The Congregation of Holy Cross in the United States gathered during the Easter Octave to celebrate the Priestly Ordinations of Fr. Thomas James “T.J.” Groden, C.S.C., and Fr. Christopher Nicholas Mulholland, C.S.C. Both are members of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers.

The prayer began in earnest on Friday night, 10 April, with the celebration of Lucernarium at Moreau Seminary and Scholasticate. With the warm glow of the candles and the beautiful melody of the psalms, the packed chapel prayed for the two deacons who were to be ordained priests the next day.

The Ordination Mass was held on Saturday of the Easter Octave in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. The Most Rev. Patrick Neary, C.S.C., Bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud in Minnesota, presided and preached. Fr. William Lies, C.S.C., Superior of the U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers, presented the two candidates for Ordination.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart was packed. In addition to all the Holy Cross religious and family and friends of the two ordinandi, there were large contingents from the apostolates where Fr. T.J. and Fr. Christopher had served as deacons—respectively, Baumer Hall at the University of Notre Dame and St. Ignatius Martyr Parish in Austin, Texas.

Following the Ordination Mass, there was a reception in the Main Building for all those in attendance. Later in the evening, there was a celebratory dinner at Moreau Seminary and Scholasticate for Holy Cross religious and the family, friends, and invited guests of Frs. T.J. and Christopher.

The celebrations rolled into Sunday, with both Fr. T.J. and Fr. Christopher celebrating their first Masses at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.