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Pocono News Section
New Priests Ordained
New Priests Ordained - Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 10:16PM EST
Reported by: WBRE News
Saturday, Jun 28, 2008 @ 10:16pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -
The Scranton Diocese' brotherhood of priests added three new men Saturday.
The Cathedral of Saint Peter was packed for the festive occasion.
David Bechtel of Pottsville, Gregory Reichlen of Friendsville and john Victoria of Towanda were ordained by Bishop Joseph Martino.
Father Gregory Reichlen looks forward to his priesthood, “It's unbelievable. It's the end of a long journey and the beginning of a new one.”
He had plans to be a doctor, but that was before divine intervention, “I’m just very excited to be participating in this mission. God has called me. I don't know what to expect but I trust the lord is with me.”
Times are changing for the Roman Catholic community of northeast Pennsylvania.
The number of available priests has steadily declined at an alarming rate.
Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton says, “That’s why we're studying our parishes because we don't have this wonderful of army of priests where they need to be for the 21st century.
Given Saturday’s ordination, Bishop Martino remains optimistic, “We need 300 more, though we needn't become discouraged that we don't have enough.”
The new priests will say his first mass tomorrow afternoon at his home parish. | | |
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