Anniversary of my Ordination to the Diaconate

It was six years ago, June 19th, 2010, that I and my classmates were ordained to the Holy Order of Deacon at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in New York City by His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan. After years of preparation at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, New York, me and my classmates finally made it to this special day. I remember the day well. It felt like we were all walking on a cloud as we processed from the the rear of the Cathedral to the Sanctuary to the beautiful music of "All Creatures of our God & King." From that day forward that music and hymn brings me back to that beautiful day.

As the mass moved along, we were called by the bishop to come forward, each of us found acceptable to be ordained, and we promised our obedience to the bishop and his successors. Then, lying prostrate in the sanctuary, the Litany of the Saints were beautifully sung by the choir of St. Patrick's.

Then, one after another, my classmates and I knelt before Cardinal Dolan who laid his hands on each of us to confer the Holy Order of Deacon. It's hard to explain the emotions that were going through each one of us! Joy, but more than joy! We were overjoyed!! It felt, to me, as if this is what heaven must be like.

Then the Cardinal gave to each one of us the Book of the Gospels, saying to each one of us as he did so, "Receive the Gospel of Christ,  whose herald you now are. Believe what you read,  teach what you believe,  and practice what you teach."

Since being ordained, I have attempted to live out these words in every act that I do for Christ, whether assisting at Holy Mass, performing a baptism, performing a marriage, or going to the funeral home to help families deal with the loss of a loved one. In each of these experiences, I was feeling the presence of Christ. I was teaching and practicing my belief that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, and that He's present to all of us in whatever situation we face.

Pray for me and my 12 classmates as we continue to serve God in His Holy Catholic Church. Know that you will be in my prayers as well.