Posted May 15, 2015

The following seven men will be ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput on Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. (procession begins at 9:45) in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. Everyone is invited to attend the Mass. Below, see a biographical sketch of each deacon with information on their first Mass. Read extended profiles of the men here.

CatholicPhilly.com wishes continued blessings on these men — ad multos annos! — and invites everyone to pray for them:

“Lord our God, who in governing your people make use of the ministry of priests, grant a persevering obedience to your will to these deacons of your church, whom you graciously choose today for the office of priesthood, so that by their ministry and life they may gain glory for you in Christ. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.” (from the Collect of the Mass for the Ordination of Several Priests)

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Rev. Mr. James J. Cardosi was born in New Brighton, Pa., son of William (deceased) and Antoinette Cardosi. He attended St. Titus School in East Norriton and Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown. He received his Bachelor of Science degree at the United States Naval Academy and his Master of Divinity degree at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary (a seminary for men thirty years and older) in Weston, Mass. He served his diaconate assignment at Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in South Philadelphia.
After ordination, Father Cardosi will celebrate his first Mass Sunday, May 17 at 11 a.m. at St. Titus Church in East Norriton. The homilist will be Father Leonard Lewandowski.

Rev. Mr. Kevin T. Mulligan was born in Wichita, Kan., son of Joseph and Elizabeth Mulligan. He attended St. Helena School and Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Slippery Rock State College and Master of Divinity degree at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass. He served his diaconate assignment at St. Patrick Parish, Philadelphia.
After ordination, Father Mulligan will celebrate his first Mass Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m. at Visitation B.V.M. Church in Norristown. The homilist will be Father Paul E. Miceli, dean of seminarians at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary.

Rev. Mr. Steven W. Kiernan was born in Stroudsburg, Pa., son of William and Ilona Kiernan. He attended Clearview Elementary School, Stroudsburg Middle School and Stroudsburg High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University and his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology degrees at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He served his diaconate assignment at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Morton.
After ordination, Father Kiernan will celebrate his first Mass Sunday, May 17 at 4 p.m. at Mother of Divine Providence Church in King of Prussia. Father Martin T. Cioppi will be the homilist.

Rev. Mr. Joseph S. Zaleski was born in Philadelphia, son of Deacon Stanley and Sandra Zaleski. He attended St. Martin of Tours School and Father Judge High School in Philadelphia. He received his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology degrees at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He served his diaconate assignment at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Morrisville.
After ordination, Father Zaleski will celebrate his first Mass Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours Church in Northeast Philadelphia. The homilist will be Deacon Stanley M. Zaleski.

Rev. Mr. Addisalem T. Mekonnen was born in Ethiopia, son of Teshager and Tsadu Mekonnen. He attended St. Francis de Sales School and Parkway Gamma High School in Philadelphia. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Divinity degrees at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He served his diaconate assignment at Mother of the Divine Providence Parish in King of Prussia.
After ordination, Father Mekonnen will celebrate his first Mass Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church in Philadelphia. The homilist will be Father Frank A. Giuffre.

Rev. Mr. Alexander R. Gibbs was born in Mount Holly, N.J., son of Philip and Rebecca Gibbs. He attended Mary E. Roberts Elementary School, William Allen Middle School and Moorestown High School in New Jersey. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University and Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology degrees at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He served his diaconate assignment at Mary Mother of the Redeemer Parish in North Wales.
After ordination, Father Gibbs will celebrate his first Mass Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. at Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church. The homilist will be Father Shaun L. Mahoney.

Rev. Mr. Daniel J. Arechabala was born in Philadelphia, son of Miguel and Mary Beth Arechabala. He attended Mother of Divine Providence School in King of Prussia and Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor. He received his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology degrees at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He served his diaconate assignment at St. Bede the Venerable Parish in Holland.
After ordination, Father Arechabala will celebrate his first Mass Sunday, May 17 at 11:30 a.m. at Mother of Divine Providence Church in King of Prussia. The homilist will be Father Patrick J. Welsh.