Fr. Eoin Patten -Transcript of Homily from his Ordination, as delivered by Bishop John Mone 27/12/04

1. This evening Eoin, is the first day of the rest of your life, as you are called to Ministerial Priesthood. You will stand at the alter each day and at your words Christ will lie on the white linen of the alter as sure as he lay in the manger, as you offer the Sacrifice of the Mass.

Because of your Sact. Of Orders, you will bring forgiveness and healing in the sacrament of Reconciliation and anointing, and in Baptism you will receive and welcome new members into God’s Family.

2. Christmas is a time for Gifts as we remember God’s gift to us of his Son. It is a time for GIVING AND RECEIVING. This evening, Eoin, you give yourself as a generous gift to God and He gives you the precious Gift of the Priesthood.
I will place my hands on your head in an ancient symbol and I will pray the PRAYER OF CONSECRATION and in the twinkling of an eye you will be changed, never to be the same again. You too are given the power to change others(one person at a time). You will make a difference to others because of your ‘YES’ today.

3. That YES means the Eucharist will continue through your hands for many years ahead. Your whole priestly ministry draws its strength from this one sacrifice, the Sacrifice of the Mass.
Because of today this YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST already begun, will have a special meaning and grace for you.

4. What is happening here this evening, only makes sense in the light of Faith. Perhaps that is why, Eoin, you chose the carol ‘O Come all Ye Faithful’ for the start of this Mass. These words are also my words to you: TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE IDEALS IN YOUR HEART TONIGHT.

5. Believe in the power of Prayer – your Mass, your Rosary and your Divine Office. John Paul II said of the Breviary “Rediscover the importance and power of the Divine Office, Prayer of the Church” and he called it a duty and imperative for every priest.

6. Man of Prayer, man of Faith, be also a shepherd after the heart of Jesus, The Good Shepherd.
Be also a servant of Hope for the people entrusted to your care. God Bless and prosper all your efforts to serve the Lord and the people of God.

I hope and pray you will find as I have done in over 50 years in the Priesthood, that your own faith, your hopes, your personal weaknesses, joys and sorrows will be sustained by the faith and love of these same people you have chosen to serve.