With the motto “Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory”, the Institute of the Schoenstatt Fathers welcomed their community brother, Gabriel Oberle, as a new priest.
Those who influenced the priestly ordination of Gabriel Felipe Oberle, a member of the secular Institute of the Schoenstatt Fathers, experienced deep feelings and gratitude for the Blessed Virgin’s actions during the ceremony which took place last Saturday morning, January 1st, in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Londrina, Paraná, presided by Archbishop Geremias Steinmetz.
When the ceremony began, Father José Fernando Bonini, regional superior of the Schoenstatt Fathers in Brazil, thanked the Archbishop for his presence on such a significant day for the Church, on the Solemnity of Our Lady, Mother of God.
Watch the video of the ordination (In Portuguese)
The relatives of the newly ordained priest took part in the celebration together with Rafael Solano Durán, the Cathedral’s pastor, several priests and other seminarians of the Institute who had attended the regional conference of the Schoenstatt Fathers of Brazil, along with hundreds of faithful. Also present were the diocesan priests André Luis de Oliveira, who is the current parish priest of Christ the Redeemer (Father Gabriel’s local parish before joining the seminary) and Marcelo Cruz, former parish priest.
In his homily, Archbishop Geremias highlighted that on that Sunday, the Church was celebrating the 55th World Peace Day, recalling Pope Francis’ message asking all people and the Church to get involved in the construction and experience of dialogue so that humanity can succeed in living in peace.
He also congratulated the new priest for having chosen such a beautiful day to have his acceptance to a life for the Church heard, a day dedicated to the Mother of God, wishing that Mary would make Gabriel a Marian priest, with an authentic love for the Virgin. “It is to Mary that every priest must turn, especially in times of crisis. She accompanied Jesus in the most difficult moments he faced”, commented Archbishop Geremias, stressing that the Church needs people who are aware of their dedication and their life in communion with the Gospel. At the end he blessed him saying “May Our Lady, Mother of God, Our Lady of Schoenstatt, be with you”.
Once Gabriel was ordained as a new priest, he thanked Jesus for his country, for his brothers, family, and friends, who in one way or another, had encouraged his priestly vocation. He also expressed his gratitude to the Schoenstatt family who was present in his formation and who will continue with him throughout his endeavors. “Jesus, my friend, I ask you to allow me to express my gratitude in a special way to our dear Mother, Mary. I want to invite you all to consecrate ourselves to her, who is our Mother, our companion who loves us,” he concluded.
At the end of the consecration, Gabriel presented flowers to the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt in the cathedral, and he then prepared himself for the celebration of his first Mass, which would take place the following day, Sunday, January 2, in his parish, the community of Christ the Redeemer.
Fotos: Cleber e Marilsa Lima
