Surrounded by family, friends and parishioners, Father Charles Andrew Silvas presided over his first Mass of Thanksgiving at the Vigil Mass of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ in Corpus Christi Cathedral on June 18.
Father Silvas concelebrated Mass with Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody, Father Pete Elizardo, rector of Corpus Christi Cathedral and the pastor of Sacred Heart, Father R.J. Regalado from Most Precious Blood and several other priests from the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
At the end of Mass, Father Silvas presented his mom, Velma Garcia and his stepmom, Grace Silvas, with individual manutergiums. He presented his stole with which he heard his first confessions to his father, Charles Silvas.
“Also, I could not leave out my paternal grandmother, who is like a mother to me and my godparents, who have been a great source of support and encouragement throughout my seminary formation. When I went to the sacristy during the ordination to clean my hands of the chrism with my manutergium’s (at this point, I was a priest), I blessed three rosaries. These first things I blessed as a priest I presented to them at my first Mass,” he said.
“During this last year leading up to my ordination, I cannot help but remember and be thankful for the people that have been a part of my journey and helped me arrive at this point in my life. From my family and friends to all those responsible for my formation,” Father Silvas said.
"God has placed his calling in Charles's heart," his mother, Velma, said. It filled her heart with joy when her son handed her the manutergium —"joy only a mother could have to watch her child fulfill his childhood dream. To watch his earnest acceptance of his new role and responsibility as only a true believer in our Holy Father could. My pride at that moment will last me a lifetime as I continue to watch him grow stronger in his faith."
His father, Charles, said he has always been proud of his son. “I always say, ‘Charles is an old soul.’ These traits I speak of will certainly help him carry out his ministerial duties. Traits of giving, empathy, compassion, and kindness are what I’ve seen since he was little, but as he continued his journey towards priesthood, I’ve seen other traits that have always been there but were nourished by his formation. Integrity, understanding, listening, peacefulness, and of course organization,” he said. “Charles is in charge of our family vacations itinerary, and it’s down to the second.”
While they had spoken (a while back) about what happens when the father of a priest passes away, he thought he understood, but while listening to Father RJ [Regalado] read about the stole and its meaning for the father of a priest, he was overcome with emotions. “As I started to fully understand what this meant, I was extremely happy, crying and overall emotional with joy,” his father Charles said. “I hope and pray to live a long healthy life, but when I’m called, I know that I’ll be able to present our Lord Jesus with a great gift.”
Father Charles’ stepmom Grace said she was entirely taken back in surprise when Father Silvas presented her with the manutergium and something she will cherish in her heart forever. When Father RJ was speaking those words, I was overcome with unexplainable emotions. Fr. Charles’ gesture of love towards me with this honor, although I am not his biological mother, defines the meaning of unconditional love,” Grace said. “It reminds me of the love that Jesus has for us all and yearns that we have for each other.”
“Father Charles has many traits that will help him carry out his ministerial duties, including kindness, patience and unconditional love. He makes others feel loved and accepted and treats everyone with dignity. He is an excellent teacher and very wise for his age. I certainly have learned so much from him. I use those wise words in my day-to-day routine that help me along the way,” Grace said. “I know that he will have the same effect on others.”