Last year, while I was sick with a cold at home, laying on the couch and watching EWTN, I noticed a newly ordained priest that I had not seen before. But, then, I remembered him as a deacon standing next to the various Franciscan Fathers during the daily Masses. At that time, I didn’t pay much attention to him: he seemed quiet, little, and inconspicuous. Later, watching him as a priest, I found him remarkable. He was meek and humble, but he had a masculine force and absurdness about his bearing. He knew the rubrics of the Mass. For every gesture and movement was purposed and methodical, but not machine-like. He has an elegant grace about him, that never becomes effeminate. His Faithful actions and holy striving surly personifies the Catholic belief of: “In persona Christi.” He proves how priests can truly become conduits of God's loving and saving power. I imagine this is somewhat how St. Joseph, my favorite Saint, behaved. And, since, Christ grew-up obedient to His parents, also the way Our Lord presented himself: He is Strength, and Love.
From Father's EWTN bio:
Status: Priest
Title: Community Vocations Director; Council
Bio: Rev. Fr. Patrick Mary, MFVA was born in Cocoa Beach, Florida, but lived in various places growing up due to his father’s career in the Army. Before entering the Community, he was a student at the University of Miami. He entered the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word in October 2002 and professed final vows on August 14, 2008. Br. Patrick was ordained to the diaconate on May 21, 2011 and completed his theological studies at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary on May 4, 2012 earning a Masters in Divinity and Masters of Arts in Systematic Theology. Fr. Patrick was ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 2012 and serves full time at the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama ministering to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Poor Clare Sisters and the many pilgrim visitors while continuing his service as the Vocation Director.