Priests from all over the Diocese of Beaumont gathered May 21 at Holy Family Retreat Center, Beaumont, for fellowship, lunch and a Mass to honor the ordination anniversaries of priests. Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, celebrated the anniversary Mass.
Bishop Guillory spoke in his homily about what it means to get back to basics
“These anniversaries give us a time to come together and recharge. It’s a time to not only renew but to come back to the essentials,” Bishop Guillory said.
Bishop Guillory told a story about a scuba diving experience he had a few years ago. The instructor told him not to go to far from the rope that was attached to the boat. He related this to the challenges priests face.
“These are difficult times for the priesthood. It’s a challenging environment out there, but I think that speaks to us to witness and to make Christ’s presence known to people,” Bishop Guillory said.
“It’s our job to get back to that rope. It will help us be better shepherds to our Lord’s flock,” Bishop Guillory said.
Augustinian Father Luis Urriza, pastor of Cristo Rey, Beaumont, is celebrating 65 years in the priesthood; Society of the Divine Word Father Clifton Labbe, pastor of St. Joseph, Livingston, and St. Martin de Porres, Corrigan, 40 years; and Father Joseph Romero, also 40 years.
