Daily Archives: June 7, 2026

And not just prayed, but offered sacrifice and good works? Here’s why it’s on my mind.

When I was growing up, my mom had a small little wood carved sign amidst all of her bric-a-brac that said simply, “A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.” I think someone had given it to her over the years and it certainly seemed most appropriate for a mother of 16 children. I always liked the sentiment, especially being the 14th of those children.

Currently in my family there are several little ones set to make their debuts. As in, I have four great nieces and great nephews in the works. I am reminded daily to pray for the babies, for their good health and safe and happy deliveries, and for the moms and dads.

But I am really focused on babies of a different kind right now – baby priests. I know, it is a silly expression, but you probably all know exactly what I mean. This time of year generally sees an uptick in the number of priestly ordinations. I mentioned in a recent post about the FSSP and their 12 new priests. This past Saturday morning. I got to see one of those young men celebrate a solemn high Mass in my parish.

The emotions were strong. This man had been at our parish for a year as a deacon. We had gotten to know him. Now he has become, by the grace of God, a father to us.

From my pew I watched before Mass as he walked over to the Marian altar, knelt down, and prayed. I had seen him do this before daily Mass many times before. Yet somehow I knew that this simple act of devotion was even more meaningful now that he was a priest of her Son. And since a good father always sets an example for his children, I also began to pray to the Blessed Mother. I prayed for him.

“Keep him always beneath thy mantle!”

I received his first blessing. There may have been a tear.

I thought of that wood carved sign. Could this be God’s opinion that the Eternal Sacrifice should go on? And how blessed are we to receive new priests?! I thought two of how I felt when my own children were born – the joy, and the knowledge that I would need to protect them. I thought of the fact that my own children are getting older, how I am feeling more useless to them by the day, and that the only way I can protect them now is by my prayers.

But here was a new “baby” who was also a father. Talk about a paradox! I know the terrible assault he will be under constantly. The devil would love to take him down. And I felt the need to protect – father to father.

In that moment I remembered that Our Lady is my constant protectress. How much more so would she be his.

With gratitude to Almighty God for this young man and for all priests – the good, the bad, and the ugly – I will ever ask the Blessed Mother to keep them close to her Immaculate Heart. And I will pray especially for those who have fallen or who have lost their way. They are still priests of her Son and will be judged by Him as such.

Mary, Mother of Priests, pray for us!