Third member of the class of 2020 thanks God the Father for ‘pouring out His Spirit’ in a powerful way

DETROIT — Fr. David Pellican became the third member of the class of 2020 to be raised to the priesthood Saturday, June 6, after Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron ordained him at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Following Fr. Mark Tibai and Fr. John Carlin, Fr. Pellican’s ordination was the third individual ordination Mass celebrated at the cathedral, in light of social distancing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transitional Deacon Andrew Mabee will be ordained today, June 8, at 6:30 p.m., and Deacon Colin Fricke will be ordained Saturday, June 13, at 10 a.m., rounding out the class.

Archbishop Vigneron noted the whole Church was praying for Fr. Pellican and his classmates.

“What are we praying for? That he will help gain glory for the Father,” Archbishop Vigneron said during his homily. “The Father is glorified when His daughters and sons act like daughters and sons. And that’s what we pray for, that your ministry will bear fruit.”

Fr. Pellican, 25, said it was “hard to believe” he was now a priest, adding he was “deeply moved” by all those who have been praying for him.

Thanking his parents, family, friends, formators at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and Archbishop Vigneron, Fr. Pellican was visibly emotional.

“I give thanks to God for pouring out His Spirit afresh, for calling me and consecrating me, though unworthy, to share in the priesthood of His son, Jesus Christ,” Fr. Pellican said. “God is so good. He’s infinitely good. And I’m confident He’s at work in this time, in these circumstances, sharking us up and maybe shaking us out of our complacency so that He can bring about a renewal in Christ.”

Fr. Pellican, who hails from Assumption Grotto Parish in Detroit, will begin serving as associate pastor of Divine Child Parish in Dearborn.

See more photos from the ordination Mass below: