December 17th marks the ordination of the Institute’s newest priest, Fr. Brendan Anthony O’Rourke, IVE an Irishman from the country’s capital, Dublin. Having been already assigned to his mission in Massachusetts, Fr. Brendan returned to the seminary and the parish of St. John Baptist de LaSalle for his ordination to the priesthood. Families and friends traveled from as far as Ireland to be present for the ordination.

“May you teach what you believe and may you practice what you preach”, fortifying words from His Eminence, words that do not only apply to Fr. Brendan, but words that relate to all. In his homily, His Eminence, also highlighted the importance of entrusting oneself to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, so as to imitate the same virtues of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. After the rite of ordination, Fr. Brendan then took part in the mass as a concelebrating priest for first time. At the conclusion of the mass, Fr. Brendan remained in the church to impart first blessings on the faithful.

The following day, December 18th and Fourth Sunday of Advent, Fr. Brendan presided his first mass of thanksgiving at St. John Baptist de LaSalle. In the same first mass of Fr. Brendan, two new members were also added to the Institute of the Incarnate Word as third order, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen and Debra Wang. After mass there was a reception to celebrate the doubly joyful occasion.