As is now and for always, Good Shepherd

Tomás Dell’Occa was ordained as a priest in the Church of God the Father in Argentina

Entrada de celebrantes Entrance procession Einzug
Rito de la ordenación Rite of the ordination Weiheritus
Imposición de manos Imposition of hands Handauflegung
Abrazo fraternal Brotherly embrace Brüderliche Umarmung Fotos: Crivelli © 2007
Durante la primera Misa During the first Holy Mass Bei der Primiz Foto: Onni © 2007 Albúm de fotos – photo album – Fotoalbum

ARGENTINA, Tomás Garzón de la Roza. Those who attended the ordination of Tomás Dell’Occa on Saturday, August 11^th, surely understood the image summarizing his ministry. That of the Good Shepherd, he who gives his life for his sheep, was the fundamental reason for all the celebration, from the invitations and the liturgy of the Word to the songs.

The Community of the Schoenstatt Fathers now has a new priest, who like Jesus, the true and only shepherd, will take up the challenge of continuing to build Schoenstatt and the Church.

Ordination, a reason for coming together

The winter weather of Buenos Aires changes capriciously each day, and Saturday, August 11^th; it decided to provide an agreeable sunny day. It was noon and Tommy seemed to be at peace in the surroundings of the Church of God the Father in New Schoenstatt. Time drew near for the hands of this young man, who grew up in the shadow of the Shrine of San Isidro, to consecrate the bread and wine for the first time.

The Mass began punctually at 4:00 p.m. although the spacious Church had filled up much earlier. Around 500 relatives, people from the Schoenstatt Movement, and Sisters of Mary came to accompany Tommy on his last step as a seminarian and his first step as a presbyter. There were about twenty priests, twenty seminarians, nine novices, and eight postulants (future novices) all from the Community of the Schoenstatt Fathers. In addition were those who presided at the ceremony: the Bishop of San Isidro, Jorge Casaretto, and the Auxiliary Bishop of the Vicariate Devoto of the City of Buenos Aires, Raúl Martin.

A large delegation from Chile traveled to Buenos Aires for the ordination. Many of them were young men of the Boys’ Youth from Campanario where Tommy had been in charge of the group. There were also some people who came from Paraguay and Brazil though in smaller numbers, and there was a young man who came all the way from Portugal. There were several Chileans in the choir: Francisco Alvarado from the youth accompanied Claudio Daniels a Chilean seminarian with the guitar during the responsorial psalm, the sequence of the Holy Spirit, and also during the post-communion. Furthermore, Paula Willumsen sang Maravillas, which is a version of the Magnificat she had written.

To reflect on the Word of God

Bishop Casaretto, who had previously ordained Father Pablo Pol at this same place in 2000, centered his words on the pastoral work of the priesthood. He recalled the importance of a profound reflection on the Word of God. "Once rooted in the heart of the shepherd, then his guidance and counsel will always illumine the sheep," he affirmed. He also mentioned the Marian dimension of the community of Schoenstatt Fathers: "Mary gave an unconditional yes, and she remained fundamentally loyal close to the cross." In this way he encouraged Tomás to follow her example on the road of the priesthood.

Father Marcelo Gallardo led the singing of the Litany of the Saints during the Rite of Ordination beseeching them to pray at this moment of grace. After the interrogation by the Bishop, Tommy’s parents presented the alb and the chasuble with which the new priest would vest himself. The most touching moment of the ordination was when Tommy affectionately greeted his brothers of the community and his parents, which was met by the intense applause of those present.

The time for celebration

Upon descending the steps after exiting the Church of God the Father, there is a statue of Father Kentenich at the side of the National Shrine. The celebrants along with the community went in procession to consecrate Tommy’s priesthood to the Blessed Mother at this site. Afterwards, the Hymn of Franz Reinisch was sung, which is very typical of the Boys’ Youth; it was fervently intoned within and outside of the Shrine.

Slowly the guests proceeded to the adjoining grounds of Sion of the Father where refreshments were served. The eagerness to greet Tommy was almost overcome by the desire to eat and drink to regain energy, although patience was needed to carry out both tasks because of the large number of people. That night, Tommy celebrated the joy of transforming his vocation into a reality, for life, with his community.

Translation: Celina Garza., Harlingen, TX, USA / amj

First Holy Mass in San Isidro