Instructing them to “turn to the Lord with a complete faith,” Bishop Barry C. Knestout ordained three seminarians as transitional deacons, Saturday, May 21, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond.
The newly ordained are Deacons William Buckley, Armando Herrera and Christopher Weyer.
The bishop’s instruction was part of his homily at the concelebrated Mass.
In noting that the candidates had come forward to present themselves for ordination, Bishop Knestout said they expressed their willingness to go wherever the Lord needs them in service to the Church.
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“You are to facilitate the shining of Christ’s light on every dark corner of human experience, to be ministers of the light of Christ by what you say and do,” he said. “This task will lead you to experiences of challenge and sometimes suffering. But also, treasured experiences of joy and love in the midst of God’s people.”
Reflecting on the first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah (1:4- 9), Bishop Knestout said, “The task of every deacon is difficult, and there are unknown challenges and suffering ahead of all those who accept the call to service in the Church. We all need to rely on the grace of God and turn to the Lord in constant prayer for the help of his Spirit.”
Among the concelebrants of the Mass was Auxiliary Bishop Joseph L. Coffey of the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA, where he serves as episcopal vicar for veteran affairs. Bishop Knestout noted that Bishop Coffey was present for the ordination because the archdiocese is co-sponsoring Deacon Herrera. Later, after a yet-to-be-determined number of years of service in the Diocese of Richmond, he will minister in the military services.
Editor’s note: The diaconate ordination can be viewed here.