For Advent: Inspiring Examples of Aged Faith

Inspiring Examples of Aged Faith

September 7th, 2010 by Fr. Kyle Schnippel

Last week, I had the opportunity to con-celebrate Mass with two priests who, together, have 120 years of priestly experience. Only bringing 6 years to the Altar myself, I was somewhat in awe of the two aged servants who have toiled long in the vineyard of the Lord.

As I reflect back on this Mass, and as I have continued to grow in friendship with these two men (who are both old enough to be my grandfather!), I continue to marvel at the great gift of the priesthood for the Church. Here we are, three men from two dramatically different generations, united by a common bond of priesthood, sharing in the one Sacrifice of Our Lord.

As I stood back, I pondered what drew me to these two men. In any other profession or career, I doubt our paths would have crossed. They would both have long since been retired; yet here we were, united by the Altar. I marveled at their deep love for the Eucharist, the joy in celebrating Mass, in preaching to the people, and an obvious love for the Blessed Virgin Mary — whom we were celebrating at this Mass.

More than anything, this is what has drawn me. These two aged priests — one who can barely walk, one who winters in Florida to escape sometimes brutal Cincinnati winters — both have a keen and profound spirituality, a depth of personality and meaning, a close connection with Our Lord and Our Lady. I can only hope to have a portion of their spirit when (if?) I reach their age and service.

As I have gotten to know these two priests, I discovered how they have developed such a deep and personal connection with our Lord: they have suffered. Fr. B. spent six months in the hospital in the early 80’s, hanging on after given a slim chance of recovery; Fr. S. has had to move to Florida for his health reasons. Through these struggles, and many others which I am sure I don’t know about, they have been united with Christ on His Cross, and are now particular channels for His grace to flow, even in their older age – or perhaps I should say, especially in their old age. “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by virtuous living” (Proverbs 16:31).

While I certainly do not look forward to suffering and struggle, if it brings me to the same place it has brought these two holy examples of the priesthood, I hope I am able to endure it with grace and embrace it with gratitude.

Fr. Kyle Schnippel is the vocations director for the diocese of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Our old old priest who passed away some 8 years ago now, was just the sweetest man. He used to walk up to new people (or at least new to him) and ask, "would you like to see a picture of my pride and joy"?. What are they going to do, say no?

Then Monsignor would pull out an index card that had a picture of Pride dish soap on one side and Joy dish soap on the other side. Great ice breaker!

When he got to the point that no glasses could let him sing, walk and see at the same time, he just sang the processional however he remembered it. The congregation followed.

Now in these days he was retired and he could have just sat back. The pastor asked him if he could fill in for Masses? Monsignor said NO! Taken aback, the pastor asked, may I ask why? He said I want to be in the regular rotation. So they put him back in the rotation, they just made sure someone was with him, if it was a Mass with a lot of traveling, you know renewal and that sort of thing.

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