Joy in the Oblate Family: Ordinations!
An October of Ordinations! Earlier in October, the Oblates shared the wonderful news of the ordinations of Frs. Antoine, Michel, and Laurent, OSFS, and deacons Sneider and Yerson, of the France-West Africa Province, that took place at the closing Mass of the 150th anniversary celebration in Troyes, France. On a recent visit home to India, Fr. Mathias Kumar, OSFS, was able to visit his family and to attend the ordination to the priesthood of Fr. Gerald Anand, OSFS! We share his reflection below.
This past week has been a time of deep grace and gratitude as I returned home to India for a brief visit with my family and to attend the ordination to the priesthood of Fr. Gerald Anand, OSFS, who was ordained today. The experience touched me profoundly — not only as a priest, but as a fellow son of the Church witnessing God’s call blossom in another heart. It was a day of immense joy for Fr. Gerald, his family, and the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, who welcomed a new brother into the vineyard of the Lord.
The ordination liturgy was celebrated with reverence and rich tradition — vibrant colors, sacred music, and the quiet power of prayer woven through every moment. The Indian culture and faith blend beautifully in such celebrations, where devotion is expressed with both solemnity and joy. As the bishop laid his hands upon Fr. Gerald, I was reminded of the timeless and universal mystery of priesthood — the same grace that unites us across languages, cultures, and continents.
Watching that moment of surrender — a young man offering his life entirely to God — renewed something in me as well. It reminded me that the priesthood is not simply a role, but a lifelong “yes” to love and to serve. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Oblates, I felt the warmth of faith that binds us all as one Church.
As I prepare to return, I carry with me the joy of that celebration and the deep sense of renewal it brought. Let us keep Fr. Gerald Anand, OSFS, in our prayers as he begins his priestly ministry. May he serve with gentleness, humility, and zeal in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, whose invitation to “Live Jesus!” continues to inspire us all to make Christ’s love visible wherever we are.
Fr. Mathias Kumar, OSFS
Pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Vienna, VA
Congratulations to Frs. Antoine, Michel, Laurent, and Gerald, OSFS! And deacons, Sneider and Yerson!
Please say a prayer for them as they start their new ministries!
(Below are photos from the 150th anniversary closing Mass and Ordination of Frs. Antoine, Michel, and Laurent, OSFS! And deacons, Sneider and Yerson!)
