They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
June 8, 2024 –Two Jesuits of the USA Central and Southern Province – Daniel J. Everson, SJ, and J. Michael Mohr, SJ – were ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, June 8, 2024, in St. Louis. The Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop Emeritus of St. Louis, presided at the sacred liturgy at St. Francis Xavier College Church.
Provincial Superior Thomas P. Greene, SJ, affirmed to Archbishop Carlson that both Jesuits had been found worthy by their Jesuit brothers. In turn, Archbishop Carlson presented the two to the congregation, who indicated their assent with applause.
Archbishop Carlson reminded the new men that as priests, they have new identities as ambassadors of Christ. He called on them to reflect Christ’s love and keep before them the message of Luke’s Gospel to “pray continually and never lose heart.”
Fathers Everson and Mohr promised to care for the people of the Church, preach the Gospel, teach the Catholic faith and celebrate the sacraments on behalf of the whole Church. Following these promises and as the choir and congregation sang a litany of supplication to the saints, the two men lay prostrate on the floor in a gesture of humility.
The consecration included a laying on of hands, first by the archbishop, then by every priest present. Following an anointing, the two new priests consecrated the gifts of bread and wine for the very first time.
Father Everson‘s first assignment as a priest is at Arrupe Jesuit High School in Denver, where he will serve as assistant principal for mission.
Father Mohr will pursue a Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry.
Read biographies of the two new priests here. View photos from the ordination Mass.
Do you think you might be called to life as a Jesuit? Visit www.BeAJesuit.org to begin exploring.
