Depending upon the number of candidates, about 2-3 hours. It occurs during Mass. After the Gospel is read, but before the homily, the candidates are called forward. Then, a priest, usually the vocations director, addresses the Bishop and asks that he ordain the candidates. The Bishop asks if they are worthy, and the priest responds “after inquiry among the people of God and those responsible, I attest that they are worthy.” The Bishop affirms their worthiness, and then delivers a homily directed mainly at them. Afterward, the candidates come forward and the Bishop questions them as to their willingness to undertake the office of priesthood, and asks them to promise respect and obedience to him. After this, they lie prostrate while the Litany of Saints is sung. At the conclusion of the Litany, the Bishop lays hands on each, and then all the other priests presents do the same. After this, the Bishop sings the prayer of ordination over the candidates (I still get chills at thinking of the words Draw near being entoned at the beginning). They are then vested in the stole and chasuble of a priest, and then approach the Bishop, who anoints their hands with chrism. The hands are bound in a linen cloth for wiping away the chrism. After they have washed their hands, they approach the Bishop again, who hands over the chalice full of wine, topped with a paten holding a host, as a sign of the office handed on to them. Finally, they exchange the greeting of peace with the Bishop and with all the other priests present. Mass continues as normal, with the newly ordained concelebrating with the Bishop.
As I said, it’s usually 2-3 hours, and a lot of that is due to the huge number of people who show up and who go through the communion line. It’s a very powerful ceremony, and one worth witnessing. Every time I go to another one, I am renewed and reminded of the joy of my ministry.
-Fr ACEGC
heehee
you know I support you. Just you remind me so much of myself at a similar point in my journey 