Fifty Years of Priesthood

Homily for my Golden Jubilee of Ordination

As I celebrate today, four Latin words—"accepit, benedixit, fregit, deditque"—carry profound significance for both the priesthood as well as the Eucharist. As Pope Francis once said, without the Eucharist, there is no priesthood; without the priesthood, there is no Eucharist.

These words translate to "He took, blessed, broke, and gave," and are famously associated with Jesus' actions during the Last Supper, as described in the Gospels as well as the story of the feeding of the multitude. This phrase encapsulates the Eucharistic tradition in Christianity, where bread is accepted, consecrated, broken, and shared in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice.

In addition, these four words—"accepit, benedixit, fregit, deditque"—form a profound blueprint for the priestly vocation, reflecting both the sacramental and pastoral dimensions of priestly ministry.

Accepit (He took) – Just as Jesus accepted the bread, a priest accepts his calling, a calling that comes from God, embracing the responsibility and privilege of serving God and His people. It is  an act of surrender to grace, acknowledging that priesthood is not self-chosen but received as a divine vocation. Just as he accepts the bread, Jesus also accepts the priest.

Benedixit (He blessed) – Through ordination and daily ministry, a priest becomes an instrument of God's blessing, consecrating the bread in the Eucharist, offering prayers for others, and bringing God's grace into people's lives. His words and presence are meant to uplift, heal, and sanctify. Just as he blesses the bread, he also realizes that Jesus has blessed him with many gifts which are now to be used for the sake of the community.

Fregit (He broke) – This is perhaps the most challenging aspect. Just as Christ broke the bread and ultimately gave Himself on the Cross, a priest is called to self-sacrifice—breaking away from personal comfort, offering himself for the sake of others, and sometimes enduring suffering for the Gospel. Jesus will break each and every priest in some way or another during his life, whether that be through disappointments, health issues, loneliness or grief.

Deditque (He gave) – The culmination of a priest’s vocation is giving—offering the Eucharist, dispensing sacraments, and dedicating his life to service. This act of giving is continuous, whether through preaching, pastoral care, or simply being present for those in need. Jesus gives the priest to the community as a source of the Eucharist and reconciliation with the Lord.

Jesus' words—"I have chosen you, you have not chosen me" (John 15:16)—fit perfectly within the pattern of accepit, benedixit, fregit, deditque, especially in relation to the vocation of priesthood.

50 years of priesthood testify to this pattern—chosen by Christ, blessed with grace, broken in sacrifice, and given in service. As I celebrate this milestone, I am constantly aware of not only my responsibilities but also the blessings and gifts that I have received from God – faith, hope and love that have shaped my journey? My 50 years of priesthood embody this sacred rhythm of taking, blessing, breaking, and giving. What a profoundly meaningful milestone! What a profoundly moving moment in which God chooses me every day of my life.

Accepit, benedixit, fregit, deditque, these words take on deeper meaning through the countless experiences of my vocation. Accepting the call may have been a moment of clarity or a journey of discovery. The blessings I've received—through prayer, ministry, and the support of others—have surely strengthened me along the way. The breaking, the sacrifices made, are part of a life poured out for others, just as Christ did; and the giving has sometimes astounded me as I have received more than I have given. My life has been a testament to the faithfulness of God and the enduring grace of this Eucharistic pattern. Consequently, this day is filled with gratitude, joy, and the quiet peace that comes from knowing that I have walked with Jesus upon the path laid before me.