There’s a new Marian priest in town, and he’s about to be assigned full-time at the Divine Mercy Apostolate UK: Father Patrick Lynch, MIC.
Father Lynch was ordained to the priesthood for the Marian Congregation on 9 May 2026 at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, USA.
The ordaining bishop was the Most Reverend Juan Miguel Betancourt, SEMV, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut. He celebrated the Mass and conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Father Patrick, 30, was born in Princeton, New Jersey, USA, one of six children of Denise and Griff Lynch. A linguist, fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin, Fr. Patrick joined the Marians nine years ago. He worked on the multi-year project translating the writings of St. Stanislaus Papczyński, Founder of the Marians. In 2022, he was sent to live at the Marian House in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to study theology.
Chosen and consecrated by God
In his homily, Bishop Betancourt reminded all that a priest shares in the one eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ.
“A priest is first chosen and consecrated by God,” he explained. “The priesthood begins not with human ambition, but with Jesus’ call and divine anointing. Before a priest speaks, teaches, absolves, or offers the sacrifice of the Mass, he is first chosen and consecrated by God. The Lord takes a man from among his people, and sends him back to them as a sacramental sign of Christ’s own presence. This is what makes the ministry of priesthood unique. The priest does not act merely in his own name or according to own ideas or preferences. He shares in the one eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ.”
“So, dear brother,” the Bishop continued, “never lose the amazement that the Lord has called you to stand at His altar and speak His words: ‘This is My Body. This is the chalice of My Blood.’”
The priesthood is never lived in isolation, the Bishop added. “It is always a life poured out for others. And this offering of self must be marked by joy, humility, and prayer. Never forget that the priesthood is most fruitful when it reflects the Heart of Jesus Himself: Merciful, humble, obedient, and filled with love.”
Addressing all present, including the Marian Fathers, family members, and friends, the Bishop concluded, “No vocation grows in isolation. The Lord has used your example, encouragement, sacrifices, and prayers to help bring this day to fulfillment. The ordination we celebrate today belongs not only to one man but also to the entire Church.”
“A great day of joy”
Following the Mass, all gathered for a festive lunch in the St. Faustina Center, where Fr. Patrick offered blessings, reflected on his 9 years of formation, and expressed his thanks to Bishop Betancourt, his brother Marians, his family, and friends. “All of you here are just a proof to me of the power and beauty of God’s providence,” he said. “It’s such a great day of joy.”
Father Lynch paid special tribute to his family present today. “It was just so moving today to look at my family in the front pew, and to think back of when my parents, Griff and Denise, taught me the faith. They were my first teachers in the faith, and in a real way my priesthood and my life as a religious built upon the foundation that they gave me. Mom and Dad, I am so grateful for all you have done for me, and I love you with all my heart.”
