Today, we gather together in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest, to celebrate the feast that honors His sacred priesthood and His unfailing love for humanity.
The feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest, reminds us of the great significance of priesthood throughout salvation history. From the very beginning, God appointed priests to act as mediators between Him and His people. We witness this in the Old Testament, as priests like Melchizedek and Aaron offered sacrifices and interceded for the people before God. However, these priests merely foreshadowed the ultimate and eternal High Priest.
In the fullness of time, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to be the perfect and everlasting High Priest. Jesus' priesthood is unique and unparalleled, for He is both the mediator and the sacrifice Himself. He offered His own life on the cross, shedding His precious blood to atone for the sins of humanity and reconcile us with the Father. Through His sacrificial act, Jesus became the Eternal High Priest, bridging the gap between heaven and earth and opening the way to eternal life for all who believe in Him.
On this day, all the members of the Daughters of the Divine Zeal and Rogationist of the Heart of Jesus Congregations celebrate the feast of Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia. Fr. Hannibal Mary, a devoted servant of Christ, recognized the profound importance of the priesthood in the Church and society. He dedicated himself to promoting vocations and fostering a greater understanding of the priesthood's sacred role.
Saint Hannibal understood that the world is in constant need of priests who embody the qualities of Christ, the Eternal High Priest. Like Christ, these priests are called to be compassionate shepherds, willing to lay down their lives for their flock. They are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, bringing the love and mercy of God to all they encounter. Just as Saint Hannibal worked tirelessly to raise awareness and support for the priesthood, we are also called to discern and encourage vocations actively, knowing that the Church and the world depend on faithful priests to guide us on our journey toward God.
As we celebrate the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest, may we strive to imitate Christ's priesthood, seeking to be instruments of His love, compassion, and reconciliation. Let us also honor the memory of Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia, praying for an abundance of holy vocations and the perseverance of our priests in their sacred ministry.
Through the intercession of our Eternal High Priest and the guidance of Saint Hannibal, may we grow in faith, deepen our understanding of the priesthood, and become ever more committed to living lives of holiness and service to others.
