Pope ordains 26 priests, asks them to stay close to Jesus

Published: 2004-05-03

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a lengthy and taxing liturgy, Pope John Paul II ordained 26 priests and urged them to announce the Gospel in a world that sometimes tries to "make people forget God." Warning of strong anti-religious tendencies in the prevailing culture, the pope told the new priests they would find success in evangelization only if they made Jesus the center of their lives. "Do not be afraid -- God will always be with you. With his help you can walk the paths that lead to the heart of every person and announce that the Good Shepherd has given his life for them," the pope said May 2, World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The pope presided over the annual Mass in a packed St. Peter's Basilica, where he was applauded by friends and relatives of the newly ordained. The pope looked alert but his voice wavered as he read his sermon and the long prayers of the ordination liturgy. The new priests, who completed their studies in the Diocese of Rome, came from 10 countries on five continents; 17 were Italian. The youngest was 24 and the oldest 60.

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