HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Father Matthew celebrates his first Mass on Corpus Christi Sunday and leads solemn Eucharistic procession.
Fr. Matthew’s first Mass was beautiful and powerful. Prior to Mass he vested, praying reverently and solemnly before the crucifix. The procession commenced with an angelic hymn from the Poor Clare of Perpetual Adoration Nuns. Their singing was excellent and exuberant from beginning to end. Father began chanting and continued throughout most of it.
Br. John read the first reading and Br. Bernard the second. Fr. Paschal, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph, chanted the sequence. Deacon Justin from the Diocese of Birmingham chanted the Gospel.
Father Anthony preached the homily. The focus of his preaching was on the Eucharist as the Sacrament of Faith, the Sacrament of Hope, and the Sacrament of Charity. He mentioned the prayer an angel gave to the visionary children at Fatima as a means of growing in faith, hope and charity. It is, “My GOD, I believe, I adore, I trust, and I love Thee! I ask pardon for for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust and do not love Thee.” He also emphasized Fr. Matthew’s role in aiding the increasing of faith, hope and charity in faithful.
All present were moved and captivated as Fr. Matthew prayed the words of consecration for the first time. His eyes were filled with awe and wonder as he raised the sacred Body of Christ and lifted the chalice with His precious blood. After communion Father led a solemn Corpus Christi procession. Many attendees were filled with devotion and emotion as Father blessed the crowd with the Blessed Sacrament.
Fr. Miguel served as his Master of Ceremonies. He and Father Paschal were responsible for planning and setting up the Mass. The Friars thank the Poor Clare of Perpetual Adoration Nuns and all who helped make this blessed Mass possible.
Father’s first Mass was glorious and marvelous. For all in attendance it was truly a momentous and stupendous occasion in the grace of God.
Yes it was beautiful and powerful. It brought me to tears. I could have listened to Fr. Anthony homily all day. Fr. Miguel was a superb M.C as usual.
Awesome!! It brought tears!! I had to leave and go to Mass at my own parish. Set the DVR but it only recorded 2 hrs and saw nothing after the consecration. I was and am so disappointed!!!!
Congratulations on your ordination to the priesthood.
May God bless you abundantly
BENDITO SEA DIOS Y SU GRAN MISERICORDIA POR FR. MATTHEW Y SU ORDENACIÓN SACERDOTAL EN CORPUS CHRISTI!! NOS ALEGRAMOS POR ELLO Y ESTAMOS UNIDOS EN JESÚS EUCARISTÍA Y MARÍA SANTÍSIMA Y NUESTRA MADRE ANGÉLICA CON USTEDES PADRES Y HERMANOS DE EWTN. INFINITAS GRACIAS A DIOS POR SU MISIÓN! MI FAMILIA Y YO LES AMAMOS EN EL SEÑOR .
Congratulations Fr. Matthew. Your sermons are truly inspirational. May you be blessed with many years of service for the Lord.