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Monsignor Awad 50TH Anniversary

What does it mean to be a priest 50 years? Is it doing something for 50 years? It is not doing something, but rather being something, in fact, being someone. A priest is not an angel. Sometimes he fails, sometimes he succeeds. Being a priest for 50 years means hearing a lot of confessions and yet knowing that you too are a sinner; offering the Eucharist almost everyday and taking a small piece of this sacred bread and wine for yourself; blessing marriages in the hope that they will succeed, baptizing and anointing new Christians with Myron, presiding at funerals, anointing the sick, counseling the troubled, being there for young and old alike, and all the while knowing that you too need the ministry and pardon of a priest.

Being a priest is different from playing the role of a priest, just as being a mother, a father a sister, a brother or a friend is different from playing the role. Being a priest means that in your very person, in fact, your very personality, you are a bridge between God and others. You help others draw close to God, and you bring God’s love and mercy closer to them. All the while that you are doing such, you are painfully aware of your own shortcomings, and you hope and pray that they will not get in the way of you being a priest after the heart of Christ.

Monsignor Assad, congratulations on being a priest 50 years. It is one thing to play the part; it is something very different to be the priest Christ’s asks us to be. You have been that priest, Monsignor, and we are all proud to be here today to honor you.

I cannot help but think of your parents today, and in a special way, your mother whom I had the privilege of meeting two years ago on my trip to Lebanon.

I welcome members of your family from Lebanon, Ohio, from near and far. I welcome and thank the parishioners and friends of Our Lady of Mercy who made this day possible and continue to support your priestly ministry. Last but not least, I thank and salute your brother priests who have gathered with you today. In the midst of all the trails and tribulations they face, they are still the silent, unsung heroes of faith and the Church and world are much better because of them.

To be a priest is not to be perfect, but to be willing every day to seek God’s pardon and peace for others and for ourselves as well, and to seek the face of Christ in all whom we meet. Congratulations Monsignor Awad. Thank you for being a priest after the heart of Jesus.

 +Gregory J. Mansour

(Reprinted with permission.)