PROVIDENCE — Newly ordained priests Fathers Brian Morris, Joseph Brice and Stephen Battey, with the support of Father David Gaffney, rector of Our Lady of Providence Seminary, began in the diocese a tradition they became familiar with at Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, in which the newly ordained in the Archdiocese of Boston visit the priests’ retirement facility to celebrate Mass. On July 27 the priests offered Mass for and bestowed blessings on the senior priests residing at St. John Vianney Home in Providence.
“I thought it would be a nice opportunity, especially for some of the residents who would not have been able to get to ordination,” said Father Gaffney of Father Morris’ suggestion to continue the tradition he and his brother priests had witnessed while in the seminary. “It was very much appreciated by the residents of St. John Vianney and is something we would want to repeat with the newly ordained each year.”
Father Morris delivered the homily at the Mass, noting how strong the brotherhood is among priests.
“One thing that I have known for a long time, and perhaps was part of what influenced me to become a priest, is that there is an incredible bond, a certain brotherhood among priests. It is a bond very similar to men who serve in combat together, yet it is deeper,” he said.
Father Battey said the opportunity to celebrate Mass with and offer blessings to the very supportive group of senior priests was a most special occasion for him.
"From my very first day of seminary studies, the priests of the St. John Vianney residence were always a source of prayerful support and encouragement,” Father Battey said. “It was always a great joy to visit them when I was in residence at Our Lady of Providence, and it was doubly joyful to visit as a new priest."
