Posted June 13, 2017

Archbishop Charles Chaput ordained 12 men to the clergy as deacons June 10 in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul as their wives, families, fellow deacons and priests of the Philadelphia Archdiocese participated in prayerful support. Read full coverage of the Mass here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Justin J. Watkins makes his diaconate promise.

  • M. Kevin Harrington is ordained a deacon as Archbishop Charles Chaput lays hands upon him.

  • John J. Pfeifer

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput lays hands on the head of Anthony J. Bellitto Jr., ordaining him a deacon for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

  • Patrick J. Kennedy (right)

  • Daniel E. Mazurek (left) and Anthony J. Bellitto Jr.

  • Michael J. Cushing vests as a deacon for the first time.

  • Twelve men were ordained deacons June 10 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul by Archbishop Charles Chaput.

  • Deacon Mark R. Szewczak receives the Book of Gospels from Archbishop Charles Chaput.

  • During the ordination rite Archbishop Chaput hands the Book of Gospels to Deacon Kevin J. Potter.

  • From left, Deacons Daniel E. Mazurek, John R. Bowie, John P. Pfeifer and Michael J. Cushing receive congratulations from their fellow deacons.

    Permanent deacons exchange congratulations during their ordination Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. (File photo by Sarah Webb)

  • At the ordination Mass for permanent deacons of the Philadelphia Archdiocese on June 13, 2017, the newest deacons exchange a congratulatory fraternal kiss from their brother deacons. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

  • Deacons John J. Pfeifer (left) and John R. Bowie.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput congratulates Deacon Christopher J. Mars.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput offers a fraternal kiss and congratulates Deacon Mark R. Szewczak.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput offers the final blessing of the Mass after ordaining 12 men to the diaconate for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

  • The permanent deacon class of 2017 poses with the archbishop, along with St. Charles Seminary rector Bishop Timothy Senior and professor Father Patrick Brady.

  • Dianne Kennedy is moved to tears during the ordination rite for her husband Patrick and his classmates.

  • Wives of the newly ordained deacons present the offertory gifts to Archbishop Charles Chaput.

  • Newly ordained Deacon Justin J. Watkins serves as deacon of the Eucharist.

  • Deacon Patrick J. Kennedy is glad to hear of his parish assignment.

  • Christopher C. Roberts makes the promise of the elect during his ordination to the permanent diaconate.