PORTLAND — Paths to the priesthood are rarely direct. Vocation stories often include incredible leaps of faith in times of uncertainty and remarkable sacrifice displayed by individuals striving to understand God’s plan. For Fr. Edward Clifford, the newest priest of the Diocese of Portland, the story included an unconventional journey that culminated on Saturday, June 14, when he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Robert P. Deeley at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.

Clifford, 51, previously worked in local government, as Biddeford city manager and as the director of the Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit. Four years ago, he entered Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass. 

“It feels very natural and it feels wonderful! God calls people at different times. He called the apostles at different times. I waited, and I believe that is all part of God’s plan,” said Clifford. “I feel joyous and very calm. You have to have trust in God that things will happen the right way.”

During his homily, Deeley thanked Clifford for “responding generously to God’s call.”

“Though you felt a call to this vocation as a youth, life came along, carrying you in other directions. In a sense, though, your answer was simply delayed. And now, the education you pursued, the skills you developed, the successful career you followed, will all contribute to making you the priest that God has called and, this day, anoints for the service of his people.”

Following the bishop’s homily, Clifford affirmed his willingness to become a priest and pledged his obedience to the bishop. He then lay prostrate while the Litany of Saints was sung. The bishop then laid hands on Clifford in silence, the most solemn moment of the ordination. All 30 priests in attendance then did the same. Moments later, the bishop prayed the prayer of ordination.

Now ordained, Fr. Clifford was vested with the stole and chasuble, symbols of the priesthood, by Fr. Louis Phillips, rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and Fr. John Skehan, pastor of Parish of the Ascension of the Lord, Kittery. Once vested, he received a fraternal kiss of peace from the bishop and from his brother priests. The bishop then anointed Clifford’s hands, asking that God “guard you and preserve you that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God.”

Clifford’s mother, Sylvia Sherwood, and one of his sisters then presented a chalice and paten to the bishop who, in turn, presented it to Clifford. He credits his mother and sisters for giving him his foundation in the faith.

“I’m not surprised that he chose this, and, of course, I’m very proud of him,” said Sherwood. “He’s always been a very, very special young man.”

The Rite of Ordination concluded, Clifford joined in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and, at the conclusion of Mass, he gave his first blessing to Deeley, which is tradition. Following the Mass, family, friends and parishioners also received blessings from the diocese’s newest priest.Clifford is the third priest to be ordained by Deeley in the last three weeks. Fr. Kyle Doustou was ordained to the priesthood on May 30 at the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul in Lewiston, and on June 6, Fr. Brad Morin was ordained to the priesthood at St. David Church in Madawaska.