Cardinal Ordains 21 Transitional Deacons for Three Dioceses in Seminary Rite

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The first reading during the Mass of Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate told of how a great multitude of people “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:2-4, 9-14)

The imagery was not lost as 21 men from the Archdiocese of New York and the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre wore their shining white vestments as they stood in the chapel of St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie Nov. 1, the feast of All Saints.

The white vestments also called to mind the gown one wears during baptism, the first sacrament. Cardinal Dolan, the principal celebrant, noted in his homily that every Catholic’s vocation truly begins at baptism.

Speaking with great emphasis, the cardinal told the deacons, “Your primary vocation is not to be a deacon, it’s not to be a priest, it’s to be a saint. That vocation began the day of your baptism.”

This was the first time the three dioceses celebrated the ordination to the transitional diaconate as one community since St. Joseph’s Seminary became the major seminary for men preparing for the priesthood in New York, Brooklyn and Rockville Center just over two years ago.

Ten men from the archdiocese were ordained. They were: Deacon James Benavides, Deacon Sean Connelly, Deacon Jose Cruz, Deacon Ricardo Garcia, Deacon Adolphus Muoghalu, Deacon Adolfo Novio, Deacon Matthew Reiman, Deacon Stephen Ries, Deacon Elvin Rivera and Deacon Jean-Marie Uzabakiriho.

The cardinal told the ordinands before him, “The saints remind us we are destined for heaven as well.”

He said that was made clear to him as he walked into the Sistine Chapel the day he was to cast a vote for the election of a pope during the papal conclave of March 2013. As he walked into that sacred place, the Litany of Saints was sung. “That gave me immense consolation,” he said, adding, “We are never, ever alone.”

“We belong to a supernatural family,” he added.

He noted that the men would soon be hearing that litany during the Rite of Ordination.

The Mass of Ordination was filled with ritual and tradition. The cardinal carried out his responsibilities during the Rite of Ordination with joy and reverence.

During the election of the candidates, each man was called by name. During the promise of the elect, the men stood in front of the altar as the cardinal asked them to respect and obey their respective bishops and they answered with a reverberating, “I do.”

One of the most moving parts of the rite when the 21 men lay prostrate on the floor as the congregation intoned the roster of saints one by one in a calming and rhythmic way.

Deacon Cruz told CNY, “One of the most vivid moments was the Litany of the Saints. I was shedding tears. I think I speak for my class when I say we felt the Holy Spirit” as they heard friends and family recite the Litany.

“It was a very special moment,” he added.

Other parts of the rite included vesting of the deacons, handing on the Book of Gospels, and the kiss of peace.

Deacon Cruz said that the Mass allowed him to “experience God’s grace.”

He also noted the significance of the deacons from the three dioceses coming together for the ordination. “It made it very special,” he said. “I didn’t feel isolated. I felt like my family grew.”

He said with joy and humbleness in his voice, “I’d like to express gratitude to all the people who have been praying for us. This is just one step toward the priesthood. But with the prayers I know that we are not alone.”