The annual luncheon for retired priests of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is a celebration of their life-long commitment to prayer, friendship and service. It is also the opportunity to see God's grace at work over a lifetime, said several priests.

When Msgr. August Moretti was asked what allowed him to nurture and sustain his vocation over so many decades, he quickly responded, "God's grace. What else?"

To a new priest, his words of wisdom are to "take it one day at a time. There are enough trials in one day," said Msgr. Moretti. "Make sure you never have doubts about your call through prayer and some intimacy with the Lord. Otherwise you get lost."

Adding some levity to the moment, Msgr. Alexander George added, "Trust in God and a good dish of spaghetti. Keep praying."

Said Father Fernando Iglesias: "Be good and holy. Pray a lot."

Father Joseph DucMinh, 47 years a priest, escaped communist Vietnam and has taught philosophy and religion at various seminaries in the U.S., including St. John's Seminary in Camarillo.

"I have been overwhelmed with wonderful grace from God," said Father DucMinh. "The Eucharist is the center of my life --- my source of energy and strength to live out my priesthood."

The May 11 luncheon at the conference center of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is an annual event that also recognizes the life-long friendships and camaraderie among brother priests which have helped to sustain their vocations.

Msgr. Padraic Loftus and Msgr. Sean Flanagan, both immigrants to the U.S. from the west of Ireland, were enjoying catching up with one another, quipping that they've known each other for "1,000 years." The two also noted that they have found their faith affirmed and strengthened by the very parishioners they have served.

"I've enjoyed the people from the beginning," said Msgr. Flanagan, 49 years a priest. "They took me to their hearts."

The vocation of priesthood allowed Msgr. Loftus to venture into unknown areas --- like ministering in a jail. In the mid-1980s he was asked to set up the archdiocesan Department of Detention Ministry (now Restorative Justice).

Msgr. Loftus, 46 years a priest, recalls that he didn't feel comfortable walking into a women's jail for the first time, believing they must all be "hardened criminals." But as he preached the Good News, he saw tears running down the eyes of some of the women. And after the liturgy, when one woman asked for a blessing, they all quickly followed suit and asked him for a blessing. "I'm still moved by that experience," said Msgr. Loftus.

When Msgr. Michael Killeen retired parishioners from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Rowland Heights gave him the gift of travel --- both to China and the Philippines. The opportunity to see the countries from which many of his parishioners have immigrated has been wonderful, said the priest.

"Retired priests" is a bit of a misnomer. While all have retired from the demanding job of pastoring a parish or other full-time work, most of the priests continue to serve the faithful in some way.

Msgr. Killeen, 49 years a priest, continues celebrating baptisms, funerals and weddings at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. "Now I'm marrying couples I baptized," he said.

Msgr. Jack Foley, 49 years a priest, continues to help out at Holy Redeemer Church in Montrose, "to keep the spirit going," he said.

Msgr. Jerome Schmit, 51 years a priest, said: "I still keep a finger in the pie, by regularly celebrating the sacraments and offering counseling" at Sacred Heart Church in Altadena.

Father Leo Steinbock, 54 years a priest, does enjoy the extra time retirement affords him. "I'm watching movies I taped and never saw until now, and I'm reading books I always wanted to read," said the priest. Turning 80 this year, Father Steinbock still serves as needed at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Irwindale, St. Christopher in West Covina, and St. Joseph in Pomona.

Father John Cooley succinctly summed up his six decades as a priest: "It's been 60 great years. No regrets. God has been good to me, and also I hope to the people I have served."

Specially honored at the luncheon (the oldest and longest ordained) were Msgr. Felix Diomartich, born Nov. 12, 1914 and ordained Aug. 8, 1937; Msgr. John Fosselman, born June 11, 1916 and ordained April 22, 1942; Msgr. Richard Murray, born Sept. 11, 1915 and ordained April 27, 1943; and Msgr. John Sheridan, born Dec. 19, 1915, and ordained April 27, 1943.

Five priests in attendance celebrated golden jubilees this year, including Msgr. Henry Gomez, Msgr. Ed Johnson, Fr. James O'Grady, Msgr. Patrick Reilly and Father Ed Soto.