance. The joyful procession made its way across Independence Square and into George St chipping to the music of the St James Tripolians.

Clergy, Religious, laity, the young and the not-so-young, from different parts of our country, were moving together in celebration to the rhythm and music of our national instrument.

In the car park refreshments were provided and as the newly ordained priest gave his first blessing to a long queue of people, the entertainment began – tassa, calypso, parang – with emcee Felix Edinborough adding to the entertainment. – RS

THANK YOU
Fr Robert Christo would like to sincerely thank all those who were responsible for his formation tover the past years especially the staff and community of the Regional Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs.

Fr Christo would also thanks all those instrumental in preparing and participating in the liturgy of his ordination especially the music ministry.

Mass will be offered for your personal intentions within the first week following the ordination ordination.