December 16, 2009

Oblates of the Virgin Mary priest ordained at Holy Ghost Church

By John Gleason

Holy Ghost Church in Denver was the site of a historic Mass on Dec 12 as friends and relatives came together to witness the ordination of Deacon Michael James Warren, O.M.V., to the priesthood. 
Deacon Warren, 37, was born and reared in Binghamton, N.Y. He is a former consultant and youth minister.

More than a dozen priests, both diocesan and from the new priest’s Oblates of the Virgin Mary order, which operate Holy Ghost Church, were joined by some 250 family and friends to attend the joyous liturgy, which was celebrated by Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley.

Following the Scripture readings Deacon Warren was asked to come forward and present himself.  After being informed that the candidate was worthy to be called to the priesthood, Oblates of the Virgin Mary vice provincial Father David Nicgorski said, “Upon the recommendation of those responsible, I testify that he has been found worthy.”

During his homily, Bishop Conley reflected on the historical significance of the day, noting it was the first time an ordination had ever taken place in Holy Ghost Church and the first time Bishop Conley had served as an ordaining prelate.
Following the homily, Deacon Warren stood to affirm his intention to live his priesthood in imitation of Christ.  Bishop Conley asked the candidate if he intended to discharge without fail the office of the priesthood; to resolve to exercise the ministry of the word of God; to celebrate faithfully and reverently the mysteries of Christ and to resolve to be united more closely every day to Christ. 

“I do,” Deacon Warren replied.

Following the laying on of hands, Bishop Conley completed the act of ordination with a prayer of consecration in which he said, “Pray Almighty Father to this, your servant, the dignity of the priesthood and renew deep within him the spirit of holiness.”

Holy Ghost Pastor Father Thomas Carzon, O.M.V., then invested the newly ordained priest with stole and chasuble, followed by the anointing of hands with sacred chrism.  Father Warren was then presented to the congregation, which greeted him with thunderous applause.

After the Mass, Bishop Conley took a moment to thank all those who had travelled great distances to be part of the day’s celebration. He offered a special prayer for Father Warren’s parents, Gerald and Adelle Warren, expressing gratitude for the gift of their son to the Church.

“Vocation to religious life is a tremendous blessing,” he said, “and you can expect many good graces from God.”

A reception was held following Mass in the church basement where Adelle Warren told the Denver Catholic Register that she never saw a more blessed day.

“I see this happen and it’s so exciting,” she said.  “It really is our dream come true.  We’re just so happy for him on this day.”

Father Warren will continue to serve at Holy Ghost Church, where he had previously been ministering as a deacon.