A Call to Serve – Ordination of Royce Thomas, C.Ss.R.

There is no greater love than this, says the Lord, than to lay down your life for a friend (Jn 15:13). The life of Christ embodied this scripture, as He spared nothing to save all of humankind. He invited the disciples and all baptized believers to imitate his expression of love by asking us to love God with our all and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

On January 5, 2022, my life changed forever at the National Shrine of St John Neumann when I professed perpetual vows in the congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. On August 13, 2022, through the imposition of hands by Archbishop Jason Charles Gordon in my home of Trinidad and Tobago, this call of total self-surrender was deepened. The gift of the priesthood was bestowed, signaling a responsibility to represent Christ, to display his love, compassion, and care throughout my ministry. As a Redemptorist, this expression of love, compassion, and care will be shaped by Redemptorist charisms and apostolic zeal. Nonetheless, it will be one of service, marked by mission.

In following St. Alphonsus, founder of the Redemptorists, I desire and pray to be a priest who will work tirelessly to promote the good news of Christ, selflessly sharing the gifts God gave me to build his church. As a son of Alphonsus, prayer will be the core of my relationship with God and my ministry. Relying totally on the Holy Spirit, I hope to celebrate each mass and liturgical act with reverence and grace.
Grateful forever will I be, for the call of God in my life. Though unworthy I am, for such a precious gift, God called me, and on Him I depend to live out this call to the best of my ability and for the glory and honor of His name.