Cardinal Mahony ordains 12 men to the priesthood in LA

And has some, well, good things to say to them.

It's a small encouragement to me. One of my friends is considering becoming a seminarian in LA.

Photos: Pope Benedict XVI Ordains 29 Men to the Priesthood

A busy day in Vatican City at St. Peter's Basilica:

The joy intrinsic to the ordination and the sorrow caused by news of violence coming from tormented Africa marked Benedict XVI’s day today as he ordained 29 deacons from the diocese of Rome this morning in St Peter’s Basilica. The Pope later talked about the rite and made an appeal for Somalia, Darfur and Burundi. He also mentioned his ‘mission’ to the United States and extended his best wishes to Orthodox Christians who celebrate Easter today, thus renewing his hope in full unity. (AsiaNews.IT)

Selected photos:

My, but doesn't this picture speak volumes? Here's the official photo caption:

New ordained priest Jarjis Robert Sayd of Iraq looks on during a ceremony lead by Pope Benedict XVI in which he ordained 29 new priests, in St. Peter Basilica at the Vatican, Sunday, April 27, 2008.

More photos at New Liturgical Movement.