Cardinal O'Malley to Priests: Be Courageous Fathers And Shepherds

4/12/2006 - 6:20 AM PST

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By Fr. Robert J. Carr
Catholic Online

Boston�Calling on his priests to renew their dedication to their people with the greatest commitment they can muster, Cardinal Sean O�Malley, Archbishop of Boston encouraged the men to be true fathers and shepherds.

Preaching his homily at the annual Chrism mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston, Cardinal O�Malley addressed his comments to his priests present at the mass and present via Boston Catholic Television. He reminded the men that they are like fathers and shepherds. He called them to be like Christ as he showed the disciples the face of the Father through His life.

"The Catholic Priest is to make Jesus visible as he reveals the Father to us. What an awesome responsibility." He preached.

Cardinal O�Malley called his priests to be people of courage. He defined courage, however, not as what one sees as televison in violence, but as being gentle and strong. He admonished his priests to remember that "we cannot be shepherds as long as comfort is our concern." He added "We will find that courage through a prayer life and priestly fraternity."

Citing what he calls the toxic culture of the day, Cardinal O�Malley called the men to live that courageous life of priest to serve their spiritual family, the parish.

"Our priests give birth to us spiritually through baptism. They nourish us with the word of life and the Eucharist." He said, reminding the faithful that priests make so many sacrifices for their people out of love.

This is the third Chrism Mass for the Archbishop and the first as Cardinal. Appointed as Archbishop of Boston by Pope John Paul II in 2003, Cardinal O�Malley was elevated to prelate this past March. He succeeded Bishop Richard Lennon who served as Apostolic Administrator in the wake of the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law in 2002.

Lennon, for whom this was his last Chrism mass in Boston, has been appointed the bishop of Cleveland, Ohio. He is expected to be serving that Diocese around May 15.

Cardinal O�Malley a Capuchin monk has also served as Bishop in the Virgin Islands, Florida and Fall River, MA.

Contact

Catholicism Anew
http://www.revrobertjcarr.com MA, US
Fr. Robert J. Carr - Priest, 617 230-3300

Email

frbobcarr@earthlink.net

Keywords

Chrism Mass, Boston, Priest, O'Malley

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