New priest challenged to lead others to Christ

By Christina Leslie Contributing Editor

METUCHEN – On June 24, the feast day the Church honors St. John the Baptist, the first of the New Testament prophets, Bishop James F. Checchio welcomed Jose Manuel Lim to the ranks of the distinguished clergy of the Diocese of Metuchen at a joyous ordination Mass in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.

“His whole life was a pointer, leading others to Jesus,” the Bishop declared. “It was about witnessing, giving testimony attesting what is true. This, my brother Jose, is what you must emulate.”

Bishop Checchio and scores of priests and deacons from throughout the Diocese processed into the Cathedral to witness the ancient rite. Following the proclamation of the Gospel, Bishop Checchio bade him to “understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate and conform your life in the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”

During his homily, Bishop Checchio continued his advice to the 32-year-old scholar and registered nurse, saying he had been called to give testimony about Jesus as one of his priests as an expert or specialist.

“Stay close to Him in prayer so your testimony will not be hollow,” the Bishop urged him. “Witness by living the promises you make today – celibacy, prayer, obedience – by your service to those in the diocese. Stay close to Jesus in your prayer each day.”

Addressing the new priest once more, Bishop Checchio said, “We need to make God our first priority each day … Now it falls to you, Jose, to carry on the tradition. Lay down your life, your wants, your desires, to take on Christ, give witness to Him daily. May all of us also join with you by prayer and service so we might share our friendship with Jesus and others who recognize him.”

Jose Manuel Lim was born in Paterson, one of two children of Vicente and Noemi Lim. Upon his graduation from Paramus elementary and public high schools, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, while serving as a research assistant there. Mr. Lim then served two years as a registered nurse at Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center, Summit.

In 2017, Father Lim began his journey to the priesthood by studying philosophy in Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall, West Orange. Two years later, he transferred to the Pontifical North American College, Rome, where he earned a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology from Gregorian University and is continuing Licentiate in Sacred Theology studies from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.

During the course of his diaconal and priestly studies, Father Lim has served as a pastoral intern at St. Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, and in campus ministry through the Duquesne Study Abroad Program.

Standing alone in the sanctuary, his beaming smile reflecting his joy-filled heart, the future Father Lim answered with a clear “yes” the questions whether he had come willingly and faithfully to the priesthood and would promise obedience to the authority of the priesthood. Bishop Checchio answered this assent, “May God, who has begun great work in you, bring it to fulfillment,” as the congregation responded with resounding applause.

Then, acknowledging this was a goal he would not achieve alone, Father Lim lay prostrate as the choir and congregation sang the “Litany of the Saints,” beseeching the heavenly hosts for assistance. As the last notes faded, he approached Bishop Checchio who laid hands on his head in silent prayer. Then, one by one, priests filed from the pews into the sanctuary to bless their fraternal brother in the same way.

The diocesan Festival Choir sang the ancient hymn “Veni Creator” as Father Lim was assisted by Father Michael Fragoso, pastor of Visitation Parish, New Brunswick, in first removing the vestments of a deacon, then donning the stole and chasuble of a priest. Once again kneeling before his shepherd, the hands of Father Lim were anointed with Holy Chrism before his fellow priests approached him for a fraternal embrace.

At the conclusion of Mass, Father Lim bestowed his first priestly blessings upon Bishop Checchio, extended family and friends. The new priest has been assigned to serve the community of St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, for two months before resuming his studies in Rome.

Top right, Deacon Lim processes into the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi at the beginning of the Mass of Ordination to the Priesthood. Right, Deacon Lim kneels before Bishop James F. Checchio who says the Prayer of Ordination during which he called down the Holy Spirit ordaining Deacon Lim to the priesthood. Father Lim was ordained a priest June 24, the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Mike Ehrmann photos