Signed Ordination Cards & The Right of Ordination in the Catholic Church

: Holy Card Commemorating the Ordination of Pope Benedict XVI, Signed

: Father Georg Ratzinger: Ordination Holy Card

: Memorabilia of Two Brothers’ Ordinations in 1951 (Pope Benedict XVI and Georg Ratzinger)

: Memorabilia of Two Brothers’ Ordinations in 1951 (Pope Benedict XVI and Georg Ratzinger)

: Memorabilia of Two Brothers’ Ordinations in 1951 (Pope Benedict XVI and Georg Ratzinger)

Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope in 2005 upon the death of St. John Paul II. He reigned until his historic abdication in 2013.

About the Items Featured Here:

The first item is actually a holy card that Pope Benedict XVI had printed for his ordination. Nearly all priests have their own cards printed to commemorate ordination, the most important event of a priest’s life. And this one was printed for Father Joseph Ratzinger who later became Pope Benedict XVI. It’s a great item to have because it dates back to the very beginning of the ministry of the man who was our Holy Father from 2005 until his resignation in 2012. And what is of greatest interest is the fact that it was signed by him at the time of his ordination. And, not only did he sign his ordination card, but also, his brother, Georg, ordained with him, (and featured here) signed his as well. So these are very nice additions to this Collection.

There are reasons that priests have ordination cards with general information on them. The first purpose, of course, is to commemorate the event. Also, priests give them as gifts in thank you cards, and also, they are given for people to remember that date.

Lots of times, on one side, there will be a holy picture, as is Joseph Ratzinger’s, which is an image of the Madonna and Child. Sometimes, priests choose a saint, or an image of Christ or a saint for whom the priest has a particular affection. Oftentimes a favorite scripture quote is used, and the date and location of ordination is also included. Father Ratzinger chose an inscription from 2 Corinthians 1:24: “Not that we lord it over your faith; rather, we work together for your joy, for you stand firm in the faith.”

Benedict XVI has a picture of himself, too. The picture is rather unique in that most guys don’t have a photo on their cards. This makes it more interesting, I think, because you can see a very young Pope Benedict.

Pope Benedict XVI was ordained on June 29, 1951.

The memorabilia featured here include items from the ordinations and first Masses of the future Pope and his brother, Georg, ordained together in 1951.

The invitation states, On the feast of the apostles, Peter and Paul, we will receive the holy ordination of a priest in the Cathedral of Saint Mary at Freising.

Our first Mass (Erstlingsopfer) will be celebrated on Sunday, July 8th, 1951 in the Church of Saint Oswald in Traunstein.

You are invited to be with us. God will bless you all who accompany us on our way to this “Primizaltar” (the altar where they will have their first Masses)

With prayers and offerings, Georg and Joseph Ratzinger.

Included with this invitation are the guests’ place cards directing them to their pews where they have been invited to sit for this first Mass: “Mittelschiff” is the area of the Church, which is in front of the altar.

The invitation shows the names of the invited guests, the Kebler family.

Father Richard Kunst: Having an ordination card from 60 years ago is understandable, but I have never seen anyone keep an invitation like this, or offer it for purchase. It is a very nice item to have.

The Right of Ordination in the Catholic Church

Some of the gestures practiced today were performed in the 1st century.

The rite is performed in the ordination of bishops, priests and deacons. It’s always presided by bishops and it takes place between the scripture readings and the Eucharist liturgy.

It begins with the bishop calling each candidate by name and each candidate responding in Latin “Adsum” which means “I’m present”.

Msgr. Juan Javier Flores
Pontifical Liturgical Institute
The candidates respond to some questions or sometimes make a pledge. In the case of the future priest, they make a promise of chastity and obedience to the bishop.

Then the candidates prostrate on the floor in a gesture of humility and supplication. The people attending kneel and sing the litany of the saints, and are asked to help the candidates.

Then comes one of the most essential acts of ordination, the laying on of hands. The bishop ordains each man by laying his hands on the
candidate’s head.

Msgr. Juan Javier Flores
Pontifical Liturgical Institute
It’s the moment when the Holy Spirit descends upon the candidate through the sacramental action.

Another important act is the consecration prayer. Following these acts, the deacon becomes a priest.

Then start a series of rites called “explanatory.” In the case of the Episcopal ordination, the bishop anoints the head and places the mitre,
the ring and the crosier to the new bishop.

Msgr. Juan Javier Flores
Pontifical Liturgical Institute
In the case of the priests, the bishop always anoints their hands with oil: because they are the hands that bless, the hands that will ordain, the hands that will consecrate. That’s why they do the anointing of hands.

The deacon on the other hand is given a Bible because he will be the minister of the proclamation of the Gospel.

The conclusion of the rite varies depending on the traditions of each country. In Spain, people approach the new priests to kiss their hands and in Italy and Germany they approach them to receive their blessing.