A festive liturgical assembly, with many young people from various ICC Salesian houses and many Salesian religious, experienced the Eucharistic Celebration in prayer, accompanied by song and silence.
Card. Fernández Artime, at his first priestly ordination since he was created Bishop, on April 20, during the homily, with his familiar and simple trait, repeatedly reminded Matthew of some key words that describe his ministry: elected for service, witness of Mercy, pastor of young people.
Addressing the assembly, he stressed the reality of being "gathered as a liturgical assembly for the ordination of a priest: it is the Church that prays. Let's all pray with you!" Then he continued to address the young ordinand, Matteo, directly, offering him some advice. "Ecclesial communion is precious because families, Salesians, priests, consecrated young people gather as the people of God, to thank God who has chosen you as a servant from among the people of God, as a witness of God's Mercy, accompanying the life of the Christian community, with prayer and the sacraments. (…) Never say: ‘since I am a parish priest, I am in charge here, I am privileged’. Only charity and mercy belong to you. You are ordained in the name of the Lord. Everything you do you will do in the name of the Lord Jesus. You will celebrate the Eucharist, you will go to the mountains, you will be among the young people... in the name of the Lord!"
Recalling the liturgical gestures and the words of the Rite of Ordination, the cardinal drew attention to the profound meaning of the Liturgy: "With the imposition of the hands of the bishop and the priests and with the consecratory prayer, we bless God and we invoke upon you the gift of the Holy Spirit for having elected you to the ministry. They are an expression of a ministry, of a task that will always be service, gift: No one has a greater love than this, you have chosen as your motto! I think it is very nice to realise that this choice comes from God. ‘The hand of man is outstretched, but it is God who does everything, it is God who touches the head of the one who is ordained’, recalls St John Chrysostom. It's God who touches you!"
In concluding the homily, the Cardinal invited Matthew to live in fullness the grace of this day with gentle and firm words: "Be a shepherd for all! You are a Salesian of Don Bosco who is ordained a priest: being a Salesian marks your entire ministry. Always be a servant. Today young people gain not only a friend but a pastor".
