Catholic Diocese Tucson

10 CATHOLIC OUTLOOK JUNE/JULY 2019 Bishop welcomes Father Haros-Mendez to ‘brotherhood’ By MICHAEL BROWN Managing Editor Upon his ordination to the priesthood, Father Jesus Haros-Mendez has joined “a brotherhood” that reflects “part of the genius of God for His Church,” said Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger during his homily at Father Haros-Mendez’ Ordination Mass in St. Augustine Cathedral June 1. The bishop offered the Mass’ passage from John’s Gospel (17:1-10), called “The High Priestly Prayer,” as an explanation for what that brotherhood entails. The bishop noted that the passage follows the stories of Cleansing of the Temple, the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper, and is immediately followed by the Crucifixion. Each of those stories teaches what is expected of priests, Bishop Weisenburger said. At the cleansing, Jesus was reacting to the corruption of the moneychangers, who were taking advantage of the anawim - the poor and vulnerable - coming to them to purchase temple sacrifices. “Be infinitely gentle with the anawim of God today.” The foot-washing represented a radical attempt by Jesus to stress to the apostles that their ministry was to be as servants, not to serve as masters, the bishop said. “Have a real humility and zeal for souls. The temptation for worldly status … may be our greatest temptation.” Bishop Weisenburger called the Eucharist Jesus’ “final great gift. … Let it be the source and summit of your priestly life.” Finally, the crucifixion is “precisely the vocation of all of us (as baptized Catholics), but most especially for you.” The bishop called on diocesan priests to support Father Haros-Mendez and urged him to “be intentional in what you have to offer them.” Photos by Steff Koeneman The Rite of Ordination to the priesthood is a series of incremental elements beginning with the Election of the Candidate, Deacon Jesus Haros-Mendez, identified from among the community and whose worthiness is attested to by those who have overseen his discernment and training. It also includes a Promise of Obedience, (1) which Bishop Weisenburger elicits, to the bishop and his successors. That is followed by an Invitation to Prayer (3), in which Deacon Haros-Mendez lies prostrate in front of the altar as those gathered pray “The Litany of the Saints.” The bishop and gathered priests individually lay their hands upon him, petitioning the intercession of the Holy Spirit (cover photo). The prayer of ordination is recited and the new priest vests in stole and chasuble. The bishop anoints Father Haros- Mendez’s hands and presents him with his chalice and paten. The rite concludes with the fraternal kiss of peace, (5) including one from retiring Vocations director for Seminarians Msgr. Albert Schifano. Before Mass, Deacon Haros-Mendez enjoyed the company of a friend, (4) Deacon Ivan Montelongo from the Diocese of El Paso, Texas. After his ordination, (2) Father Haros- Mendez gives his father, Celso Haros, a hug. 1 2 3