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 Despite a big snowstorm the day before, a large number of people were present at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, New York, on December 20, 2008, for the priesthood ordination of Reverend Brother Christopher Iannizzotto. Two busses of participants came from Saint Simon Stock Church in the Bronx where Christopher has served as a deacon along with many friends from the Middletown area and beyond.
Christopher’s brother, Mark Iannizzotto, and his sister-in-law, Tiffany, were present for the ceremony. They have been a great support to him throughout his life. Christopher’s parents who are deceased were remembered in the liturgy.
Bishop Dominick Lagonegro, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, was the ordaining prelate. In his homily, Bishop Dominick focused on the role of a priest, saying that following his ordination, Father Christopher assumes the responsibility of ministering the Word and shepherding God’s people.
The bishop also said that there is restlessness within and among people, and that some people are having rough times with nowhere to turn. Our faith has the capacity and power to address that restlessness and to bring order to people’s lives. Against this background he advised that the priest is called to administer the sacraments and proclaim God’s word to all people.
Bishop Lagonegro pointed out that the priest must be a person of prayer and must develop a healthy relationship with God through prayer. He also spoke of the importance of the sacraments and pointed out to Father Christopher that the people of God need him to administer the sacraments faithfully.
 The Rite of Ordination followed the homily. It included the call, presentation and examination of the candidate; election by the bishop and consent of the people; promise of obedience; the laying on of hands; investiture with sacred vestments; anointing of hands and presentation of the gifts. The liturgy then continued as usual. Father Patrick McGuigan, O.Carm., was invited by Father Chris to vest him in the stole and chasuble which are the vestments a priest wears during mass.
A combined choir of the Carmelite parishes in the Middletown area provided the music. A children’s choir from Saint Simon Stock school also sang during the liturgy.
Father Michael Kissane, O.Carm., and Bishop Lagonegro both made concluding remarks. Bishop Lagonegro thanked Father Chris for responding to God’s call in his life and encouraged him to minister to the people of God. Father Michael congratulated Father Chris on his
ordination. He said he was ordained to the priesthood exactly 22 years ago. He noted that he learned more about what it means to be a priest by ministering to the people at Saint Simon Stock, which was his first assignment.
Just before the recessional hymn the newly ordained priest gave his first blessing to Bishop Lagonegro. A reception followed in the dining room of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Father Christopher celebrated his First Mass on December 21, 2008, at Saint Simon Stock Church in the Bronx. It was a snowy day! Many parishioners and a number of Carmelites attended the celebration. Father Christopher was grateful that, despite the weather, his aunt and uncle who raised him after his parents died were able to be present.
Father Mario Esposito, O.Carm., gave the homily at the mass. He noted that he has known Father Chris and his family since the early 80s. He did the funeral for both of Father Chris’ parents. He reminded Father Chris that he is first a Carmelite and that as a Carmelite he should look to Mary as a guide in his priestly ministry.
A reception was held in the Saint Simon Stock school gym. Father Chris thanked the many people who were responsible for making his dream of being a priest a reality. These included: his family, formators, the Saint Simon Stock Community and the many people who have supported him over the years.
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