Newly-Ordained Fr Byron Bowers First Mass in Home Parish

by Admin · June 5, 2023

Fr Byron Bowers’s first Mass at his home parish of St James in Schauderville, Port Elizabeth. (Photos: Lisa Faith).

Message from Fr Byron Bowers prior to his ordination: As I journey towards the occasion of my ordination into the priesthood, the following saying comes to mind: “No one comes to ordination alone”. And this rings true for me too. No one comes to ordination by themselves and as I look around the church, at the congregation, I can say that “I have not come to my ordination day alone.” I have been accompanied on my journey by our family, our friends, the community, the diocese and all those who played a part in my formation whether it be classmates, teachers, formators, clergy throughout the country and even beyond.

In a special way these two priests in the photograph, represent a greater group of people who have journeyed with me thus far. We have shared a close bond through our formation in the seminary.

Fr Runaine Radine and I are from the same parish community in St James, Schauderville.

He is a familiar face to many readers. On my journey, he has been a big brother who provided great support. He was the face of our parish community for me, always showing support and encouragement. His example and constant support would lead and guide me.

Fr Theo Angelo April from the Archdiocese of Cape Town and I met in the seminary. He represents the friendships I made on my journey, illustrating how friends become so more than just friends…. they become family.

A fraternity of good friends and close community is what is needed as we journey towards the priesthood and usually continues on well into our ministry. I am sure that these friendships will endure the test of time as we continue to challenge each other and support each other in prayer.

Our mothers are also in the photograph. They remind me of the many rosary walks we took around the seminary and even outside the community to the Mall. Our mothers played an important role in our journey which reminds us of how our Blessed Mother plays an integral part in all our lives and particularly so in the life of a priest.