MAY 25, 2025

This has been an exciting month for our Church! On May 8th, the world looked on as Robert Cardinal Prevost, OSA stepped onto the Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV. How amazing! Not only an American, but a Chicagoan! And a south sider to boot!

Pope Leo has made appearances and given talks each day since. Each of his homilies and speeches have left me amazed. He’s a man of deep humility and holiness. I would encourage you to go online and read his homilies. Pope Leo opens his heart and provides us with rich words to ponder as we try to grow in holiness and love like Jesus loved. I was particularly moved with the last line of his inaugural homily: “Together, as one people, as brothers and sisters, let us walk toward God and love one another.”

Together, as one parish, if we walk toward God and love one another, we’ll be saints. All of us. Let us be inspired by Pope Leo’s words and actions to move forward, together, toward holiness and Heaven.

Locally, there was also cause for joy. Last Saturday, May 17th, Bishop Larry Sullivan ordained two priests at Holy Name Cathedral. Newly ordained Fr. Christian Garcia and Fr. Kevin Menard will serve as priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Pray for them.

The month of May is typically a cause of rejoicing for all Chicago priests. It is our “Anniversary Season.” On May 11th, Fr. John Sullivan celebrated his 48th priesthood anniversary. On May 18th, Fr. Wayne celebrated his 23rd priesthood anniversary. And on May 15th, I celebrated my 4th anniversary of priesthood.

Please note that there are approximately 2 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago. In 2025, the Archdiocese ordained two priests. In 2024, we ordained four priests. In 2023, we ordained five priests. In 2022, we ordained two priests. In 2021, my class, we ordained nine priests. That’s 22 priests in five years. Not too long ago, the Archdiocese ordained more than 22 priests every year.

God isn’t calling fewer men to the priesthood than He used to. Sadly, many young men - born to be priests - won’t recognize God’s gift to them because they simply weren’t taught the Faith. They can’t recognize a vocation to something they simply know nothing about.

Bishop Larry Sullivan used to tell me, “Ryan, the priesthood is the greatest gift God could have ever given me. I love being a priest!” I couldn’t agree more. I absolutely love being a priest. Every single day I thank God for my priesthood. Please teach our young people the Faith and pray for vocations to the priesthood. Encourage those young men who you think would be great priests.

Who knows, maybe there’s a man with a vocation to the priesthood in our pews today. Maybe there’s a boy with a vocation to the priesthood in our school or religious education program. Maybe there’s a boy with a vocation to the priesthood in your family, in your home, at your dinner table! Not far from Mt. Greenwood, roughly 60 years ago, Mr. & Mrs. Prevost were praying for young Robert. And look what came of him! Who knows what will come of your son, grandson, or nephew when you pray for his vocation to the priesthood!

Oremus pro invicem!

Fr. Ryan P. Brady
Pastor of St. Christina Parish