A few weeks ago, the Diocese of Providence celebrated the ordination of Nicholas Jones to the diaconate. In a few weeks we will celebrate the ordination of two priests: Rev. Mr. Mateusz Puzanowski and Rev. Mr. Vincent “Jay” Zizza. In calling these men, God continues to bless our diocese.
“Vocation” comes from the Latin word meaning “to call.” God calls everyone to receive a particular role in establishing His kingdom here on earth. Receiving and following this vocation leads to perfection, fulfillment, and happiness. As C.S. Lewis wrote: “The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become… It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own.”
In God’s Providence he decided to transmit salvific grace through space and time by establishing the priesthood. The priest stands in persona Christi (in the person of Christ). Hence the priestly life is meant to be an imitation of the life and mission of Christ. When he preaches, the priest preaches Jesus Christ. When he administers the sacraments, he does so in the person of Jesus Christ. When he helps the poor, he does so in the name of Christ. The priest yearns for the salvation of every single individual just as Christ thirsts for souls. Everyone has a part to play in building up the Kingdom of God, but the priest gives the means of salvation: grace through the sacraments, particularly the sacrifice of the Mass.
