Ordination
Sweeter than Honey 🍯
Artwork and original poem of thanksgiving by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, inspired by the February 16th first thanksgiving mass of newly ordained Fr Andrew Barth IVE, a very dear family friend.
This artwork is dedicated to the ordination of Fr Andrew Barth
Celebrated his first mass, a young promising lad who’s down-to-earth.
Celebrated his first mass, a young promising lad who’s down-to-earth.
I had the privilege to see him blossom from a sporty lad to an artist sublime
Now he’s a man of cloth, a good shepherd, answering the call of the divine.
I don’t know too many millennials who have chosen a life of austerity
In a consumer society obsessed with materialism and unbridled prosperity.
That’s why to me, this seminal event is sweeter than honey
God knows we need good shepherds who relate to the Gen-Z
Footnote: Here is a photo of Rev Fr Andrew Clement Barth IVE, best friend of our son Alexander, blessing the faithful after his inaugural mass on 16/Feb/2026 at Our Lady of Peace, Santa Clara, CA.
So grateful to be able to attend this solemn and heartwarming occasion
Comments
The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. - Matthew 9:37-38
Your drawing, with the calligraphy and a poem, is quite beautiful and meaningful.
I agree with you that Fr Andrew's first mass is really awesome and sweet.
I happened to meet his parents, pure and humble souls with deep faith, despite their keen intelligence.
May he be a good example and a guiding light to his generation in this confusing time.
Blessings,
Regina Choi (By Email)
Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated
His father George was a long time 6:30 am mass attendee and lector. Both his parents Sharon and George are very honorable people of deep faith and it looks like Andy was inspired to join the priesthood. Yes, it was very special to be at his thanksgiving mass and we join you in praying that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and inspire him to be a good shepherd.
Blessings,
Kieran