By Nicole Olea | Catholic Standard

With a voice that carried throughout the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Cardinal Robert W. McElroy announced, “Today I have tidings of great joy” as he greeted the large congregation of faithful on the warm, sunlit morning of June 21 for the annual Mass of Priesthood Ordination in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.

Concelebrants included Cardinal Wilton Gregory and Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the archbishops emeritus of Washington; Auxiliary Bishops Roy Campbell Jr. and Evelio Menjivar, and more than 125 priests from the archdiocese and invited clergy.