VENICE. FLORIDA --  Fathers Bernard Chojnacki, Paul D’Angelo and Cory Mayer joined the presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice in Florida during an Oct. 24 ordination celebration at Epiphany Cathedral.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane ordained the three men during an elaborate Mass before over a thousand people, including more than 50 priests, deacons, and religious. They are the first ordinandi in the Diocese of Venice since 2006.

Bishop Dewane said the men “responded to the call of Christ. Let what you teach be a nourishment to the people of God and imitate Christ in his love for others.”

He called the men forward several times, first to give their promise of obedience. The men the prostrated themselves, laying flat on their face, during the Litany of Saints and then as Bishop Dewane recited a prayer; calling to God to pour out the blessing of the Holy Spirit and the power of priestly grace.

Bishop Dewane then called each man forward to lay his hands on them for a prayer of ordination. This was repeated by Bishop Emeritus John J. Nevins and all of the priests present.

The men were then vested as priests for the first time. Bishop Dewane then called them forward to be anointed on the palms of their hands with Holy Chrism, The men then are presented a paten with the bread and chalice containing the wine mixed with water for the celebration of the Mass. Lastly the bishop and priests present gave each of the newly ordained the fraternal greeting.

Father Mayer, who was Baptized at St. Patrick's in Fillmore and grew up in  Varysburg, N.Y., is a graduate of Regina Apostolorum University in Rome. He served at Epiphany Cathedral during his formation. He was joined at the Mass by his mother and step-father, a sister, two brothers and more than 200 friends and family.

Being ordained a priest means everything to him. “It is an honor and a privilege to go through this beautiful process. I feel I am truly blessed. This is the happiest day of my life.”

Donna Almeter, his mother, said she “could not contain my joy as I watched my son be ordained. What a moment. It was very powerful for me as a mother to see her son become a priest, and also an honor. I am so proud of him He has been through a lot and to make to here is a very special.”

After the Mass, the men offered blessings to the faithful, one of their first acts as newly ordained priests. All three men celebrated Mass at the parish of their present assignment on Oct. 25, Priesthood Sunday. They will receive their first official parish assignment within a month.

Fr. Cory will celebrate his First Mass at St. Patrick's in Fillmore on November 1, 2009 at 10:15 AM.