Posted May 14, 2014

Archbishop Charles Chaput celebrated Mass and ordained as transitional deacons seven men for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and one for the Capuchin Franciscan order on Saturday, May 10 in St. Martin’s Chapel at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. The transitional deacons, who expect to be ordained priests next year, and their parish assignment for the year include:  Rev. Mr. Daniel Arechabala, St. Bede Parish, Holland; Rev. Mr. James Cardosi, Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, Philadelphia; Rev. Mr. Alexander Gibbs, Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, North Wales; Rev. Mr. Steven Kiernan, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Morton; Rev. Mr. Addisalem Mekonnen, Mother of Divine Providence Parish, King of Prussia;  Rev. Mr. Kevin Mulligan, St. Patrick Parish, Philadelphia; and Rev. Mr. Joseph Zaleski, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Morrisville.                   

Brother Robert Perez, O.F.M. Cap., was also ordained a transitional deacon. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • The transitional deacon class, top row from left: Deacons Joseph Zaleski, Daniel Arechabala and Alexander Gibbs; middle from left: James Cordosi, Kevin Mulligan, Steven Kiernan, Addisalem Mekonnen. Ordaining prelates were, front row from left, Bishop Daniel Thomas, Bishop Timothy Senior (rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary), Archbishop Charles Chaput and Bishop Michael Fitzgerald.

  • Newly ordained Deacon Kevin Mulligan assists with Communion during the Mass.

  • During his ordination as a transitional deacon in 2014, Rev. Mr. Joseph Zaleski receives a fraternal kiss from his father, Permanent Deacon Stanley Zaleski, who also preached the homily for his son’s first Mass this year. (Sarah Webb)

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput and Rev. Mr. Addisalem Mekonnen exchange the sign of peace during the Mass of ordination to the diaconate in May 2014. (Sarah Webb)

  • Rev. Mr. Steven Kiernan receives the Book of Gospels from Archbishop Charles Chaput during the rite of ordination as a deacon in May 2014.

  • The candidates for ordination wear their liturgical vestments as deacons for the first time.

  • Alexander Gibbs kneels before laying prostrate in the chapel.

  • By his prayers and laying on of hands, Archbishop Chaput ordains his fellow Capuchin Franciscan, Brother Robert Perez, a deacon.

  • James Cardosi is ordained transitional deacon by Archbishop Charles Chaput May 2014. (Sarah Webb)

  • The candidates for diaconate ordination lie prostrate in St. Martin’s Chapel during the litany of the saints.

  • Rev. Mr. Addisalem Mekonnen makes the promise of the elect.

  • Rev. Mr. Daniel Arechabala makes the promise of the elect.