Every day, the Congregation of the Mission evolves. Vincentians cherish and reflect on the past as a means to shape the future of our “Little Company.”
The Vincentians at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, took time during the liturgy of a recent Mass, to present Deacon José Alexander Palacios, CM, with a chalice ahead of Deacon Palacios’ priesthood ordination on May 18, 2024.
“Alex was ordained right here – right at the chair last year – he was ordained a deacon and this year he’s going to be, with God’s grace, ordained to the priesthood,” Fr. Lyons said.
Fr. Timothy Lyons, CM, rector of the Basilica Shrine, said the gift and its presentation has become something of a new tradition to recognize the next generation of Vincentians.
This chalice holds a history dating more than 100 years. Fr. Joseph Sullivan, CM, a priest from Baltimore, had been gifted it when he was ordained in 1911. Fr. Sullivan passed away in 1951 after almost 40 years in the priesthood.
“We wanted to pass on one of the treasures of our community,” Fr. Lyons said.
Now, Deacon Palacios will have his opportunity to add his own history to the chalice.
The dedication found on the bottom of the chalice reads:
Father José A. Palacios, CM
From
CAMM, the Central Association of The Miraculous Medal
and
your Vincentian confreres
May 18, 2024
For you were slain and with your blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people, and nation.
Fr. Lyons handed Deacon Palacios the chalice, saying it was a great pleasure for the Vincentian community and Miraculous Medal family to present him with the gift.
Deacon Palacios then took to the pulpit and thanked his great aunts whom he credits for giving him the gift of faith, specifically mentioning how to pray to Mary and the Rosary.
“Keep praying for the nieces and nephews that you have because our Mother really will hear our prayers,” Deacon Palacios said. I entrust my vocation to our Blessed Mother. I know that I am not alone. I come from a big community like you [gesturing to the Mass’ attendees].”