Archbishop Charles Chaput ordained Sean A. Loomis, John Patrick Stokely and Thomas A. Viviano to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Saturday, May 18 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. All three men have completed their program of priestly formation and course of studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood. Father Loomis has been assigned as parochial vicar at St. Bede the Venerable Parish in Holland, Bucks County. Father Stokely has been assigned as parochial vicar at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Warrington, Montgomery County. Father Viviano has been assigned as parochial vicar at Holy Innocents Parish, Philadelphia. (Photos by Sarah Webb)
Archbishop Chaput anoints the hands of John Stokely with the oil of chrism, in the rite of ordination of a priest.
A beaming Father Sean Loomis, right, receives a hug from his brother priest after being vested in the stole and chasuble, the outer garment of a priest celebrating Mass.
From left, Transitional Deacons Sean Loomis, John Stokely and Thomas Viviano joyfully process into the cathedral for their ordination as priests.
Auxiliary Bishop Timothy C. Senior, rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, states publicly that he finds the three men worthy to be ordained priests as he presents the candidates to the Archbishop.
The three men being ordained priests prostrate themselves before the cathedral’s main altar during the prayers of the Litany of Saints.
Father Sean Loomis is ordained a priest by the laying on of hands and prayers of Archbishop Chaput.
Archbishop Chaput lays his hands on the head of Thomas Viviano and silently prays to invoke the Holy Spirit.
Thomas Viviano prays deeply during his ordination.
Archbishop Charles Chaput extends his hands in prayer over Thomas Viviano, John Stokely and Sean Loomis as he ordains them to the priesthood.
Archbishop Charels Chaput annoints the hands of Sean Loomis with the oil of chrism.
Archbishop Chaput gives the paten and chalice — the sacred vessels for consecrating the bread and wine for holy Communion — to John Stokely during his ordination.
Father Thomas Viviano shares a fraternal kiss with Archbishop Charles Chaput after being ordained.
The three newly ordained priests concelebrate Mass with Archbishop Chaput for the first time.
Father John Stokely distributes communion for the first time as a priest.
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Praise our HOLY priests….I am a convert and God was so patient to lead me to Catholicism..we need priests to lead us to the Eucharist..in His Loving presence!
Dear Newly Ordained Priests,
Greetings from Fr. Lourduraj.O. Praem. Norbertine Priest from India.
Happy to see through the photos of your ordination. My sincere Congratulations, best wishes and prayerful greetings. I pray that the Lord who has called you (you have answered His call) may use you as His instrument and guide His people through you and give you wisdom to understand the people need and thus serve Him by serving His people.
Take care
With kindest regards,
Your loving Brother,
Fr. Lourduraj.O.Praem
Congratulations gentlemen! We in the diocese look forward to sharing in the joy of fulfilling Christ’s work together with you! Thank you for answering the Lord’s call! God bless You!