05/18/2026
As the Church enters the beautiful season of Ordinations and Jubilees, we at St. Cyprian Parish pause with grateful hearts to reflect upon the incredible gift of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
The ordained priesthood is one of the greatest gifts Christ has given His Church. Through the ministry of priests, the faithful encounter Christ in a profound and sacramental way. At every Mass, in every confession, every baptism, anointing, funeral, wedding, and pastoral visit, the priest stands in persona Christi Capitis — a Latin phrase meaning “in the person of Christ the Head.”
This means that when a priest celebrates the sacraments, it is truly Christ Himself who acts through him. What a humbling and beautiful mystery. Through the hands of the priest, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Through the words of absolution, sins are forgiven. Through his ministry, Christ continues to shepherd, heal, teach, and sanctify His people.
What joy there must be in bringing the sacraments to the People of God — walking with people in their moments of greatest joy, deepest sorrow, and everyday faith journeys. The priesthood is not simply a profession; it is a total gift of self poured out in love for God and His people.
Today, we give thanks in a special way for our own clergy:
Msgr. Britto, Fr. Rene, and Fr. Richard. Thank you for your faithful witness, your sacrifice, your prayers, and your tireless service to St. Cyprian Parish. Your ministry has touched countless lives, and we are deeply blessed by your priesthood.
We also joyfully celebrate the gift of religious life — men and women who dedicate their entire lives to prayer, service, education, healthcare, and the mission of the Gospel. Religious sisters and brothers have shaped generations of Catholics and continue to witness to the beauty of total devotion to Christ.
St. Cyprian Parish has been richly blessed by the presence and ministry of religious sisters throughout our history. We especially honor:
Sr. May Lydon, IHM, celebrating an incredible 73 years in religious life
Sr. Mary Catherine Chamberlain, IHM, celebrating 54 years in religious life
What remarkable examples of faithfulness, perseverance, and joyful service. Their lives remind us that a vocation is not simply answered once, but renewed every single day through love, sacrifice, and fidelity to God’s call.
And yes — God is still calling.
In a world filled with noise and distraction, the voice of God continues to speak quietly to hearts, inviting young men and women to consider lives of priesthood and religious life. If you feel God stirring something within your heart, do not be afraid to answer His call. God does not call the equipped; He equips those He calls.
May we continue to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, especially from our Black Catholic Church. The Church needs the gifts, voices, witness, and leadership of Black Catholics now more than ever.
May we continue to support, encourage, and pray for all those who have dedicated their lives to serving Christ and His Church.
Ad Multos Annos! ✨