The bright sun shone on that hot, June morning as multitudes from around the diocese packed into the cathedral to be a part of the ordination. Priests coming to concelebrate the Mass could also be seen making their way from every side street surrounding the cathedral. Inside the sacristy, there was a flutter of activity as Bishop Emeritus Robert Baker and Abbot Marcus Voss, O.S.B., vested alongside Bishop Raica.

As Mass began, Deacon Sessions processed to the front, where a chair was placed in front of the first pew occupied by his large family, all with smiles on their faces and some with tears of joy in their eyes.

Following the Gospel reading, the bishop spoke directly to the deacon during his homily. He invited the deacon to reflect on the words of St. John the Baptist, “He must increase, I must decrease.” (Jn 3:30) “These words,” said the bishop, “encapsulate the essence of the priestly vocation, for the priesthood is a call to selfless service, a call to make Christ known and loved in our world through the weak and broken instrument of our humanity.”

As the bishop continued, he explained how St. John the Baptist understood the purpose of his own mission. He knew he was the one sent to prepare the way for the Lord. He knew his mission was not about himself. He knew, the bishop emphasized, that “the fulfillment of his mission would come through surrendering himself entirely and totally to the will of God and to Jesus His Savior.”

Elaborating further, Bishop Raica instructed the deacon that the words of St. John the Baptist should be his ministry’s guiding principle. “You are called to point others to Christ truly present among us in the Eucharist,” he said, “leading them to encounter His mercy, love, and healing presence.”

The priesthood, Bishop Raica concluded, is not about seeking recognition or personal glory; rather, it is a “path of self-emptying love, where you lay down your life for the sake of the Gospel. It is a call to embrace the cross and to imitate Christ's sacrificial love in all that you do. … remember that you are an instrument of Christ's grace, a vessel through which His love flows into the lives of the faithful and those you will serve.”

With the conclusion of the homily, the deacon rose and knelt before the bishop, promising his obedience. The Litany of the Saints was then sung as Deacon Sessions laid prostrate. Afterward, Bishop Raica laid his hands on the deacon’s head, followed by all the priests present. Removing his miter, the bishop then outstretched his hands and prayed the prayer of ordination. The newly ordained Father Sessions rose and was vested by Father John McDonald, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Anniston. Following the vesting, the new priest again knelt before Bishop Raica. The bishop anointed Father Sessions’ hands with sacred chrism and presented a paten and chalice, charging him to imitate the Lord. The last part of the Rite of Ordination saw a big, fatherly grin come over Bishop Raica’s face as he exchanged the fraternal kiss of peace with his new brother priest.

June 24 may have marked the end of one journey, but it also marked the beginning of another. “The ordination was a day of great joy,” remarked the new Father Sessions. “I was very moved by the number of faithful from across the diocese who came to pray with me and for me. Many people have supported me with their prayers throughout my time in seminary, and it was a blessing to be together to offer our gratitude to God for the priesthood and for all the gifts which He continually gives us. As I begin my ministry as an associate pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Huntsville, I feel comforted knowing that I will continue to be supported by the prayers of so many people of this diocese.”