Second in an occasional series on the personal meaning that a priest’s chalice holds for him and how he acquired it.
When Father Vincent Guest was ordained to the priesthood in 2012, his siblings — John, Dennis, Tommy, and Peggy — wanted to make sure a promise was kept.
Not a promise made by them, but by their parents.
While son Vince was studying for the priesthood, his parents, Peggy and Vincent Guest, pledged to him a chalice; whenever he celebrated Mass and raised up the precious blood of Jesus Christ, he would remember them and pray for them.
But both passed away before his special day — Peggy in 2009, Vincent in 2011.
The silver platinum chalice Father Guest now uses, a gift from his brothers and sister — one that “reflects my parents’ simple faith, and how I want to live mine,” he says — is a reminder of a transcendent love.
Father Guest was ordained May 19, 2012, by Bishop Joseph Galante.
“The day before I was ordained, Bishop Galante told me, ‘When I place my hands on your head, your mom and dad’s hands will be on your shoulders,’” Father Guest remembers.
“Every time I lift up the body and blood of Jesus, I lift them up, too; I know they are with me.”
At the same time, “I’m reminded of my role as a priest, to offer up my life to the people I serve. I strive, humbly.”
Father Guest holds his chalice. “The day before I was ordained, Bishop (Joseph) Galante told me, ‘When I place my hands on your head, your mom and dad’s hands will be on your shoulders.’” (Dave Hernandez)
Father Guest became a priest later in life, but he felt the calling from a young age. After graduating from Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, he entered Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.
He left to pursue a career in politics and law, eventually becoming director of the Camden Center for Law and Social Justice, with a specialty in immigration and family law.
The attorney later re-entered the seminary at The Catholic University’s Washington Theological College, and was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Camden.
Today, his journey has brought him back to Camden, as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish.
In addition to the chalice, Father Guest celebrates the sacrifice of the Mass with two other reminders of his mother and father. He wears an authentic Irish Claddagh ring his mother bought him straight from Ireland, and his father’s wedding ring.
“It’s a bond,” he said. “They were such great influences on me.”
A sacrifice offered. A promise kept. A bond unbroken.
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