“I encourage you always to consecrate your priesthood to Mary under the mantle of her maternal loving care so she may guide you through your priestly ministry.”
Father Stephen Castellano, MIC, was ordained to the priesthood for the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception on May 18, the feast day the feast day of the Marian Founder, St. Stanislaus Papczyński.
The ordination Mass was celebrated at Fr. Castellano’s home parish, St. John Neumann Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Most. Rev. Martin D. Holley, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Memphis, was the celebrant.
God is love
In his homily, Bishop Holley acknowledged that St. John Neumann is Fr. Castellano’s “spiritual home,” where he received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation. “And it was here, in the Adoration Chapel, where the Lord put the idea of priesthood upon his heart,” he said.
Pastoral charity guides the priest, the bishop noted, pointing to his own episcopal motto, Deus Caritas Est, “God is love.”
“A priest should be holy in order to lead the people of God to be holy,” the bishop continued. “See Our Lady as a true model of humility, obedience, and service. She said, ‘May it be done to me according to your word.’”
“I encourage you always to consecrate your priesthood to Mary under the mantle of her maternal loving care so she may guide you through your priestly ministry,” he advised.
Scenes from the Ordination (Photos by Mary Castellano, Fr. Stephen’s sister.)