With Joy

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I had the privilege of attending the priestly ordination of Fr. Robert Rienzo in the Diocese of Allentown. My wife and Fr. Rienzo were friends back in middle and high school, and since moving back to the area, we’ve had the blessing of witnessing his journey through seminary, leading up to that day.

Standing there, watching the sacrament of Holy Orders unfold, was profoundly moving. The liturgy was beautiful. The presence of so many brother priests—an entire army in white and red—was awe-inspiring. And there, at the center, was Fr. Rienzo, lying prostrate on the floor, giving his life completely to Christ and His Church.

It’s hard to describe that moment.

I watched his parents, friends, and the faithful gather around him in love and support. I teared up as our bishop, like a spiritual father, welcomed his son into the priesthood. I saw the fraternity of priests, shoulder to shoulder, embracing a new brother.

And I felt a surprising swell of pride. Not because I had done anything. I was just there. But somehow, just being there—just witnessing it—felt like being part of something much greater.

When we finally greeted Fr. Rienzo afterward, the only words that came out were, “Congratulations.”

At first, it felt insufficient. Just that? “Congratulations”? On a day so monumental?

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized: it’s the perfect word. Maybe the only one that fits.

The word “congratulations” comes from Latin: ‘con’ meaning “with” or “together,” and ‘gratulari’, meaning “to rejoice.” It doesn’t mean “nice job” or “you did it.” It means something much more: I see your joy, and I’m rejoicing with you.

It reminded me of the Visitation—when Mary went to Elizabeth. Both had been chosen for a unique mission. And they didn’t compete. They didn’t compare. They simply shared the joy.

That’s how it felt for me. Just another face in the crowd, but sharing in a joy that wasn’t mine—and yet, somehow, it was.

And that’s the beauty of our faith. We are not solo pilgrims. We are the Body of Christ. Your joy is my joy. Your mission uplifts mine. Your “yes” strengthens my own.

So whether you’re standing in a cathedral watching a friend become a priest, or reading this in a quiet moment of your day—know this: we are in this together.

We each have a role in God’s plan. And when we live it fully, it gives joy not just to ourselves, but to the whole Church.

So from the depths of my heart—to Fr. Rienzo, and to you—

Congratulations.