Parishioners, clergy and religious welcomed five new priests for service in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as "signs of hope to others" and "artisans of unity" at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels June 5.

The ordination of Fathers Robert Patrick Fulton, Artur Gruszka, James Halley, Francis Aytona Mendoza and Rodolfo Prado was witnessed by some 2,000 worshippers, including scores of priests, deacons and their wives, Episcopal Vicar Msgr. Bernard Leheny, and auxiliary bishops Edward Clark, Gerald Wilkerson, Gabino Zavala and Oscar Solis. Cardinal Roger Mahony served as main celebrant.

At the beginning of the liturgy the five elected candidates sat among their relatives and communities in the pews. Each was called out by name one-by-one. In turn they answered "Present!" and walked up to the altar to begin the rituals of ordination.

Cardinal Mahony, who recently celebrated a 42-year reunion with his own St. John's Seminary class, told the men that there is "no more memorable day in our lives than ordination. The joy and grace of that day persists year after year after year."

This particular bright Saturday morning, he added, brings the "fresh joy" of witnessing new priests being called by God to serve the local church. He acknowledged that the priests are being called into service at a time of great polarization in society and even in the Catholic church.

"The worse things get, the more faith-filled we must become," he said.

For the many people who live with illness or poverty, are marginalized or feel desperate, the cardinal called on the priests to "be persons and signs of hope to others." And he asked them to "point a way that leads from darkness to light."

Cardinal Mahony said it was not the priests' responsibility to fix the problems of others, but to be present and journey with people in their struggles. "Be there for people who need hope and need to be surrounded by a loving God," said the cardinal.

The cardinal also called on the priests to be "artisans of unity" and to promote harmony in families, communities, and the Catholic Church. He said that while there is room in the church for differences of opinion, it should never be expressed in a way that polarizes people against one another.

"Disunity," he said, "is to betray the body of Christ and create scandal."

The celebration of the Eucharist, he told the new priests, is to "be the heart and center of your priestly lives," he said. Their ordination, he added, makes it possible to "continue the sacrifice of Christ for the nourishment of His people."

One of the rituals of ordination included the laying on of hands in prayer by all the priests present upon the heads of each new priest. Msgr. Michael Meyers, pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Glendora, told The Tidings that while laying his hands on the new priests he prayed that each one experience the grace of the Holy Spirit and the joy of ministry.

"I prayed that the gifts of the Holy Spirit be with them," said Msgr. Meyers, whose parish welcomed then-seminarian Artur Gruszka one summer. His advice to the new priests: "Love the people, love the people. It's all about bringing Christ to the people and the Gospel message."

Added Father Bernard Njeru, a missionary priest from Kenya serving at St. Dorothy: "Always say 'yes' when a Christian calls. You have been given a gift by God. Offer it freely and without reservation."

Following the Mass, well-wishers formed lines outside the Cathedral to receive a blessing from the newly ordained priests. Many expressed their hope and confidence in the role of the priest and the blessings they offer the faithful.

The priests "are an example to others to keep helping people and society," said Ramiro Gonzalez. He, his wife Mirta and daughters Virginia and Cristina received a blessing from Father Rodolfo Prado whom they met through the priest's sister.

Walter and Bonnie Leck of St. Genevieve Church in Panorama City said they understand and appreciate the late vocations of Father Fulton, 54, and Father Halley, 52, especially since Bonnie was 50 when she was baptized.

Following her blessing by Father Francis Aytona Mendoza, Amy Clarke said the new priests are essential to sustaining the church's traditions. "Having men come in guarantees that we will have a church in the future."