Priest's first blessing

[eelpis]

I recently recieved the blessing of a newly ordained priest and I thought it was great. I never had the opportunity before. Later I wondered, why is the blessing of a new priest more cherished than that of an older priest? Of course I’d rather recieve the blessing of the Cure of Ars than some rascal, but why the distinction new, old? Just asking.

 

[consumedconvert]

I recently recieved the blessing of a newly ordained priest and I thought it was great. I never had the opportunity before. Later I wondered, why is the blessing of a new priest more cherished than that of an older priest? Of course I’d rather recieve the blessing of the Cure of Ars than some rascal, but why the distinction new, old? Just asking.

My guess is the first blessings of a priest would be traditionally held as special because, well, “he’s only young once,” which is to say, he’s only new once.

In which case I would suppose that a priest’s first blessing and last blessing–since he can only give those once–would be treasured as very speacial.

 

[EasterJoy]

I think it is the same reason people find new babies more charming than 13 year olds.
(OK, maybe 13 was not the best age to use as an example. )

 

[markadm]

Because he’s just been ordained. There is some indulgence attached if I recall correctly; look it up in the Raccolta.

 

[Aramis]

Because he’s just been ordained. There is some indulgence attached if I recall correctly; look it up in the Raccolta.

Ironically, he’d have given his first blessing as a Deacon…

But his first priestly blessing is supposed to also carry an indulgence.

Seeking it is an affirmation that you now see him as a priest.