October 2, 2018 // Diocese

Spenser St. Louis ordained to diaconate

Todays Catholic

ROME — On Thursday, Sept. 27, 40 seminarians from the Pontifical North American College were ordained to the diaconate during a celebration of the Eucharist.

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, was the ordaining prelate at the ordination Mass, celebrated at the altar of the chair of St. Peter, in the Papal Basilica of St. Peter, in the Vatican. Cardinal DiNardo has served as archbishop of Galveston-Houston since being installed in 2006 and is the current president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

In his homily, Cardinal DiNardo spoke to those being ordained about living a life of service. He cited Scripture in reminding them that they will need to follow Christ’s example as “Christ came to serve, not to be served.” Cardinal DiNardo noted that their new ministry would include preaching, serving at the altar of the Lord, and celebrating baptisms and marriages, all of which would be “strengthened by the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” A special emphasis was placed on preaching the Gospel of the Lord because they are “disciples in mission” as “those who bring the Good News.” Additionally, Cardinal DiNardo stressed gratitude for “the many people who helped get them here: family, friends and formators.” He concluded by saying that “the only way they can do it” is with prayer. He asked: “Sisters and brothers, will you pray for these young men?”

During the ordination, the new deacons promised to live a life of prayer, celibacy and obedience to their diocesan bishop. The new deacons will have an additional year of theological studies and spiritual formation before being ordained to the priesthood in their home dioceses.

From the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, seminarian Spenser St. Louis was among those ordained. A son of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Fort Wayne, St. Louis’ vows were witnessed by several priests of the diocese, his family and a group of friends who traveled to Rome for the occasion.

The Pontifical North American College serves as the American seminary in Rome. Founded in 1859 by Blessed Pope Pius IX, the college has formed over 5,000 priests near the heart of the Church for service in dioceses around the United States, Canada and Australia. The college strengthens the bonds between Rome and local churches worldwide, and it allows its students study the Church’s rich religious and cultural heritage at close range.