HOLY THURSDAY OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

Technically, Holy Thursday is not part of Lent. Tonight, we begin the Triduum, the three days that lead to Easter, and it is the occasion of the institution of the priesthood. After washing the apostles’ feet, Jesus said: “I have given you a model to follow.” And he gave them a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

The overwhelming majority of priests live that vocation beautifully.

All my life, I have had a reverent respect for priests. I remain in awe of their sacrifice and faith. My parents never needed to tell me to respect priests; their actions taught me. My uncle, Dan Millard ’47, was a priest, and it was always a special occasion when he visited. He was my father’s brother, yes, but more importantly he was a priest. He had a vocation, and in some special way he was holy. He was anointed. 

When I attended Holy Cross, the chaplain’s office included Fathers Manning and LaBran. Like thousands of Holy Cross alumni, I am who I am today, due to the influence and inspiration of priests like them. And my children have been inspired by knowing Fr. Tom Henehan ‘63, who could have played in the NFL, but instead became a Maryknoll missionary. I hope I am teaching them the same reverence my parents taught me.

So, on this Holy Thursday, I pray for all priests, and I thank God for those whose vocations have helped us all grow in faith and prepare for Easter.