Bishop John Noonan urges priests to embrace fidelity and service at Chrism Mass
Bishop John Noonan called on priests, deacons, seminarians, and the faithful to seek priestly fidelity and service during the Chrism Mass held at Holy Family Parish in Orlando on March 30, according to an April 2 statement.
The event saw priests of the diocese renew their vows and promises. Bishop Noonan also blessed sacred oils used for sacraments throughout the year. Priests celebrating significant anniversaries of ordination were recognized.
In his homily, Bishop Noonan discussed Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic letter “A Fidelity that Generates the Future,” issued December 22, 2025. The letter reflects on changes since Vatican II and addresses how priests should respond to new challenges through faithfulness and conversion. “He who tries to find his priestly identity by soul-searching and introspective will fail,” said Bishop Noonan.
Bishop Noonan highlighted themes from Pope Leo’s letter such as service, fraternity, synodality, mission, and future directions for the Church. He told those gathered that every vocation arises from a personal encounter with Christ: “Every vocation in the Church arises from a personal encounter with Christ… Before any commitment… there is the voice of the Master calling: ‘Follow me.’ (Mk 1:17)… This is not just an inner voice but a spiritual impetus that often comes to us through the example of other disciples.” He also said he trusts God will provide leaders when needed.
Quoting Pope Leo XIV on unity among clergy, Bishop Noonan said: “Being faithful to communion means overcoming the temptation to individualism because it is incompatible with missionary and evangelizing activity… making this relational and communal dimension of ordained ministry increasingly visible is one of the main challenges for the future.” He encouraged priests to build genuine communities for better cooperation in ministry.
Noonan outlined three dimensions highlighted by Pope Leo—relationship with bishops, sacramental communion among priests, and relationships with laypeople—emphasizing collaboration across these groups. Regarding media presence he stated: “A priest is called to let love and mercy of Christ shine through him… he must shun all forms of egoism… (Pope) Leo encourages priests to carefully evaluate their presence in media… making service to evangelization basis of discernment.”
The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968; it includes Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter,and Volusia Counties; it comprises 79 parishes as well as missions,basilicas,and schools according to The Diocese of Orlando.
Concluding his remarks,Bishop Noonan reminded attendees:”All of us are on journey offaith.AllofusareprayingandaskingGodtoleadguideandsupportusonourjourneytoheaven.”
