Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. ordained six men to the priesthood for service in the Diocese of Trenton during a Mass and ceremony June 4 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral.

Ordained as transitional deacons in 2010, the six men comprise one of the largest priest ordination classes that the Diocese of Trenton has had in the last decade.  Having successfully completed their formation in divinity and systematic theology from seminaries in the region serving the diocese, the deacons stood before their loved ones and representatives of the many parish communities in which they have served as seminarians, and pledged obedience to Bishop O’Connell and dedication to their vocation as the newest priests of the diocese.

Click HERE for a gallery of photos from the ordination

The day of ordination was especially poignant for Bishop O’Connell as his first opportunity to ordain priests since his own Episcopal ordination July 30, 2011 and assuming leadership of the diocese Dec. 1, 2010. It also marked the one-year anniversary of his being appointed coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Trenton by Pope Benedict XVI.

Bishop Emeritus John M. Smith joined Bishop O’Connell at the altar as principal concelebrant.  Nearly 100 priests of the diocese from across Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties also concelebrated the Mass and took part in the rites in a sign of solidarity with their new brothers in the priesthood.

The Ordination rite includes gestures that reflect back to the ancient Church and embody the life-changing commitment that the men are making as they receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Among the elements of the rite are the calling of the candidates and presentation before the bishop; the election by the bishop and the consent of the People of God signaled by their applause.

After declaring their intention to assume the responsibilities of the priest, the candidates each place their hands in those of the bishop and promise respect and obedience to him and his successors. They then lay prostrate on the floor of the cathedral as an expression of utter dependence on God as the congregation sings the ancient Litany of the Saints, including the patron saints of all the candidates being ordained.

In the essential act of ordination, the bishop lays his hands on the head of each candidate, signifying the conferral of the Holy Spirit, through whose power the Church ordains those to serve in Holy Orders.  The concelebrating priests follow suit.

The rite continues with the investiture with stole and chasuble, vestments of the priest, and the anointing by the bishop of the hands of the new priests.

See the Monitor edition of June 9 for full coverage of the ordination.