Jubilarians share priesthood meaning

One priest says, "It's been a privilege to be a priest." Another remarks that being a priest "is such a noble way to live one's life." A third comments that he is "eternally grateful" to have been ordained.

Those comments were made by this year's class of jubilarians: priests celebrating 25, 40 and 50 years since their ordinations. They were invited by The Evangelist to tell what the priesthood means to them and why they would recommend their lifestyle to other men.

Here is a sampling of their responses:

* Rev. Joseph Busch, 25 years: "It has been a privilege to be a priest. You experience, over and over again, God's love at work. People share their faith with you, which, in turn, strengthens yours."

* Rev. Thomas Chevalier, 25 years: "I most appreciate the goodness of so many people that the priesthood has allowed me to know."

* Rev. Salvatore Rodino, 25 years: "Priesthood has been a growing experience for me: The longer I am able to experience it, the more meaningful it becomes. I am grateful for the support I have received throughout the years."

* Rev. John Burns, 40 years: "I've always enjoyed working with teenagers and young adults. I still keep in touch with a few. I have enjoyed my 40 years as a priest and have found them to be spiritually rewarding and fulfilling."

* Rev. Anthony Chiaramonte, 40 years: "I have met some outstanding, wonderful people who have become friends and brought me closer to God. My mother's advice still holds true for me: 'Anything worth doing is worth doing well.'"

* Rev. Joseph Dworak, 40 years: "I can't think of a better way to have so many rich experiences with thousands of people, sharing the same faith journey and helping one another to know deeply the Lord's love and mercy. Where else could I touch so many lives -- and be touched by theirs so meaningfully and eternally?"

* Rev. Michael Hogan, 40 years: "My life as a priest has been and continues to be filled with surprises and adventures. Every year has brought great blessings and sufferings. I would suppose the history of my priesthood could be written in the deep and powerful relationships I have had from the beginning until now. The priesthood has endless, open possibilities to take risks, to move into places of suffering, to witness love and hope. I am so grateful for the most intense and loving life a person could have."

* Rev. Robert Nugent, 40 years: "As a sophomore in college, I heard a priest ask in his homily, 'When are you going to stop asking God what you want and start asking God what He wants from your life?' I prayed the question, and here I am 40 years later. Such a noble way to live one's life!"

* Rev. Michael Clemente, 50 years: "The priesthood has given me a chance to serve God by serving others. For that, I will be eternally grateful."

* Rev. Francis Dunbar, 50 years: "The Eucharist is the heart of the priesthood. To preside at the table of the Lord's word and body, and to serve the people of God has been a most meaningful vocation and rewarding 50 years."

* Rev. Paul Engel, 50 years: "God has been good to me through the bishops and people of the Diocese of Albany."

* Rev. Williams Esmond, 50 years: "The past 50 years has been a great source of spiritual growth, joy and accomplishment. The ability to help others gives so many rewards. The priesthood is a challenge that many young men should be happy to embrace."

* Rev. Joseph Girzone, 50 years: "My greatest joy was the calling by God to write, and bring Jesus' life and message to people throughout the world. I strongly recommend the priesthood for mature people of tried and proven virtue."

* Rev. Lawrence McTavey, 50 years: "My ministry has embraced service to the young in schools and pastoral experience in parishes. Both have been rewarding and joyful. I have been blessed with the people I have served, most especially the priests, sisters and lay staff with whom I have been privileged to work. God has been good."

* Rev. John Roos, 50 years: "It is the faith and fidelity of the parishioners in the pews that enables the priest to exercise a fulfilling ministry. I am grateful to all of them over the years."

(Read about these priests and their plans to celebrate their jubilees on other pages of this special section.)

(5/19/05)