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clergy who followed instructions allowing for a smooth flowing service. The cathedral was completely full; some were even standing. Reporting the event was the local newspaper, Diario de Colima (Colima Daily), the family’s hired photographer and myself (for Carmelite Review). For reasons of time, the bishop did not include a homily. However, the following day on a trip to Manzanillo beach (one hour south of Colima) I asked Father Jesús why he had chosen this Gospel (John 13: 1-15, the washing of feet during the Last Supper) for his ordination. He commented on two points: Father Larios said that this Gospel reading reminds him of what God has called him to do, “to joyfully celebrate the Eucharist with God’s people everyday of his life.” Secondly, “it is not sufficient for a Christian to know what this sacrament means,” but “to challenge oneself to live the meaning of the Eucharist with the people of God in our daily life,” said Father Jesús. He concluded by saying that community life and service is for him the one thing that keeps his vocation in Carmel going. The ordination ceremony lasted for two hours, followed by lots of blessings and pictures of the newly ordained priest. The Left to right back row: Mrs. Maria Moran (D.R.E.), Angelica, Ramiro, Naty Ramirez (Saint Raphael parishioners). Left to right front row: Father Tracy O’Sullivan, Father Emilio Rodriguez, Father Jack Welch, Father James Geaney Father Thomas Jordan. joy of celebration continued with the reception at “El Jazmin.” It was an air conditioned and well decorated ballroom. Over 600 people attended including Father Jesús’ family and friends as well as Carmelites from Peru, Mexico, and the USA. In the Hispanic tradition the evenings celebration was planned to start at ten o’clock in the evening! Unbelievable! No celebration could start without music. Father Jesús inaugurated the dance floor by first thanking all those who helped to make his celebration possible. He then asked one of his nieces, Jose Maria, to dance the first song. The musicians played a variety of songs that kept all that were in attendance interested and dancing until midnight! Father Jesús’ first assignment is that of vocations director for the missions in El Salvador and Mexico. It is a position that fulfills the needs of the Carmelite mission in Latin America as it continues to expand. This assignment is entrusted to Father Jesús as he has recently completed initial formation studies on how to attract young men into religious life. In one sentence, Father Jesús continues to be a symbol of hope and openness for the Order of Carmelites to spread the Good News to the ends of the world. C Tony Mazurkiewicz Washington, DC, and continued his education, studying theology at Washington Theological Union there. During this time he made his Solemn (final) Profession of Vows on March 28, 2008. Last May, he graduated valedictorian of his class. His parents played a strong role in his love and devotion to Mount Carmel. “I prayed every night for my dad and for Father Carl, not knowing which one needed my prayers more,” said Father Tony. Father Carl Markelz, O.Carm., is the principal of Mount Carmel High School in Chicago and a good friend. Father Tony’s mother, Laura, is Father Carl’s assistant at the school. During the ordination homily, Bishop Michael LaFay, O.Carm., stressed that Tony already has everything he needs—a loving family, a dedicated Carmelite brotherhood and family, the experiences of life, and a faith in God—for his ministry and his life. The Holy Spirit then will guide him, as the Lawrence and Laura Mazurkiewicz with their son, Father Tony. Spirit guides all Christians, to put it all together for effective ministry, the sharing of powerful love, and to receive an abundance of life. Father Tony said his first Mass the next day, Sunday, May 31st, the feast of Pentecost, at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church. He has been assigned as parochial vicar (assistant pastor) at Saint Raphael Parish in Los Angeles, California.
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