35th anniversary: Bishop Nickless reflects on years in priesthood

In celebration of his 35th anniversary to the priesthood, Bishop R. Walker Nickless responded to the following questions:

1. Date and place of ordination:

4 August 1973 Feast of Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests. I was ordained a priest by Archbishop James Casey at my home parish of Blessed Sacrament in Denver, Colorado.

2. Reflection on being ordained on the Feast of St. John Vianney:

It was just by accident that this day was chosen. The Archbishop just told me that his schedule permitted an ordination that day. Only later did I realize it was the perfect day to be ordained a priest. Saint John Vianney, is the patron saint of parish priests. Saint John Vianney has long been a favorite saint of mine since I attended Catholic grade School at Cure d' Ars School in Denver. The name of the school is French for "the pastor of Ars", the city where Saint John served as pastor. I have incorporated a picture of a chasuble used by Saint John Vianney in my Coat of Arms as Bishop.

3. What inspired following your call to priesthood?

I knew from a very early age that I might have a priestly vocation. My grandmother mentioned the suggestion often when I was growing up. My parents were supportive. I enjoyed serving Mass and after High School, I gave the seminary a chance. As they say, "the rest is history." I have loved every day of my priesthood and thank God for calling me to this wonderful vocation.

4. What blessings do you find in the priesthood?

As a priest, I love the opportunity to be an instrument of grace for God's people. Unworthy as I am, I am a vessel God uses to give the Body and Blood of Jesus to the faithful; to give absolution from sin in Confession, to anoint the sick, baptize, witness marriages and preach the gospel not only with words, but also the witness of my life. All this is a gift and I am so blessed.

5. Do you partake in any special devotions?

The Celebration of the Mass, the daily prayer of the priest called The Liturgy of the Hours, and the Rosary give me strength and grace to be a priest of Jesus Christ.

6. What are your favorite priestly duties?

As a parish priest, I loved teaching in the Catholic School and helping with the Youth Group. Preparing couples for marriage and giving spiritual counseling was also very rewarding. The most gratifying is celebrating the Mass and hearing Confessions.

7. What are the challenges of priesthood?

Priests today have many responsibilities. It seems everyone wants a "piece" of them. I hope priests give primary attention to prayer, to faithful celebration of the Mass, to personal confession and good preparation for their Sunday homilies. As busy as parish priests are, it takes a lot of discipline to find the time to do what is needed for the people, to find appropriate rest and to continue personal growth in holiness. Balancing all of this is a challenge for a priest today.

8. What affirms/inspires your ministry?

People! To see God's love and grace in the people we serve as priests is a great inspiration. It is very humbling to be given such good example by such holy people, striving to follow the Lord's will in their lives and growing in holiness. Priests are signs to others of the existence of God, good and holy priests, young and old, inspire us as well.

9. What would you say to a man on the fence about the priesthood?

"Just do it!" As someone once told me, "You can always go home." Going to a seminary to study for the priesthood is a wonderful experience. Some find that God is really not calling them to serve as priests, others, however, discern their true calling and continue on to priestly ordination. But how will one ever know, unless they try.

10. What would people be surprised to know about you?

Many know this already, but I hate to cook, don't want to learn and am alive today because of the microwave! I'll do anything but cook. I'll clean, garden, shovel snow, wash the car, take out the trash, but no cooking! I also like a good game of racquetball.

11. Final thoughts

God has indeed blessed me these last thirty-five years of priesthood. I once again thank my family for all their support and encouragement. I have never regretted one day as a priest and I hope that many men, especially from our Diocese, discover what so many other priests know: to be a priest is a true blessing and joy. It is not always easy, but nothing worthwhile in life is easy. God's grace can do amazing things if we let it touch our hearts. To Him be all the glory.

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