Four seminarians of the Archdiocese of Louisville formally declared their intention to serve as priests during a special liturgy at the Cathedral of the Assumption on August 3. The Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders included Harrison Frey, Tung Ho, Thanh Phan, and Amos Stinson.

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre presided over the ceremony and addressed the seminarians in his homily, emphasizing the importance of this step in their journey toward priesthood.

“This seemingly simple rite carries a profound significance. It’s the first time in a liturgical setting that they state their intention” to serve the church as priests, Archbishop Fabre said. “There’s a special power in voicing this. It makes it feel more real in a profound way.”

He further explained that expressing intentions aloud gives them greater reality and recalled his own experience as a teenager sharing his desire to become a priest: “That possibility started taking shape in my life, in my family’s life and I’d like to believe,” in the church’s life, he said.

The Vocation Office noted that this rite is traditionally held at each man’s seminary but was brought to the archdiocese so local church members could witness and affirm their intentions.

During his remarks before and during the rite, Archbishop Fabre also cautioned about relying solely on personal resolve when making such commitments. He stated:

Humans “always waver in some way,” he said.

Like Adam, Noah, Moses and St. Peter, “our resolve can weaken and we can turn away despite what we declare here,” the archbishop said. “Therefore, it’s God’s grace that sustains us in our resolve. It’s not our own strength. … Resolve must be a response to the call Jesus has placed in your heart.”

Following this rite, all four men will enter what is known as the configuration stage of formation—a period focused on preparing candidates for priesthood by helping them develop pastoral skills and identify closely with Christ as pastors of the church.