TLM Confirmations in Dunn

On Pentecost Sunday, Bishop Burbidge granted Fr. Parkerson permission to confirm 5 parishioners according to the usus antiquior:

Fr. John Victor Gournas Ordained to the Holy Priesthood

The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, bestowed the Sacrament of Holy Orders on Father John Victor Gournas at an Ordination Mass celebrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh, May 22.  Fr. Gournas was a wonderful and very close friend during my first year at the seminary:

Father Gournas promises obedience to Bishop Burbidge and his successors:

Father Gournas lies prostrate as we sing the Litany of the Saint, asking all of the Saints to intercede for him:

The bishop imposes his hands, continuing the powers of the priesthood:

The prayers of consecration:

Recessional:

Ordination reception with Fr. James Mayer, O. de M. (superior of the Mercedarian Third Order), and Bishop Burbidge:

Medical Update

I would like to give all readers an update on my health and ask for your prayers. Most of you know that I have just finished my first year at St. Charles seminary, and for the past 15 months I have been taking chemotherapy for brain cancer. Unfortunately, recent tests upon returning to North Carolina revealed that one area of the tumor has begun to grow.

I have consulted many doctors, and they recommend that I begin a treatment of three drugs that are currently being researched to treat brain cancer - Bevacizumab, Irinotecan, and Carboplatin.  Two of these are harsh chemotherapy drugs with very unpleasant side effects, and there are significant risks of internal bleeding and blood clots involved when taking them.  If I respond to the initial treatments, I will receive these IV injections every other week for the next year.

My bishop has released me from my original Summer parish assignment in Wilmington, and instead he has given me the "assignment" to pray for the Church and diocese while I undergo these treatments.  I will likely be living at the Sacred Heart parish rectory in Dunn, NC for much of the Summer, at the kind invitation of Fr. Parkerson, to be close to my friends and family.  I ask you to please pray for me as I begin these treatments, and that my health will permit me to return to the seminary in the Fall.  Please be assured of my prayers for you all as well!

Nephew Paul!

My nephew Paul is great:

Semester ends

The semester is finally over, and we have returned to the Diocese.  I will be spending 2 months at St. Mark's parish in Wilmington, NC.  On July 15, I will travel to Lourdes again to serve as a pilgrim guide - I will be uploading photos just like last Summer.

Please remember me in your prayers, as I have an MRI on May 19th to get an update on the tumor.  Thanks to all who have been praying for me so far!

Closing of 40 Hours, Part II

Photos by Patrick Hart