Today, the central region of the Archdiocese of Boston held a liturgical service for the sacrament of reconciliation for its priests, prior to the Holy Week services. The day coincided with the Feast of the Annunciation. I was moved to participate in the service designed to fortify its priests before Easter.
It was comforting to see many religious order priests working within the central region. A good number of them were foreign priests serving minority populations. It is remarkable how easy it is to spot a religious order priest among the diocesan priests.
In total, maybe 60 priests attended. Next Tuesday, at the Chrism mass where the oils are distributed for the initiation sacraments, the priests will renew their promises to their bishop, in this case, Cardinal Sean O'Malley. Diocesan priests made solemn promises to their bishops each year, while religious order priests profess vows to their ordinary, their provincial, the head of a province.
Today's service reminded me that (1.) I have a larger community of priests where I can find companionship and support, (2.) I want to be part of a faith-sharing group during the coming year, and (3.) confessing regularly to a particular confessor aids the spiritual life just as much as spiritual direction. It was very good to see so many men strive for greater holiness.
All in all, it was a very good day.
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