Deacon Jonathan Smith gives his first homily at the Basilica of Saint Mary

Deacon Jonathan Smith gave his first homily at the Basilica of Saint Mary on June 14, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. Smith was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Michael Burbidge on June 13 at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington.

“Today we celebrate the Body and Blood of Christ truly present in the Eucharist,” Smith said during his homily. “I think this feast hits closer to home this year since many of us were unable to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist for so long. As much as we were longing to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, Jesus has been longing to be received by us so much more.”

A photo album of the Mass is available here. A video of his homily is below: