In Arlington, Virginia, on a warm Friday afternoon in June, a group of men prepared for a significant and transformative moment in their lives. Just a day before they would officially become Catholic priests, they gathered under the arches of a gothic cathedral to practice the intricate steps of their ordination Mass. These moments mark the end of a rigorous six-year seminary journey underscored by a lifelong pursuit for calling and purpose.
Their group of twelve is notably the largest ordination their diocese has seen in almost three decades, creating a logistical challenge as they fit themselves before the altar during rehearsals. Reflecting on their numbers, reminiscent of Jesus’ twelve apostles, their bishop refers to them fondly as “the 12.” They represent a fresh wave of hope in a church that has grappled with internal crises and division.
This diverse group includes engineers, a former tech founder, and future military chaplains, with ages ranging from 28 to 56. While most are born in the United States, their roots tie back to nations with vibrant Catholic communities such as Cameroon, Mexico, Peru, and Haiti. They enter priesthood amidst the landmark tenure of the first U.S.-born pope, yet can’t overlook the concerning decline in clergy numbers, with priesthood in the U.S. reportedly shrinking by over 40% since 1970, according to data from a Georgetown University-affiliated research center.
As transitional deacons during their final seminary year, these men have already embraced roles of servitude, administering baptisms, delivering homilies, and vowing to live by obedience and celibacy. Come ordination, they will be responsible for additional sacred duties, including performing sacraments and leading parishes across northern Virginia.
Their preparations include practicing prostration, an act that embodies complete surrender and humility, as they lay face down on the cathedral’s cold marble floor. “We’re laying before the Lord,” explains the Rev. Mike Sampson, one of the soon-to-be priests.
In a time when neighboring dioceses confront closures and financial woes, the Diocese of Arlington is thriving, with vibrant parishes attracting young professionals due to proximity to Washington, D.C. Outgoing vocations director, Rev. Michael Isenberg, admits the reason for their growth isn’t entirely clear.
The backgrounds of these men add depth to their priestly pursuit. Sampson, a former government lawyer baptized into Catholicism in 2013, found a deeper calling than his profession provided. Similarly, Rev. Tim Banach transitioned from a consultancy job to fulfill a yearning beyond traditional career aspirations. Meanwhile, Rev. Alfredo Tuesta left a promising engineering career with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory for priesthood, driven by a sense of greater purpose.
Ricky Malebranche, one of the ordinands praised by his father, speaks volumes of dedication, emphasizing the substantial sacrifices made in pursuing their spiritual journeys. “They gave up a lot, and this is not easy,” his father attests, underscoring the transformative nature of their commitments.
Prospective priests undergo stringent assessment processes, focusing on psychological and emotional wellness, especially in light of past clergy abuse crises. Supported by an admissions board inclusive of women and laypersons, their journey involves significant interaction with abuse survivors. Bishop Michael Burbidge’s close mentoring reinforces their readiness, a contrast to past expectations regarding bishop-seminarian relationships.
Survey findings reveal young U.S. priests often align conservatively or moderately compared to their older counterparts from past decades. In a society striving for authenticity, Burbidge notes a growing search for “beauty, truth, and clarity” among young adults, principles that these new priests embody.
Accepting priesthood involves personal sacrifices, such as forgoing traditional family pursuits. Despite initial family surprises, like Banach’s Catholic parents, youths still cherish family values through spiritual connections with parishioners.
Malebranche, channeling familial love through ministry, reflected on his experience baptizing a child, underscoring the deep emotional exchanges in his role. His desire to create a welcoming Church for all reiterates his commitment to nurturing a community spirit within the Catholic faith.
As ordination day dawned, emotions mirrored those of a wedding — excitement, anticipation, and familial bonds cresting as families and friends gathered to witness their commitments. Celebrations awaited post-ordination, along with well-deserved breaks.
For some, this meant travels honoring their roots or cherished ambitions — like Sampson’s trip to Italy, Banach’s Appalachian trek, or Tuesta’s return to Lima. Malebranche intended to revel in Virginia among loved ones, eager to embrace his new role.
As their ordination Mass invited over 1,200 attendees, the cathedral swelled with profound joy and accomplished fulfillment. In line with Catholic tradition, these twelve, clad in symbolic robes, embarked on their sacred missions, responding to the world’s need for guidance and faith-driven purpose, echoing the histories of the apostles before them.