Father Christopher Becerra, Newest Diocesan Priest

		Bishop Mulvey annoints the hands of Father Becerra during the ordination Mass at Corpus Christi Cathedral. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

"Relying on help of the Lord and our savior Jesus Christ we choose our brother Christopher Emmanuel Becerra for the order of the priesthood.” With those words Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey welcomed the newest priest to the Diocese of Corpus Christi at the Corpus Christi Cathedral on June 8.

Vocation Director Father Joseph Lopez, JCL assured Bishop Mulvey that after inquiry with the Christian community and Becerra’s formation directors he was “found worthy.”

Bishop Mulvey told Father Becerra that he was “Called with God’s blessings and with so much preparation.” Bishop Mulvey said that Father Becerra’s formation began in his mother’s womb and continued with his family, parish community and seminaries.

Indeed, those involved in Father Becerra’s formation took an active part in the ordination Mass. His mother and sister, Teresa and Elizabeth Becerra, served as readers. His brother seminarian Deacon David Bayardo presented the Gospel. Deacon Ron Martinez from Father Becerra’s home parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and Father Piotr Kozie? who served as pastor at Our Lady of Good Shepherd in Kingsville served as his mentor during his pastoral year, vested him as a priest. Representatives from his seminaries and many others who contributed to his formation were also present.

The Mass of ordination to the priesthood is an ancient tradition of the Catholic Church. The bishop elected Father Becerra with the consent of the people. Father Becerra, in the presence of the bishop and the faithful, expressed his resolve to carry out his office in accord with the mind of Christ and of the Church, under the direction of the bishop.

		Father Joseph Lopez lays hands on Father Becerra’s head in silent prayer during his ordination to the priesthood June 8. Mary Cottingham, South Texas Catholic

The faithful prayed the Litany of the Saints to beseech God on behalf of Father Becerra. The bishop laid his hands on Father Becerra and recited the prayer of ordination to confer the office of priesthood–a gift of the Holy Spirit–on him. All priests present also laid hands on him, a sign of his inclusion in the presbyterate.

After the prayer of ordination, Father Becerra was vested with the priestly stole and the chasuble, which is an outward manifestation of his priesthood. His ministry was more fully expressed by the anointing of the hands, a symbol of the priest’s participation in Christ’s priesthood.

The presentation of the gifts of bread and wine into the hands of the new priest signifies his duty of presiding at the celebration of the Eucharist and of following Christ crucified. The ordination ceremony concluded with the kiss of peace. With a fraternal embrace, Bishop Mulvey sealed the admittance of Father Becerra into the priestly ministry of his co-workers. The priests present also extended to him a fraternal kiss to welcome Father Becerra into a shared ministry in their order.

Bishop Mulvey encouraged Father Becerra to rely on brother priests and to seek their counsel in carrying out his duties of “teaching, sanctifying and governing.”

“The call to the priesthood,” the bishop said, “is a very personal call, a very intimate call to follow Christ. It is also a communal call. Not to work or minister on your own but amongst us, and for that we rejoice.”

In his homily, the bishop recalled a question posed to Pope Francis during Pentecost. “What is the most important thing that we as Church need to do to focus on the future?” the pope was asked. He answered, “Thing? Its Jesus Christ.”

“The most important reality for us as Church and for you as a priest is Jesus Christ,” Bishop Mulvey said to Father Becerra. “Don’t forget eternal life. Your final goal is Heaven. What He wants from you now and then is love.”

At the conclusion of the Mass, Father Becerra gave his first blessing as a priest to Bishop Mulvey, and then to his mother Teresa and sister Elizabeth. At a reception after Mass he also blessed individuals in attendance at the Mass who requested a blessing.

“After my time in formation, I want to thank God for calling me and giving me the grace to persevere in my formation,” Father Becerra said. “To everyone who prayed for me, or supported me along my seminary career, thank you. May God bless you, and know that I will be praying for you.”

Father Becerra begins his first assignment as a priest on July 1 at Sacred Heart Church in Mathis.


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