K of C honor guard lines the entrance way as Deacon Jeffery Smialek, O.Carm., enters Saint Matthew’s Church.

Memorial Day weekends in Illinois are not always bright and sunny, and this year was no different. Even though it rained on Saturday, May 26, it was as though God was pouring down his blessing on Father Jeffery Robert Smialek, O.Carm., welcoming him to His table as a newly ordained priest.

Rows of Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus stood at attention; their swords cutting the air of incense. Saint Matthew’s Church in Glendale Heights, Illinois, was filled with the glorious sounds of sopranos, tenors and altos. Flowing down the main isle was a procession filled with Carmelite priests, deacons and the Most Reverend Michael LaFay, Bishop of the Prelature of Siciani, Peru. The beginning of the Sacred Mass and the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Orders had begun.

The church was filled with clergy and friends from as far way as Peru and as local as the parishioners of Saint Matthew’s. All present for the joyful moment of welcoming Father Jeffery Smialek, O.Carm., as a new Carmelite priest.

Most Reverend Michael B. LaFay, O.Carm., invoked the orders of priesthood. The Very Reverend John F. Welch, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province concelebrated the Mass with Bishop LaFay and the many Carmelite priests who were in attendance.

Kneeling before Bishop Michael LaFay, O.Carm., Deacon Jeffery Smialek, O.Carm., receives the laying of hands of the Sacrament of Ordination to the priesthood. The priests who are present also join in this imposition of hands.

Thanks to Carmelite formators and educators, Jeffery Smialek has had an extensive training and preparation for his journey as Gods disciple. A Chicago native, Father Jeffery is the product of the teaching of Franciscan sisters in grade school and thd Carmelites at Mount Carmel High School. Jeffery received his B.A. in History from the University of Illinois in Champaign in 1997 and his M.A. in Geography from Chicago State University in 1999.

Exploring religious life he joined the Carmelite formation program in August of 1999. Smialek professed his simple vows with the Carmelites in June of 2001. Since then, he has completed his Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Brother Jeffery Smialek made his solemn vows with the Carmelites in June of 2001, and in May received his M.Div., (Masters in Divinity) from Washington Theological Union, Washington, DC.

The thought of being in religious life was a prominent thought with Father Jeffery all his life. “Ever since I was a small child, I felt the sense that God had something special he wanted me to do,” he said. While in high school, Jeffery took every opportunity to get to know the different Carmelite men who taught there. “I was always impressed about the spirit of comradery among them and the way that they witnessed to the gospel in a high school full of boys,” Father Smialek said. “The Carmelites became a clear choice for me because of all the good works they did for me in the past.”

When asked about how the Carmelites have influenced his life, Father Jeffery responded, “One of the best experiences I have had has been the chance to learn more about Carmelite Spirituality. I have been particularly influenced by Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, and try hard to model my life, prayer, faith and spirituality after her teachings. Just like this Carmelite nun, I want to live my life as ‘praise of His glory.’”

	From left: Father Gregory Houck, O.Carm., joined Jeff’s mother Carol with the Investiture of Father Jeffery with Chasuble and Stole.

After the ordination it is the custom of the new priest to bless his family and friends for the first time. With tears of joy from both mother and son, Father Jeffery asked for Gods blessing on his mother Carol, along with the many friends and family who lined up to receive this blessing. Father Jeffery Smialek, O.Carm., stated that he owes special thanks to his present and past formators who continue to shape his Carmelite identity. He wishes to thank Father Gregory Houck, O.Carm., his pre-novice director, who also was the vesting priest at the ceremony; Father Paul Denault, O.Carm., Father John Russell, O.Carm., Father Brian Hendon, O.Carm., Father Emmett Gavin, O.Carm., Father William Wert, O.Carm., and Father Raymond Maher, O.Carm.

Father Jeffery presided at his first Eucharistic Celebration Sunday, May 27, 2007, on the feast of Pentecost at Sacred Heart Croatian Catholic Church in Chicago. This summer Father Jeffery will take up residence at Our Lady of Mount Carmel priory in Tucson, Arizona, and begin his ministry at Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson.