On December 8, 2021, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rev. Lawrence Barile of the Class of 2021 was ordained for service as a priest in the Diocese of Norwich.
The Mass took place at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich and the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, was the celebrant. Rev. Brian R. Kiely, Rector of Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary was in attendance along with seven faculty members from the Seminary.
After the ordination, Fr. Barile gave his blessing to guests at the Cathedral.
You may view a recording of Fr. Larry’s ordination courtesy of the Diocese of Norwich here: https://vimeo.com/653404686
Before entering seminary, Fr. Barile was educated in respiratory therapy and worked for 28 years for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs with the State of Connecticut as the department head of cardiopulmonary services. Upon embarking on his formation journey, Fr. Larry shared with the Seminary community that “…Being a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs afforded me the great privilege of serving those who have served in ways that I would not have envisioned. In addition, I have had many other blessed opportunities to serve the church in various ministries over the last 20 years: Lay Minister, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, and Catechist at all grade levels. Most recently, I have served as the director of a lay apostolate called ACTS within the state of CT. These life experiences, coupled with the fact that many of my family members have been remarkable witnesses to the Catholic faith for me personally, have provided me with both blessings and challenges; blessings in terms of seeing the Catholic faith lived out, challenges in way of imitating the examples generously provided. The interior desire to continue a life of service, as nurtured by God’s grace, has led me to Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary to discern a life to priestly vocation.”
We join in celebration with Fr. Larry as he now begins his service as priest to the people of the Diocese of Norwich and in service to God.