On Sunday, June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Bishop Zsolt Marton, of Vác, Hungary ordained Csaba Lengvári Sch. P. as deacon in Hatvan.
In his homily, the bishop – himself a former Piarist student from Kecskemét – reflected on the signifiance the feast of the two apostles, which is traditionally associated worldwide with ordinations to the diaconate and priesthood, as well as first Masses. These two apostles most clearly embody the Catholic Church: its unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity.
The bishop highlighted Saint Peter the Apostle was the one who recognised Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Heavenly Father: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied: “Tu es Petrus…” – “…you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church…”
Bishop Marton explained that Peter was pleasing to Jesus: “Not because he was sinless or flawless, but because of his faith and devotion. Christ did not call perfect people to his service, nor does he today. Rather, he calls frail and fallible people who dare to accept themselves, their faults, and their weaknesses; who are ready to convert again and again, and who dare to profess their faith, to profess Christ, and clingsteadfastly to him.”
The bishop described Saint Paul as a passionate character “whose faith and life are defined by his encounter with Christ.”
Addressing the ordinant, the bishop said: “You now wish to build the next stage of your life upon Christ once more. Similar to Saint Paul, you too are an educator – a Piarist teacher. In this state of life, you are receiving the third degree of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the diaconate, which assists the ministry of the successors of the apostles and priests. (…) From today you will make a solemn promise to embrace sacred celibacy, which you already live as a religious. You know well that this is not merely about remaining unmarried, but a supernatural love undertaken for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. From now on, you will also receive special supernatural assistance to persevere in chastity and strive for purity of heart. Never forget: from now on – through this sacrament – you must give your life for those whom you will serve. You don’t need to be perfect, but you must be authentic.”
The Mass was attended by Provincial Viktor Zsódi Sch.P., along with several Piarist religious and students.
Photos: Viktória Kepes Gergöly
