Thirty years ago today, October 17, 1992

Thirty years ago today, October 17, 1992, on the Feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch, and as a Conventual Franciscan Friar, I was ordained to the priesthood at St. Casimir Church, in my hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.

Since that day, and for every single Mass I’ve ever celebrated, and for every Sacrament I’ve ever ministered, I believe I’ve done so with devotion, and with as much humility and lack of hubris as I’m capable of having (with all of my shortcomings and weaknesses).  

The reality of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is the foundation of my faith, and it forms all of my life’s values, passions, and commitments.  This is especially poignant to me as I reflect upon my sense of obligation as a Franciscan minister to respect, to serve, and to champion the needs of the poor, the marginalized, and those struggling with afflictions, addictions, and life-difficulties of any sort.  

In my life and ministry, I desire to join my prayers, and my sense of purpose, with Mary the blessed mother of Our Lord, who proclaimed: 

"By the strength of God's arm, the proud have been scattered in their conceit, the mighty have been cast down from their thrones, the lowly have been lifted, the hungry have been filled with good things, and the rich have been sent away empty!"  (Luke 1:51-53)

I am always conscious that my Franciscan priesthood is shared, and only finds meaning, within the context of my membership within a community of sinners; along with my sisters and brothers, I know I'm an imperfect person, but I am forever thankful to be one among others who have been redeemed and saved by the Lord Jesus Christ! 

And Jesus said: "As I have done, so you must do!" (John 13:15b)

All of this gives meaning to my life, and it drives and inspires me as a Franciscan minister of God's Word and Sacrament! 

Let's continue to pray for one another!  

St. Francis of Assisi, Pray for us! 

Praise God!  

Friar Timothy Patrick Dore, OFM Conv.

October 17, 2022