Denver, Colo., May 12, 2010 / 02:29 am
Although the image of the Catholic priest has been tarnished lately by the sex abuse scandal, the Archdiocese of Denver has announced that it will ordain five men to the priesthood, all of whom say they are joyful at having the chance to live a life “in intimacy with Christ at the service of the Church.”
At the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, five men will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 15. Each shared a brief explanation as to why, amid Church scandal and scathing media attacks, they have chosen to commit themselves to a life of celibacy and obedience.
David Nix, 31, remembers working as a paramedic at the age of 19. While attending Mass in uniform one day before his shift, he recalled the parish priest yelling after him, “Have fun saving bodies while I save souls!” From that moment on, said Nix, his heart was stirred. His hope is to model his priesthood after historical Church fathers like St. Paul.
“They not only became loving men, but were transformed into Love itself – into the face of Jesus – by clinging to Christ with an undivided heart in prayer,” Nix said.