This atypical year, the expected priestly ordination of the Spanish province of the Society of Jesus took place a few weeks later than usual. It was hotter, those attending wore masks and the church was much emptier as only family and close friends came because health measures (covid19) required limited capacity. However, there was an atmosphere of joy, without losing awareness of the extraordinary circumstances in which the ceremony took place.

The celebration was presided by Carlos Osoro, Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, with the presence of Monsignor Salvador Giménez Valls, Bishop of Lleida and Antonio España, SJ, Provincial of Spain. Four Jesuits were ordained, three of them Spanish: Ángel Benítez- Donoso Tarascón, SJ, Pedro Rodríguez-Ponga Gutiérrez-Bolívar and Lluís S. Salinas Roca, SJ. The fourth, Michael Ochieng' Otieno, SJ, is from Kenya.

The readings from the Eucharist (Is. 55, 10-11, Ps. 64, 10.11.12-13.14 and Rom. 8, 18-23) including the Gospel reading with the parable of the sower, referred to the idea of sowing and reaping and the constant need we have for many people who want to give themselves to this task. In his homily the cardinal he highlighted three ideas about ordination: event, project and mission: "The Lord gives you his own ministry and mission," he began. And he wanted to keep Pedro Arrupe, SJ, in mind: "I cannot resist the fact that when I die, the world will continue as if I had not lived," he reminded them. He also emphasized that the sacrament they were receiving was a great project and he invited them to be "missionary, creative”

The ordination rite continued with the litanies, the laying on of hands, the wearing of the stole in the manner of the priest and the chasuble by the sponsors. This was followed by the anointing of the hands with Chrism, the handing over of the bread and the chalice and the kiss of peace among the priests, all with the corresponding sanitary measures.

After the celebration, Ángel Benítez, pronounced some words of thanks on behalf of everyone.

You can see more pictures in this album

Video of the ordination