This weekend we were blessed to celebrate the ordination and first mass of our very own Fr. Christopher Kalan, the “handy monk” of the monastery. Many thanks to Bishop Burns for his presence and homily (and for giving us Fr. Christopher’s new nickname – “spiritual gunslinger”).

Enjoy the photos, especially the one with Fr. Christopher’s mother. There is a beautiful tradition in which the newly ordained priest gives his mother the purificator used to wipe his hands after they’ve been consecrated during the rite with oil. When she passes away, she is buried with the purificator in her hands, testifying to her role in bringing into this world someone to share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray for vocations to our monastery and to the Church everywhere.