I remember thinking how incredible the concept was and my love and respect for those holy men deepened.
When I first heard about the Priests Convocation I was moved by the beauty of it, all the priests in our diocese on retreat! When the Diocesan Ministry with Youth Office told me that the youth were invited to attend this exclusive event this year to show the priests what the youth had done this year I was thrilled. And when I was asked if I could attend the liturgy I was ecstatic!
I was asked to give a talk on my experience with this Diocesan Year for Youth and I readily agreed. I wrote down my testimony but as I sat there reading over what I was going to say, fear kicked in. I was going to give my testimony to a room full of PRIESTS!!!
As I sat there a little terrified at the idea, I remembered all the priests I had encountered. I remembered how compassionate and attentive they were to my concerns. These priests had prayed for me in my times of need, they had heard my confessions, they had given me advice.
I took a deep breath made a quick prayer, “God give me the right words” and I wrote my testimony.
The day of the Convocation, I went in a little nervous but instantly I was comforted by the sight of my beloved priests. I told them my story and they listened with attentive ears and open hearts. They smiled at my attempt at humor; I saw the tears in their eyes as I held back my own. Continuing with my testimony, my tensions eased. An obvious realization popped into my head – what do I have to fear? These priests are my holy friends. These priests with their warming smiles and faith-filled hearts were rooting for me, they were rooting with the power of God himself for the youth!
After sharing our testimonies on the Year for Youth during Mass one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed happened. All the priests in the room participated in the consecration and it took my breath away. “God obeys him: he utters a few words and the Lord descends from heaven at his voice, to be contained within a small host….( Curé d’Ars).” I was so humbled to be a witness to such majesty!
I went in there with the idea that I was to show the priests what the youth accomplished in this Year for Youth and in this we succeeded. However, this was not the only conclusion that was reached. I came to realize that our priests are one of the most important parts in a youth’s involvement in the Catholic faith. Seeing their overwhelming support for youth I realized that these wonderful holy men will always be our superheroes, protecting us from evil and being excellent role models for how to live our faith. One last thought, anybody else want to become a superhero?
Annamaria Ortiz is a youth minister and lector at Sacred Heart Parish, Rancho Cucamonga.