By Julie Godfrey Miller
Catholic Herald

Eugene H. Hornung ordained to priesthood

During a special Mass at St. Anthony Abbot Church on July 13, Eugene H. Hornung was ordained to the priesthood, to follow a vocation he first considered in the 1940s.

Horning, who is in his 70s, entered the seminary as a young man, but decided not to continue. He once again heard the call to the priestly life after the death of his wife, Dolores, after 40 years of marriage and entered the seminary in 2001.

The sacrament of holy orders was conferred by Bishop Raphael M. Fliss during the Mass, which he concelebrated with visiting priests and many priests of the Diocese of Superior.

The liturgy of ordination began after the reading of the Gospel, when Deacon Greg Ricci of St. Anthony Parish, called Hornung from the congregation.

Horning responded, "Present," formally accepting his call to the priesthood.

Fr. Andrew Ricci, director of the diocesan Office of Vocations and Seminarians, then requested the bishop to ordain Hornung and in response to a question from Fliss, replied that Hornung hadbeen found worthy to be ordained.

The entire congregation expressed their agreement to the ordination by applauding and saying, "Thanks be to God."

In the homily that followed, Fliss noted Hornung's late vocation. He said that although Hornung has acquired more age that is usual at the time of ordination, he expects him to have a very fruitful and long priesthood. As evidence, Fliss cited the longevity in Hornung's family. His mother lived to 96 and his father to 87. "We expect at least all of that," Fliss said.

Fliss also commented on the meaning of priesthood. He said, "We all know, of course, that God had made his entire people, all of us, a royal priesthood in Jesus Christ. But we also know that there are high priests. ... (Jesus) was sent by the Father, and he, in turn, sent the Apostles into the world. We continue his work as teacher, priest and shepherd through the sacrament of holy orders, given to individuals to serve God's people."

It will not always be easy. Fliss said, "The spirit of the Lord is upon you, Gene. You will be anointed with the holy chrism, this day. You are going to go forth with faith as a lamb in the midst of wolves. This is probably not the best time in the church to become a priest. We struggle with the awful scandal that is there. We try to rebuild the trust that should be present."

Fliss continued, "You have a mission of sanctifying ahead of you -- sanctifying only in the power of God. We must make every effort to die to sin and walk in the new life of Christ and make perfect the spiritual sacrifice that all of the people in your care will present to you and expect that you take them all into your hands and at the altar in that holy sacrifice of the Mass and join it with what you are doing with the power that is being given to you this day. Make their spiritual offerings, their sacrifice, perfect through the Eucharist."

Fliss also told him to always remember that the gift of holy orders is not given for him, but for God's people.

After the homily Hornung was asked four questions to show that he was willing to fulfill the responsibilities of a priest. He then knelt and, placing his hands between those of the bishop, declared his lifelong service to the diocese and promised obedience to Fliss and his successors.

Fliss invited the congregation to pray that God pour out his gifts on the church and on Hornung. As Hornung lay prostrate on the floor, a sign of his utter dependence on God, the choir and congregation sang the Litany of the Saints.

At the close of the litany, Hornung knelt before the bishop. Fliss laid his hands on Hornung's head and prayed. With this gesture the sacrament of holy orders was conferred and Hornung became a priest.

Fr. Dennis Mullen, pastor of St. Anthony Parish, came forward to remove Hornung's deacon stole and vest him with the stole and chasuble of a priest.

Using the sacred chrism oil, Fliss then anointed Hornung's hands for priestly service.

Now a priest, Hornung stood beside Fliss as the gifts of bread and wine were brought to the altar by Hornung's sister and sister-in-law, Arlene Volhard and Elizabeth Jansen. Fliss presented the gifts to Hornung in anticipation of the many times he will preside over the eucharistic sacrifice in the future.

The ordination rite ended when Hornung received the sign of peace, first from the bishop and then from each of the assembled priests.

At the close of the Mass Mullen thanked Fliss for coming to the parish for the occasion recounted Hornung's history and his journey to the priesthood

Hornung was presented with a priest's most cherished possession, his personal chalice and paten of sterling silver, lined with gold -- gifts from the parish. He also received a standing ovation from the congregation.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2003