Deacon Gregory Quenneville | Ordination Reflection

In the months prior to ordination it seemed very natural to look back on my life. To recall how certain things that I used to value as important no longer seemed to be. To think of the many ways that I have changed through discovering my vocation. I thought about the time leading up to deciding to come to the seminary and some of the fears that I had about the priesthood. I noticed how my understanding about the priesthood has deepened and how my relationship with God has matured. I remembered the high and low points of life so far.

The night before I was ordained, I remember realizing that every moment of my life so far have all pointed to this instant in time when I would be ordained. When I would promise to conform myself more deeply to the mysteries of faith. When I would promise to live celibately for the rest of my life so that I can be more available to serve the Church and deepen my prayer life. When I would promise obedience to the bishop of Fall River to ensure that I serve as a source of unity in the Church. One of the many graces of being ordained is that it allows for the opportunity to look back and recall the various ways that God has been working in your life to prepare you for this most profound moment. The moment when you resolve to become more fully incorporated into living life as the man that God has created you to be.

Reflection by: Deacon Gregory Quenneville, Ordained to the Diaconate on Saturday, May 22, 2021.

Diocese of Fall River, MA