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New priest aims to serve the
poorest
CHRIS MILLER, Western Catholic
Reporter
September 24, 2010
EDMONTON -
Michael Gurnick came all the way from Japan to be at the Jan. 23
ordination of his "lively, energetic" brother Dan.
The new Franciscan priest went through a hard time in his life, but
that time turned him into someone who will be effective in the
priesthood, said Michael, who brought his wife, child and
mother-in-law to the event.
"There have been two brothers, two Dans that I have known. The first
Dan was very quiet, hard working and just kind of kept to himself,"
he said in an interview.
"He entered a rough patch in his life and I think at that time he
realized God was with him. When he came out of it, he became this
joyful, lively, energetic person that we now have with us today."
Daniel Gurnick, 36, was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop
Emeritus Joseph MacNeil in a nearly packed St. Joseph's Basilica.
Among those in attendance were Franciscan friars, priests from
throughout the Edmonton Archdiocese and a busload of friends from
Rocky Mountain House.
Following his ordination, Gurnick will continue chaplaincy work at
two prisons, as well as serving at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish
in Sherwood Park.
Michael Gurnick said his older brother will do well in the
priesthood.
"He is able to filter what he says, whereas some people do not have
that ability. He is patient, understanding and very intelligent.
He's an excellent people person. His personality is now very
energetic and contagious."
For the Franciscans of Western Canada, the ordination was a strong
sign that their vocations drought is over.
A SPECIAL CALLING
MacNeil, a friend of the friars, told the congregation that becoming
a priest is a special calling and among all of Jesus' followers only
a select few are ever chosen to wear the stole and chasuble.
"Always remember the example of the Good Shepherd who came not to be
served but to serve and to seek out those who are lost," MacNeil
advised Gurnick during his homily.
Gurnick, 36, went on a mission trip in Moquegua, Peru, a few years
ago. The life-changing experience opened his eyes to the lifestyle
of Franciscan poverty and he decided to become a priest.
His ordination was a significant moment for the Franciscans, who
have not ordained a priest in Western Canada since June 1987. Now,
six others are in the formation process.
GOD'S GIFT TO THE CHURCH
Religious communities, such as the Franciscans, are God's gift to
the Church, essential to the nature of the Church, said MacNeil.
"There's a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it
takes provinces to raise a priest. So I'd first like to thank Christ
the King Province for all their support and generosity," said
Gurnick.
He singled out his immediate family for helping him reach this
important milestone in his life.
"I'd like to thank my mom who has probably prayed for me more than I
have prayed for myself. She's supported me along the way and has
been a dear friend."
Franciscan Father Laurent Gallant has known Gurnick since he became
a "seeker."
Gallant agreed that among Gurnick's most admirable qualities that he
brings to the priesthood is "his keen attention to people,
especially to people who are in need.
"He has been working downtown in the inner city ministry and also
prison work. That is his inclination and, from what I hear, he's
pretty good at it. People seem to be very happy about his service
and appreciate him." |
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Archbishop Emeritus Joseph MacNeil
told Fr. Dan Gurnick at his ordination
to 'remember the example of the
Good Shepherd who came not to
be served, but to serve.'
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