‘A Christmas gift to the Diocese’: Red Bank Oratory welcomes newly-ordained priest

Bishop O’Connell imposes hands on the head of Rev. Brother Donald Ronning, C.O., ordaining him a priest. Matt Marzorati photos

“I just want to say three words:Father…Donald …Ronning!” proclaimed Bishop David O’Connell, C.M., at the conclusion of the Ordination Mass with the Red Bank Oratory of St. Philip Neri Dec. 20.

“He is a Christmas gift to the Diocese of Trenton.”

Filled to near capacity, The Oratory Church of St. Anthony of Paduaerupted into applause, as the newly ordained Father Donald Ronning, C.O., looked out from the sanctuary in astonishment. It wasn’t that he was 76 years old and ordained a priest that surprised him. It wasn’t the more than 20 brother priests and Oratorians who had trekked across the Diocese and beyond to be part of this holy day.

PHOTO GALLERY: Father Ronning, C.O., Ordination

PHOTO GALLERY: Father Ronning, C.O., First Mass

“I was surprised that anyone came,” said Father Ronning. “All those people applauding … it was the nearest I’d come to tears.”

A beloved deacon, brother and secretary of the Red Bank Oratory, Father Ronning has served the people of Red Bank at St. Anthony of Padua Parish for 10 years. “Looking out and seeing all those faces …,” recalled Father Ronning. “My family doesn’t live close. Working with the people of this parish every day, from the seniors, to couples, to the children, I really feel like they’re my family.” Father Ronning added, “And I’m part of that family.”

The Outward Sign

The Rite of Ordination began with the Election of the Candidate. “I testify that he has been found worthy,” announcedFather Alberto W. Tamayo, C.O., to Bishop O’Connell and the congregation. As provost of the Red Bank Oratory, it was Father Tamayo’s responsibility to declare Brother Ronning ready for the order of the presbyterate, the second degree of the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

“The history of our salvation has been built on the long line of shepherds, prophets and priests whom God has called by name, whom God has formed and fashioned after his own heart,” said Bishop O’Connell during his homily. “Brother Donald Ronning has responded to that call.”

The moment had come to confer the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Brother Ronning knelt before the altar. Bishop O’Connell gently laid his hands on his head – the essential matter necessary to confer the Sacrament. He then prayed over him. In an act of fraternal solidarity, each of the priests present took turns laying hands on the head of their new brother priest.

When he stood up, he was no longer Brother Ronning. He was forever more, Father Ronning.

“I could feel the warmth of the Bishop’s hands on my head,” said Father Ronning. “He anointed my hands and held them together. It reminded me of the prodigal son, and how he felt in the embrace of his father. It was a welcoming love.”

The Inward Reality

“We need him here,” said Father Nicholas Dolan, C.O., parochial vicar of the Oratory. “There is a lot of work to do, and we need his priesthood.” In addition to the celebration of the Sacraments, Father Donald will continue his work as secretary of the Oratory, serving the poor, working with couples and families, and offering the practical guidance that comes with a lifetime of experience.

“Father Ronning is the most humble person you will ever meet,” said fellow Oratorian and a novice in the Red Bank Oratory, Brother Anthony Gaudino. “He is great at lifting people up and encouraging them. He’s a big help to me as I learn to live as a brother in community.

“I think Father Donald’s journey really shows how God is always working in our life,” added Father Tamayo. “God is full of beautiful surprises for us, and he never stops creating us. He’s never done working on us, calling us and moving us.”

Father Ronning holds up the Eucharist during his Mass of Thanksgiving Dec. 21 in the Oratory Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank. Matt Marzorati photo