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Fr. Jude Burgers celebrated the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination
Rome, Monday, 10 September 2012
On the 3rd of September Fr. Jude Eugene Burgers (right in the photo), Comboni missionary, celebrated the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination at his home parish of the Holy Trinity in the Archdiocese of Cape Town. The Celebration was graced by the presence of Reverend Bishop Emeritus Edward Robert Adams (left) – who was the parish priest of the Holy Trinity Parish the year Fr. Jude joined the Diocesan seminary –, nine Comboni confreres, Fr. Peters, a Diocesan priest who was his classmate in the seminary and the present parish priest. All together one Bishop and ten priests were around the Altar.
The parish church of the Holy Trinity was packed to capacity. Fr. Jude, who presided over the Eucharist of thanksgiving for these 25 years of Priestly ministry, thanked God, his parents and all the parishioners for bringing him up in the Catholic faith. He said, “Many people contributed to my vocational growth and commitment to the service of the poor and I’m what I’m because of the grace of God and your prayers. Continue to pray for me and for other vocations.”
Fr. Jude is the only Comboni Missionary from the Archdiocese of Cape Town and in his homily he encouraged the parishioners to pray for vocations especially to the Missionary life. Fr. Vincent Mkhabela, the Comboni Vice-Provincial, spoke on behalf of the provincial Superior (who is in Rome at the moment attending the Intercapitural gathering) thanked the family of Fr. Jude and the whole parish for giving Fr. Jude as a gift to God and to the Comboni Family. Immediately after the Eucharistic celebration a good number of young people came forward standing in front of the Altar in the form of a Cross and sang a beautiful song that revived the joy of the people. After the final blessing, all those present in the church were led to the parish hall where different age groups sang their songs and where tea was served.
Fr. Melese Tumato, MCCJ
