“If I can discover God’s plan for my life, that will also be my happiness,” Fr. Michael Sommer answered in an interview. “That was the original urge to seek God’s calling and to have it given to me.”
Michael Sommer (49) from Illerrieden studied reinforced concrete construction and worked in this industry for many years. More and more he discovered the plan of God for his life. He found a new home in the community of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, studied at the Philosophical-Theological College of Benedict XVI in Heiligenkreuz and completed his pastoral year in the Parish Community of Dinkelscherben, Diocese of Augsburg. Together with three candidates of the diocese he was ordained priest on June 28th, 2020 in a joyful celebration presided by Bishop Bertram Meier in the cathedral of Augsburg.
The bishop wore a feather-light chasuble, a gift from a textile artist. It was knotted like a fishing net. “The chasuble becomes a second skin. The fishing net is a pastor’s tool, which also reminds him that before being a fisher of people, you yourself were once caught by the Lord and lifted into the net… as fish we priests are in the net of the Lord… a beautiful and eloquent image for all who want to minister with Jesus is the fisherman. In the Lord’s net, we are in our element.”

There was also a second thought from the episcopal homily: obedience. For companies, corporations, obedience is expected, usually as loyalty to the company’s philosophy. At the ordination the candidates promise reverence and obedience to the bishop and the religious superior. Obedience to the Pope has always been the sure way to remain in obedience to Christ. And then the Bishop added: “Open your heart to the Bishop, and if needed, disagree with him, not through the media, but face to face. Priestly obedience is a school of freedom. Without the cross, however, the school cannot be built.“
Because the Covid-19, the consecration service took place with the necessary distance, and yet it was a dense, deep spiritual experience. The usual get-together with the bishop, the newly consecrated and their relatives and friends was not possible – but a small group of fellow celebrants, family, friends, confreres, members of the USC (Unio Sanguis Christi lay community of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood) stayed for a nice dinner – Fr. Michael was allowed to invite only 35 guests. With great enthusiasm and to the joy of all of us, Fr. Michael introduced the guests to the CPPS community.
Fr. Michael’s first Mass in his home parish of Illerrieden will take place on a later date. Fr. Michael will celebrate a thanksgiving mass with his pastoral parish of Dinkelscherben on July 5th and he will continue to minister in this parish.

The Missionaries of the Precious Blood rejoice with Fr. Michael Sommer for his consecration and we lift him up with our prayer in his new ministry. In this way, what the new priest has chosen as his bible verse for his first mass may be fulfilled day by day: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke, 23:42)