Posted May 15, 2019

Archbishop Charles Chaput ordained three men for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, plus two for the Neocatechumenal Way who will serve in the archdiocese, May 11 in St. Martin’s chapel at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. The men will serve in parishes for a year as they also complete their studies toward eventual ordination as priests next year. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

Also watch the full deacon ordination Mass here.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput preaches a homily at a May 2019 ordination Mass for permanent deacons. Having marked his 75th birthday on Sept. 26, the Archbishop has submitted his resignation in accordance with canon law. (Sarah Webb)

    Archbishop Charles Chaput preaches the homily during the ordination Mass.

  • As part of the ordination rite, Cesar Izaguirre makes the Promise of the Elect to Archbishop Chaput.

  • Archbishop Chaput lays hands on Kevin Okafor, ordaining him a deacon.

  • August Taglianetti

  • Kevin Okafor, August Taglianetti and Louis Monica (from left) present themselves to the archbishop for ordination as deacons in 2019. They and their classmates will be ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia June 20 in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. (Sarah Webb)

  • Presenting themselves in St. Martin’s Chapel are, from left, Cesar Izaguirre and Wilmer Chirino of the Neocatechumenal Way, and Kevin Okafor, Louis Monica and August Taglianetti of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

  • The candidates for ordination lay prostrate on the chapel floor as the litany of the saints is prayed by the congregation.

  • From left: Cesar Izaguirre, Kevin Okafor, August Taglianetti, Louis Monica and Wilmer Chirino.

  • Wilmer Chirino kisses the stole that he will wear as a deacon in liturgies.

  • Louis Monica

  • Archbishop Chaput hands to Wilmer Chirino the Book of Gospels, “whose herald you now are,” in the words of the rite.

  • Kevin Okafor prays with his mother Roseline (in blue).

  • The archbishop incenses the altar during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

  • Louis Monica offers a sign of peace with his father.

  • August Taglianetti offers the chalice of the precious blood.

  • Cesar Izaguirre distributes holy Communion.

  • Louis Monica offers the chalice to Msgr. James Beisel.

  • The newly ordained deacons include from left, back row, August Taglianetti, Louis Monica, Kevin Okafor, Wilmer Chirino and Cesar Izaguirre. In front from left are Auxiliary Bishops John McIntyre and Edward Deliman, Archbishop Charles Chaput, seminary rector Bishop Timothy Senior and Father Javier Santaballa, rector of Redemptoris Mater Seminary, the Philadelphia seminary for the Neocatechumenal Way.

  • Archbishop Chaput poses for a photo with Deacon Kevin Okafor and his mother Roseline.

  • Deacon Cesar Izaguirre receives a chamorro necklace, a tradition in his Guam culture.

  • Families of the the newly ordained deacons enjoy lunch together on a seminary portico.