Newest priest leads way for four more

By JEFF GRAHAM

It is hard to imagine the emotions that Deacon Anthony Ho was experiencing before his ordination to the priesthood on May 30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Vancouver. No doubt joy, sadness, and expectation were intermingling as he walked down the aisle toward the altar, his mother interceding in heaven for him, and his father and sister looking on expectantly.

"By our baptism, we are all called to be priests," said Archbishop Raymond Roussin, SM, in his homily, explaining to the crowd how through baptism each of the faithful is called to be priest, prophet, and king. Then, looking directly at Deacon Ho, he told him that he has a special calling.

"Jesus Christ chose some of His followers to carry out His priestly ministry on earth. Our brother discerned this step and is ready to be ordained. By consecration, he will become a true priest," he said. "My son, you are now to be ordained to the order of presbyterate."

Born in Hong Kong, and a graduate of BCIT, Deacon Ho appeared happy that his journey to the priesthood was finally over. The past seven years of studying at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission had ups and downs, the most notable down being the passing of his mother, Rose, five years ago. He said that his mother promised him the first thing she would do when she got to heaven would be to ask that her son be a good priest. She also promised him that she would be with him in spirit on the day of his ordination.

"Your ordination is to make you another Christ, so that those who come to you may find their way to God our Father," said Archbishop Roussin. "Lead them effectively, truly, and honestly to Christ, and always remember the example of the Good Shepherd."

"We need each other to find our way to Christ."

The archbishop then told Deacon Ho three keys to the priesthood: be a man of prayer, be conscious that you are a servant, be a man of joy.

"Remember, Christ is with you, and so are the people here tonight," the archbishop concluded.

The Gospel was read by Deacon Justin Huang, who will be ordained June 18 at St. Paul’s Church in Richmond. Deacon Alessandro Lovato, Deacon Nicolas Tumbelaka, and Deacon Henry Yeung, all of whom will be ordained this summer for the Archdiocese of Vancouver, were also there. Father Andrew L’Heureux from the Diocese of Kamloops, who studied with Deacon Ho at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, and who was ordained in May, also made the trip.

After the Gospel, Deacon Ho was called forward by Deacon Huang.

"Let Anthony Ting Yiu Ho, who is to be ordained priest please come forward."

"Present," he replied.

Deacon Ho was then presented to the Archbishop and found worthy to be ordained to the priesthood.

"We rely on the help of the Lord God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, and we choose this man, our brother, for priesthood in the presbyteral order," said the archbishop.

After Deacon Ho had been examined and promised obedience to the archbishop and his successors, there was an invitation to prayer. The Litany of Saints was recited as Deacon Ho lay prostrate on the ground.

The archbishop laid hands on Deacon Ho, and in turn all of the priests present did likewise. The archbishop said the prayer of consecration, Father Ho was invested with a stole and chausuble, and his hands were annointed.

Father Anthony Ho was greeted with the kiss of peace by the archbishop, and then by the priests, before concelebrating the Mass with the archbishop for the first time. By the end of the proceedings he was overcome with emotion.

"This morning I was telling myself that I would not cry," he told the crowd.

Tears welling in his eyes, Father Ho thanked the many people who had been instrumental in his journey to the priesthood.

"I thank his grace, Archbishop Raymond Roussin, for his paternal care and for the conferring of sacramental holy orders today. I also thank my parents for the gift of life and for the gift of faith. I thank my family and friends for their prayerful support in my vocation."

"It’s so wonderful and so touching to see so many friends."

Quickly adapting to his role as priest, Father Ho then invited those present to his first Mass the next day and to the post-ordination party in the church basement.

"Remember, when you attend the first Mass of a newly ordained priest you may receive a plenary indulgence," he said.

After the ordination, there was a large celebration for Father Ho, with virtually everyone who had attended the ordination packing the small church basement. Grinning ear to ear, Father Ho greeted well wishers and indulged everyone who wanted a photo or a blessing.

Father Ho’s joy seemed to radiate to everyone in the room, and his ordination no doubt filled the faithful present there with hope for the future of the Archdiocese of Vancouver.