During the solemn rite of ordination, candidates for the priesthood lay prostrate on the floor as a profound gesture of humility, complete surrender, and supplication before God. This powerful visual act underscores their unworthiness for the sacred office and their total dependence on divine grace.
The Profound Symbolism of Prostration
The act of prostration during ordination is one of the most memorable and significant moments for both the ordinands and the congregation. It is not merely a traditional posture but a rich spiritual statement with deep theological meaning.
A Posture of Deep Humility
Lying face down on the ground signifies an overwhelming humility before the sacred call to priesthood. It expresses the candidate's recognition that they are unworthy of such a divine calling and that their ministry is entirely dependent on God's grace and not their own merit. It's a moment of profound self-emptying, acknowledging that they are but dust, yet chosen by God for a sublime purpose. This powerful experience leaves a lasting impression on those ordained.
Complete Surrender to God's Will
Prostration also symbolizes a candidate's complete surrender to God's will and the Church. By lying fully extended, they symbolically offer their entire being—body, mind, and spirit—to God's service. It is an act of total abandonment to divine providence, signifying a willingness to give up their own desires and plans in favor of God's greater plan for their lives and ministry. This posture embodies the ordinand's readiness to be molded and used by God for the good of the faithful.
Prayer and Invocation of Saints
While the candidates lie prostrate, the Litany of Saints is solemnly chanted. This prayer invokes the intercession of saints—heavenly patrons, martyrs, and holy men and women—to pray for the candidates and for the Church. This segment reinforces the idea that the ordinands are joining a vast communion of saints and are supported by the prayers of both the Church on Earth and the Church in Heaven. It's a communal prayer, emphasizing that the priestly ministry is not a solitary endeavor but part of the larger mission of the Body of Christ.
- Key aspects of this moment:
- Public Witness: It is a public declaration of the candidates' commitment and a visible sign to the community of the gravity of the vocation.
- Vulnerability: It represents a moment of ultimate vulnerability, stripped of all pretense and worldly status, lying completely dependent before God.
- Preparation: It serves as spiritual preparation for the laying on of hands by the bishop and the anointing that follows, which will confer the sacrament of Holy Orders.
A Moment of Transformation
The prostration is a pivotal moment in the ordination ceremony, preceding the essential rite of the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration. It marks the transition from one's former life to a life wholly dedicated to Christ and His Church. It is a powerful reminder that priestly ministry flows from a humble heart, surrendered to God, and supported by the prayers of the entire communion of saints.
For more information on the rites of Catholic ordination, you can explore resources like the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
