SAN ANTONIO – The ceremony was solemn. The liturgy precise. But this Catholic ordination ceremony was different.
The person taking the vows was a woman.
Rev. Diane Thomas is now a priest following her ordination Saturday morning.
But this Catholic Church is not the Catholic Church most know and recognize.
The Old Catholic Church Province of the United States is a sect that says it follows the true teachings of the faith.
Like other groups that have splintered off from the Roman Catholic Church, it ordains women as priests.
Thomas said her Church has the same roots as the Roman Catholic Church, but does not follow the Pope in Rome.
The Old Catholic Church is controlled by local bishops and elected boards.
Thomas said she is happy to be a priest, and to represent the teachings of her faith.