Mitchell Kendrioski, left, and Martin Chouinard, right, kneel before Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne during their priestly ordination June 21 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Story by Shelley Wolf | Photos by Aaron Joseph
The Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford was the site of great joy as Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne ordained two new priests on June 21 for the Archdiocese of Hartford.
The new priests, Father Martin Chouinard and Father Mitchell Kendrioski, were surrounded by the love and support of family, friends, clergy and religious, all of whom shared in the joy of this special day.
More than 100 priests, deacons and seminarians attended the solemn ordination. The priests concelebrated and shared the Kiss of Peace, welcoming the two new priests as clergy.
In his homily, Archbishop Coyne told the new priests they will have a three-fold mission: teacher, priest and shepherd.
“Allow Sacred Scripture to become your book of life,” Archbishop Coyne advised. Look to Jesus as an example in all situations, he suggested. “Know what he said and did, and help others to come to know him and love him. Always allow it to be less about you, and more about him.”
In one of the most moving moments, the two candidates lay prostrate on the Cathedral floor as cantors led attendees in reciting the Litany of Supplication, praying for the saints’ intercession. Other high points included Archbishop Coyne calling forth the Holy Spirit to bless the two men, and the laying on of hands.
After the ceremony, the two newly ordained priests posed for photos with Archbishop Coyne and their families.
“I’m very proud of him,” said Michele Kendrioski, Father Kendrioski’s mother. “As a mother, I know in my heart that he has the right vocation.”
Florence Keszycki, Father Kendrioski’s grandmother, was also in attendance. “It was a wonderful experience,” she said of the ordination ceremony. “He is so happy. And if he’s happy, I’m happy.”
“I just feel the joy welling up in me,” said Elaine Chouinard, Father Chouinard’s mother. “Praying to the saints, while they were giving their lives to God, was so meaningful.”
As part of a long-standing tradition, and a source of great pride for parishes that produce vocations to the priesthood, the day after the ordination the new priests offered their first Masses at their home parishes, where they were brought up in the faith.
Father Chouinard celebrated his first Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Naugatuck. Father Kendrioski celebrated his first Mass at St. Thérèse Church, part of St. John Bosco Parish in Branford.
As for their future assignments, Father Chouinard has been assigned to serve as parochial vicar for St. Thomas and St. Timothy Parish in West Hartford. Father Kendrioski will be serving as parochial vicar for Blessed Michael McGivney Parish in New Haven.
Father Martin Chouinard smiles for the camera with his mother, sister, father and Archbishop Coyne.
Father Mitchell Kendrioski poses with his father, mother, grandmother and three sisters as well as Archbishop Coyne.