DOUGLASTON — On May 12, Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated a Mass for Priest Jubilarians at the Immaculate Conception Center, marking decades of faithful service by clergy across the diocese.

“Today many of you are celebrating significant anniversaries of your ordination,” Bishop Brennan said. “We recognize your daily works of mercy.”

The Mass honored priests observing milestones of 25, 50 and even 75 years of priestly ministry. Although the number of years served is significant, Bishop Brennan said that’s not all that the celebration is about.

“It’s about their daily witness to Jesus Christ and to his Gospel, the lives that they impact and the people who experience that Gospel through their work,” Bishop Brennan said.

Msgr. Cuong Pham, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, said the celebration of 25 years in the priesthood brought back many memories.

“So many faces now come back as I take time to reflect over these years of ministry,” Msgr. Pham said. “I remember those who are no longer here and are still with me, and I just feel like the Lord has blessed me in a very special way through them.”

As he reflected further, he said his life in the priesthood taught him that “God always has surprises for you,” adding that he wants other priests to talk more about the joys of the priesthood and be a source of inspiration for the younger generation.

“A lot of young people are looking forward to this life, and all they need is someone who inspires them,” Msgr. Pham said. “I was very blessed because a good priest inspired me, and if I had a chance again, I would never pick another career.”

The Mass, which was followed by a dinner, brought together jubilarians, their families, and friends for an evening of prayer, gratitude, and fraternal celebration.

For some, the evening also brought together old teachers and their former students — among them Father Joseph Gibino, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo in Brooklyn Heights and an adjunct professor at St. Joseph Seminary and College.

“Thirty years ago, I met the 25th anniversary class and taught those priests who are celebrating their 25th anniversary,” Father Gibino said. “It is amazing to have known them for five years as seminarians, been their professor, watched them grow.

“And now, seeing them 25 years later as they celebrate their silver jubilee of priesthood is really very much a grace and a reward.”