I cannot help but contemplate with amazement and gratitude how much the Lord accomplished for me last September 27. Priest forever! My heart leaps as I repeat this expression. What a great mystery! The day of Ordination, which took place in the Pontifical Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua in Afragola (Naples), my hometown, was the moment when I really saw my whole life again as a preparation for that moment. Archbishop Battaglia of Naples, by whose laying on of hands and prayer of ordination I was configured in eternity to Christ the Priest, urged me in his homily to never take my eyes off the Heart of Christ, to preserve intimacy with him. But, above all, he exhorted me not to be afraid to approach the sufferings of the brethren, to take them upon myself to bring them to the altar.

This is the cornerstone of the Camillian priesthood! St. Camillus really accompanied me during the time of preparation for Ordination. And his presence was concrete through the Relic of his Heart in the Basilica. We experienced an intense triduum before September 27 in the presence of the Heart of St. Camillus. Afragola experienced days of Grace in which so many people and so many those suffering were able to approach this Giant of Charity, intercessor of healing and consolation before God. This moment was also an opportunity to experience the beauty of fraternity with the Franciscan community that animates the life of the Shrine. St. Anthony and St. Camillus together shone forth the beauty of a life dedicated to God in the priesthood and were for me fellow travelers and witnesses of this great work of the Lord in my life.
I am happy. Happy to be a Camilian priest! Happy to have confreres who during these days have accompanied and supported me with their prayers and affection! Happy to experience that I am a channel of Grace through my consecrated hands! Already in these days, just in the hospital, I have experienced the beauty of administering the Sacraments
of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick.

I have touched with my own hands that truly Christ acts and works through my weakness. And it is this weakness that is delivered to the altar during the Eucharist, together with the lives of my brothers and sisters.

Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Saint Camillus!
To all of you, dear friends, I ask for the charity of prayer that I may be more and more united with Christ to give my life for those He entrusts to me.

Fr. Mariano Pio Servadei, MI