Metropolitan Borys Gudziak Preaches Philadelphia Roman Catholic Archdiocese’s Clergy Day of Sanctification

December 04, 2024

On Monday, December 2, at the invitation of Archbishop Nelson Perez, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak preached to the clergy of the Philadelphia Archdiocese, who gathered for the Day of Sanctification. The afternoon included spiritual reflection, prayer in silence before the Blessed Sacrament, Vespers, and a social gathering. The archbishop, auxiliary bishops, and priests of the archdiocese attend this annual meeting, which takes place on the Monday of the first week of Advent in response to a call from Saint John Paul II. This year’s Day of Sanctification was held at the Mother of Divine Providence Parish in King of Prussia, PA.

In his keynote reflection, Archbishop Borys stressed the importance of this day when the clergy come together to pray, for fellowship, and to support one another in continuing the priestly mission. The Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop of Philadelphia noted that this day has “a particular focus on our ministry, on the Lord, who called us to represent Him and bring Him closer to the people.” He reminded those present that “the Lord invites us to come close, invites us to the divine life.” Advent and Christmas, he explained, remind us that the Lord comes as an infant, so there is no fear in coming closer to God.

The keynote reflection was followed by the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and an hour of silent prayer. The evening concluded with Vespers. In his homily on the reading from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (3:20b-21), Metropolitan Borys reminded the clergy that through Baptism, “We are part of the glorified body of Christ.” He encouraged those present to receive this gift from God. Before returning to their parishes, the bishops and priests gathered for a social at the parish hall.