When it comes to priests, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity imitate St. Francis of Assisi’s reverence for chaplains and pastors because they “offer the true Sacrifice of the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ”. However, when the priest happens to also be a Franciscan, the relationship swells with shared heart-felt common values and is as close to having our holy founder Francis among us in the flesh.
This is certainly true when it comes to our chaplain Father Placid Stroik, OFM. It was fitting on June 8, 2013 to commemorate his 50 years of priestly ministry to God’s people with a reception of thanksgiving to God for his vocation. In fact the celebration was perfectly timed right on the day of Father’s ordination anniversary.
At a time like this it is good to remember what St. Francis had to say about those called to ordination: “Let the
whole of mankind tremble and the whole world shake and the heavens exult when Christ, the Son of the living God, is [present] on the altar in the hands of the priest. O admirable heights and sublime lowliness! O sublime humility! O humble sublimity! That the Lord of the universe, God and the Son of God, so humbles Himself that for our salvation He hides Himself under the little form of bread!”
Interesting, our former chaplain Father DePaul Sobotka OFM also celebrated his ordination anniversary on June 8th. Special Sisterly greetings were also sent to him for his many years of selfless serving among us.
Both friars are members of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province of Friars Minor.
