by Brandon Duncan
Despite the end of day hustle on a busy evening in Jacksonville, the faithful arrived in solemn procession for the Jubilee Year Mass for Priests at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, June 3.
Father Michael Pendergraft, vicar for priests and pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Fleming Island, serves as homilist during Jubilee Year Mass for Priests at Sacred Heart Parish in Jacksonville. | Photo by Brandon Duncan
The Mass took place on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which traditionally is a day that the Catholic Church celebrates and reflects on the gift and mystery of the sacred priesthood, as instituted by Christ on the solemnity of Holy Thursday.
More than 50 priests from around the diocese arrived with alb and stole in hand ready to commemorate the solemn feast. Bishop Felipe J. Estévez served as the principal celebrant with Father Michael Pendergraft, vicar for priests and pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fleming Island, as the appointed homilist.
Recalling the scene in the scriptures where the Pharisees and scribes were griping because Jesus welcomed the sinners and tax collectors, Father said, “They believed [Jesus] should have quoted the religious laws and made them “pay” for their perceived sins,” but being the Good Shepherd that he is, “[Jesus] is not willing to lose even one of his daughters or sons. He wants to heal the ones who are sick and lost,” he continued.
“In this Year of Mercy, may we not only pay closer attention to how the Lord invites us closer to him, but also pay attention to how we can search out and bring gently home others who are lost.
Father Calonge Lemaine, parochial vicar of Prince of Peace Parish and chaplain to the Haitian community in Jacksonville, recites the prayer of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus along with his brother priests. | Photo by Brandon Duncan
There is lots of work to be done among our families and friends, and even ourselves. The heart of Jesus is always open to us in love…Just because we are among the 99 today, doesn’t mean we won’t be the one who is lost tomorrow,” concluded Pendergraft.
At the end of Mass the priests re-consecrated their priestly vocations and ministry with a special prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A private dinner was also held in the parish center in honor of the priests.
Click here to read the full homily by Father Michael Pendergraft.
