We, as Catholics in southern Buffalo County, this weekend welcome back Fr. John Abts, O.F.M. to celebrate his 25th Anniversary to the Priesthood. Some of you may have noticed the article about him and this event published in the Cochrane-Fountain City Recorder some weeks ago. Certainly any time we can celebrate milestones in life, we take advantage of them. Certainly, as Catholics, when we have opportunities to celebrate the priesthood, we take even special advantage of them. After all, we’ve heard it said, “without the priesthood there is no Eucharist; without the Eucharist there is no Church.”
Fr. John’s return gives us pause to think about the culture of Church vocations which may or may not be present in our lives. Unfortunately, the list of former residents of Buffalo County who have given service to the Church is short. Fortunately, however, those who have are well-etched into our memories. We continue to consider how we approach Church vocations. Do we invite our young people to consider being missionaries, particularly with NET Ministries who offer an annual youth retreat for our students, or as FOCUS Missionaries who live on college campuses for the intended purpose of evangelizing youth about the teachings of the Catholic Church? Do we ask our young people about giving serious consideration to becoming a consecrated sister or brother, perhaps our young men to consider the priesthood? Talking about these matters is an essential building block to Church vocations.
Fr. John’s return gives us pause to think about the priesthood, particularly the often misunderstood difference between a religious priest or a diocesan priest. At the risk of being economical with words and making very broad distinctions, the ordained priesthood is similar and/or equal no matter if the priest is religious or diocesan. Typically, religious priests become part of a religious community with a specific mission and purpose. No matter where they may be assigned, their commitment is to their brothers in their community slightly over the community they serve. Additionally, they take on a special charism or direction which reflects the inspiration of their community’s founder (more on this later). In contrast, diocesan priests become part of a diocese with a specific mission and purpose to serve the people and needs of that particular diocese. Their commitment is to the people of their parish(es) along with the ministry specific to that diocese. Whereas religious priests may travel about a region, or perhaps various countries, diocesan priests typically remain in the geographical boundary of their diocese.
Now, regarding the inspiration of their community’s founder, Fr. John’s name is followed by the letters O.F.M. which means Order of Friars Minor. Commonly spoken, O.F.M.’s are Franciscans. Some may argue that St. Francis is among the most popular saints, partially because of his work and the work of the Franciscans to live and serve the poor. St. Francis also embraced an awareness of God which was revealed in the natural world around him which is one of the reasons people who enjoy nature also enjoy St. Francis. The charism to live and serve the poor is what aids Franciscans to be instruments of PEACE even in their work today. Many of us long for a greater sense of peace in our lives, perhaps inviting St. Francis’ intercession will help us enjoy what he discovered through God’s spiritual favors in his life.
While we may not know Fr. John personally, he, and all Catholics, are part of what we call the Body of Christ, the Catholic Church. When we pray for the religious, or the priests, or the missionaries, we pray for people like Fr. John who do the work of the Church in areas where we are not. Perhaps our awareness of his anniversary celebration this weekend will inspire us to become more aware of the vast work of our Holy Roman Catholic Church. May our response to our Baptismal call help us, as St. Francis said, “to preach the Gospel always, and , when necessary, use words.”
Congratulations, Fr. John, and many more blessings in your future!
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