Despite threats, Ordination a beautiful celebration in MI

Rev. Lillian Lewis has been discerning her call to the priesthood for decades, so when a Bishop's public warning was followed by anonymous calls to the hosting church, it wasn't enough to scare her. The ordination was simply moved to another location and a beautiful sunny day blessed the event. "My message is an old, old message. It’s St. Francis’ message," she said. "Jesus told him to rebuild the church. I want to repair the church and give it a little more joy. ... What I want for the church is a lot of joy."

The diocesan Bishop did not agree; he sent a bulletin insert to local parishes, warning people not to attend her ordination. Despite his threats, the ordination was attended by a large group of friends, family and community members, including many members of Lillian's parish community in Oak Park and CTA friends. "I believe this is her calling. [...] A lot of people from the St. Giles family mass community are here today. They’re supporting her as individuals while the church can’t," her friend Frank said.

Our church is so blessed to have leaders Lillian! The Holy Spirit calls people of all genders, and it’s time for the institutional Church to embrace their gifts and celebrate their call!