At the liturgy, which was concelebrated by a number of jubilarians and their fellow clergy, main celebrant Archbishop Allen Vigneron thanked the men for their faithful service, and said it was natural to use the occasion to thank God for their vocations.
“On the day we were ordained, God made a covenant with us,” the archbishop said, “that he would take every part of our existence — if we would continue to give it to Him — and use it for the good of His people.”
Many of the jubilarians were happy to share thoughts about what has made their priesthood fulfilling. Asked prior to the jubilee liturgy what the greatest joy of his priesthood was, Msgr. Robert Monticello, a senior priest and 60-year jubilarian: said “it can best be summarized as the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Sacrament. Scripture and Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation — these have been my greatest joys.”
Fr. Louis Grandpre, a 50-year jubilarian and also a senior priest, said he values “touching the lives of people almost daily, making a difference in people’s lives.”
“That’s been a joyous experience,” he said. “Also, the prayer life, devotions, offering Mass, all types of ministry.”
Fr. Joseph Gagnon, 50-year jubilarian, said his greatest joy has been “connecting, and helping others connect, with God and other people.”
Fr. Robert McGrath, pastor of St. Alexander Parish, Farmington Hills, who is celebrating his 40-year anniversary, said he enjoys “just being a priest and all of the things it involves — being able to be involved in the lives of so many people at such a special and intimate level and at special times of their lives.”
Fr. Alberto Bondy said of his 25 year as a priest: “My motto has always been fulfillment through duty, so my greatest joy has been in being a good parish priest through teaching and celebration of the Mass and the sacraments.”
— Managing Editor Joe Kohn contributed to this report.
