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I just finished proofing a story about Fr. Stephen Adrian, parochial vicar at St. Anne Parish in Gilbert. The story covers a Mass celebrating 70 years to the day of his priestly ordination. You’ll find it on page 20 of our June 18 issue.

Fr. Stephen Adrian, parochial vicar, celebrated 70 years of priesthood June 3. He has spent more than 20 years at St. Anne Parish in Gilbert.

I was assigned the story night before, and with breaking news the day of the Mass, I only had time to send a “Yes, I’ll be there e-mail.”

So this story was a rare instance of me walking onto “the scene” for an article knowing the bare minimum: that a retired priest was marking 70 years of priesthood. 

I didn’t know where Fr. Adrian has served — certainly not all of his ministry was in a 40-year-old diocese — or how active he was in retirement. Turns out, he’s very active and very revered. Read Gina’s profile of Fr. Adrian from 2007.

After an amazingly quick two-hour Mass, I had a rather complete idea of who Fr. Adrian was. And he’s someone I won’t soon forget.

The IT guy at St. Anne worked diligently to get the Mass’ highlights — including a special address on why he became a priest — online. Meet him yourself and see if Fr. Adrian has the same impact on you he’s likely had on countless people.  

I found his vocation story and anniversary celebration affirming as we head into the Year for Priests.