Reflections on my Priestly Ordination...

Fr Peter Morris CSsR writes...and lots of photos to see!

On Monday 26th Oct, I was ordained a priest. It was a wonderful occasion - one I've been very much looking forward to for some time. The excitement of so many people around me you could almost touch, it was so powerful & infectious!

 People kept asking me if I was nervous but I would respond honestly that I wasn't - I was just so happy. It was an extension of the experience I had on retreat, which simply confirmed that it was the right way ahead.

I'm looking forward to being able to view the video of it some time as I'm sure some of the ceremony slipped by me, in spite of how present to the moment I felt.

I was moved to see so many familiar faces in the cathedral on the day - not only on the sanctuary but also in the congregation. Some people had traveled quite far to be there. Particularly touching was the amount of Redemptorists who were present to support me. As a result it seemed like quite a record turnout of priests at an ordination, at least for that part of the world.

I managed to remain composed throughout in spite of how emotional the experience was. Though I must admit there were a few tears shed during the litany of saints (nothing new there, I was blubbering at the same point when I Professed Final Vows earlier this year).

I have to say, I wasn't prepared for the sheer amount of people who wanted to talk to me afterwards, even though I knew it was coming. There were some very thoughtful people who made sure I had something to eat & drink in the hall.

In some ways I've been pinching myself since. Part of me doesn't believe it's happened. However presiding or concelebrating at Mass each day since has been a great joy & privilege.

Let me take this opportunity to thank all the people who've supported me on this journey. I know a whole host of people have been praying for me and I'm really grateful for that. God bless.

Enjoy the photos that follow!