Our European Province is pure bliss and thanksgiving to God for the diaconal ordination of our Lithuanian brother, Elijas.
One of our youngest brothers, after spending the past three years studying theology in Burgundy, France, at Rimont, he received a mission to return to his home country. He was ordained by His Eminence, Cardinal Audrys Bačkis, Emeritus Bishop of the Diocese of Vilnius. On that sunny and warm Saturday, 20th of September—unusually pleasant for that time of the year—Brother Elijas was surrounded by his family, friends, and, of course, the Brothers and Contemplative Sisters of Saint John, who live just next door to the Brothers’ Priory.
The Mass was scheduled for 10 a.m., but the liturgical preparations began well before that. Numerous altar boys were present at least 45 minutes prior, well-dressed and ready “for liturgical action.” The Parish Church was already adorned with flowers, enhanced by the sun’s rays falling on the altar’s white cloth. A few minutes before the start of the Mass, the pews were full, with everyone awaiting the bishop and priests to enter in procession.
His Eminence delivered the homily. What did he say? I do not have a clue—unfortunately, I don’t know Lithuanian. However, judging by the tone and modulation of his voice, the way he looked at the crowd, and especially at Brother Elijas, I can confidently say that he spoke as a true pastor, even as a true father—one who cares deeply for those under his guidance and strengthens them through his teachings. One of the most uplifting and beautiful moments of the celebration came after the candidate expressed his obedience to the bishop and received these words of blessing: May God Himself accomplish in you what He has already begun.
Diaconate, priesthood, or any vocation in the Catholic Church is not an end, but a journey—a path we are called to follow. We embark on that path with the understanding that we are called by One who is stronger, wiser, and more faithful than we could ever be. Therefore, there is no need to worry about whether we can complete the journey because He will be there to accomplish what He has already begun in us and with us.
After the liturgical celebration concluded, we all gathered outside for a convivial time, sharing food, drinks, pictures, and plenty of joy. The next day, being a Sunday, Brother Elijas officiated as a deacon at his first Mass, thus beginning his ministry of service to the Word and the Bread of God. While he is surely praying for each of us, let us also remember him in our daily prayers, so that he may remain a faithful servant of the Lord and His people.
Brother Vladimir Bortos – Bucharest
