A traditional prayer said by a priest vesting in his chasuble (outer cape) is, “O Lord, Who hast said, ‘My yoke is sweet and My burden light,’ grant that I may so carry it as to merit Thy grace.” This reminds the clergyman of the qualities of Christ, “Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect” (Colossians, 3:14).
Vestments, sacramentals and sacred vessels are the armor and tools of a priest, both literally and metaphorically. These articles are utilized at Mass and in other services and become a visible part of a pastor’s office.
When a vestment or chalice is gifted to a priest, the object can, through the years, elicit sentiments of gratefulness or the memory of a loved one. Ordination events can be filled with well-wishes and presents intended to help start their official ministry.
Father Michael Yadron will not soon forget the love, generosity and talent of his late mother, Helen (Bartkus)Yadron. Her skills as a seamstress were parlayed into making her son chasubles, the first of which was given to him upon his ordination to the priesthood in 1983.
“My mom made a few vestments for me, including the ordination vestment that I also wore at my first Mass,” said Father Yadron, pastor of St. Thomas More church in Munster. “At the first Mass, Monsignor (Richard) Zollinger, who was the pastor at St. Mary (Griffith), was (wearing) one she made for him as well.”
Father Yadron noted that his mother was prolific in her craft, making all sorts of things with fabrics and the Singer sewing machine his father Joseph Yadron purchased for her, including Halloween costumes for him and his three brothers.
From his first assignments ministering at St. John Bosco in Hammond to his 20-plus years in Munster, Father Yadron has reached into sacristy closets countless times to find the appropriate vestments for liturgies. Each time he holds the white or red chasubles – designed for ordinary time and for Holy Week, Pentecost and feasts of martyr saints – he recalls the embrace of his mother.
“I think of my mom when I wear her vestments,” he said of the durable articles. “I say a prayer of thanksgiving.”
Recalling the days of his youth, Father Yadron said then-Father Zollinger was instrumental in encouraging his discernment to the priesthood. At Msgr. Zollinger’s funeral services in January, Father Yadron said he was surprised to see how his mom’s handiwork was a part of the memorial.
“Before he died, he had chosen to be buried in the vestment (my mom made),” said Father Yadron. “It was very poignant to see that when they opened the casket for the viewing of the body.
Father Yadron continued, “That took me back to my ordination, first of all, and it made me feel sad because I lost a very good friend. But it also made me feel proud, too, of his mentorship throughout the years and the gifts my mom gave me. It made me proud to be a priest.”
Chalices are powerful reminders of the Last Supper, where Jesus offered a blessing and a command for His followers to partake in “real food and real drink.” A symbol of a priest’s ministry, chalices of fine metals can last many years.
In LaPorte, Father Nathaniel Edquist ministers to Holy Family Parish. Long before he was assigned to the city’s churches, he received a gift that has a historical connection to Sacred Heart church.
“Just before I was ordained a priest in 2017, I was given a chalice that belonged to a former pastor of Sacred Heart in LaPorte,” Father Edquist explained. “His family members had held onto the chalice for the next priest in the family. However, with no priests coming along, they gifted it to me.”
A cherished present, Father Edquist had the tarnished vessel professionally cleaned to reveal a bright gold finish and silver leaf etching. An inscription from 1938 revealed the name of Father Joseph Buczyna.
“This chalice has special meaning because it belonged to the priest who built the church where I celebrate Mass almost every day,” noted Father Edquist. “It is a reminder that priests and parish communities are always connected through the continual celebration of Mass throughout the ages.”
Father Peter Muha was ordained a transitional deacon in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in April 1988. In September of that year, he was ordained to the priesthood at Nativity of Our Savior in Portage. Thirty years later, he celebrated his anniversary, and his father Robert Muha, now deceased, gave him money to purchase a new vestment.
Father Muha opted to buy a green one, as the color representing ordinary time would afford him many opportunities on the church calendar to don the chasuble.
“I have a picture that my dad and I took together, so I always think of that picture and the first time I wore the vestment,” said Father Muha, pastor of St. Joseph church in Dyer. “It’s a little bittersweet, but I feel mostly joy because my dad lived a great life.”
Caption: Father Michael Yadron selects between two chasubles made and gifted to him by his late mother Helen (Bartkus) Yadron, in the sacristy at St. Thomas More church on May 21. The Munster pastor, who was ordained to the priesthood in 1983, said when he wears the original vestments he is reminded of the love and support his mom gave him. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)