Mass of Ordination for Fr. Dan Ziegler, OMI

Story and photos by Abril Villarreal-Medina

Originally Publshed on Oblate Missions.org

This past Friday, May 20th, 2016, was a very special day for the Oblate congregation. On the eve of St. Eugene’s Feast Day, Bro. Daniel F. Ziegler was ordained a priest at the Immaculate Conception Chapel at Oblate School of Theology (OST) in San Antonio, Texas. Present at this joyous event were his parents, his siblings and relatives, his fellow brothers in formation, many Oblates, and a multitude of members from the neighborhood and OST community.

The beautiful mass -which began promptly at 7 PM- was presided over by Most Rev. Roger L. Schwietz, OMI, from the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska, and concelebrated by Very Rev. Bill Antone, OMI, our US Provincial. Owen and Adam Ziegler, Fr. Dan’s brothers, were the very special gift givers during this joyous ceremony.

“Brother Dan…go forth, trusting the Lord. Keep always before your eyes the example of the Good Shepherd; who came not to be served, but to serve. As an intercessor of St. Eugene de Mazenod, may you bring good news to the poor in your ministry.”
-Most Rev. L. Schwietz, OMI.

The youth from the Oblate Mission Camp -led by Fr. Leo Perez- graced everyone with their sweet voices, in addition to a soulful musical collaboration with Sr. Addie Walker, SSND, and her choir. To mark the end of the ceremony, Fr. Bill Antone affectionately thanked everyone for their attendance, and with a big smile in his face he revealed to the audience Bro. Ziegler’s next ministry assignment: Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico! Fr. Bill then bestowed upon Mr. & Mrs. Ziegler a beautiful statuette of Mary Immaculate, as a token of remembrance from the momentous occasion.

After the ordination, family, Oblates and guests gathered at the Whitley Theological Center to enjoy snacks, pastries, and refreshments. The Ziegler family delighted the attendees with a surprise slideshow containing lovely memories of Dan and his family. Fr. Ziegler gracefully and joyfully thanked his guests, and imparted his warm blessings to all who came from near and far to celebrate his special ceremony. Eager to be among the first to receive the new priest’s blessings, scores of friends and family patiently queued in an impromptu line in the middle of the reception as they waited their turn to hug and greet Fr. Ziegler.

We certainly know that wherever he goes, our brother and friend Fr. Dan Ziegler will always humbly carry with him a message of hope. Congratulations Brother Ziegler…may Jesus, Mary and St. Eugene de Mazenod be always with you!

After the ordination, family, Oblates and guests gathered at the Whitley Theological Center to enjoy snacks, pastries, and refreshments. The Ziegler family delighted the attendees with a surprise slideshow containing lovely memories of Dan and his family. Fr. Ziegler gracefully and joyfully thanked his guests, and imparted his warm blessings to all who came from near and far to celebrate his special ceremony. Eager to be among the first to receive the new priest’s blessings, scores of friends and family patiently queued in an impromptu line in the middle of the reception as they waited their turn to hug and greet Fr. Ziegler.

We certainly know that wherever he goes, our brother and friend Fr. Dan Ziegler will always humbly carry with him a message of hope. Congratulations Brother Ziegler…may Jesus, Mary and St. Eugene de Mazenod be always with you!

Click Here to See the Rest of the Photographs from Fr. Daniel Ziegler’s Ordination