His Excellency Martin Holley, Auxillary Bishop of Washington, ordains Fr. John Larson.

Father John Larson, MIC, was ordained a priest on February 11, 2006 — the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes — in a joyous celebration at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. His Excellency Martin Holley, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington was the principal celebrant and homilist. Very Rev. Walter M. Dziordz, MIC, Provincial Superior, led a large gathering of Marian Fathers and Brothers who traveled from around the Province to attend the ceremony. Director of Formation, Fr. Mark Garrow, MIC, presented Fr. John for ordination.

“What a joyous day it is for you and the universal Church!,” exclaimed Bishop Holley. In a homily that extolled the virtues of priesthood and acknowledged the day’s special significance — World Day of the Sick and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes — Bishop Holley encouraged Fr. John to remember: “These are no longer your hands, they will be the hands of Christ healing the broken heart of God’s people.”

In concluding his homily, Bishop Holley pointed to his and Fr. John’s great devotion to Our Lady. “Always, always, always,” he instructed Fr. John, “stay close to Mary and consecrate yourself to her most compassionate heart.”

Fr. Walter addressed the congregation with a word of thanksgiving: “It is clear that Fr. John has been attentive to God’s call. He has listened and responded with a resounding, ‘Yes!’ How fortunate we are. How fortunate the Church is, for we need priests like Fr. John to lead and guide us!”

The celebration concluded with the Marian anthem, “Mater Dei Immaculata” reverberating throughout the Crypt area of the Basilica.

Following the Ordination, the traditional first blessing was given in the Lourdes Chapel at the Basilica of the National Shrine.

A reception followed at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center.

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