Posted June 16, 2020

Archbishop Nelson Perez conferred the sacrament of holy orders for the first time since his installation in February when he ordained 13 men deacons on Saturday, June 13 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. For the first time in Philadelphia the rite included both permanent and transitional deacons — the latter anticipating priestly ordination next year — and men for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Diocese of Mymensingh in Bangladesh and the Vincentian order. Read all about the ordination Mass here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Soon-to-be Deacon Gerald J. Cassidy leads his fellow ordination candidates in the procession for Mass.

  • Deacon Louis Monica, who will be ordained a priest on June 20, incenses the Book of Gospels before proclaiming the reading to the congregation.

  • Kenneth L. Cavara, along with the other candidates, presents himself for ordination.

  • Henry C. Fila makes the promise of the elect to the archbishop, according to the ordination rite.

  • Deacon Franz N. Fruehwald right) makes the promise of the elect to Archbishop Nelson Perez during the diaconate ordination Mass June 13.

    Deacon Franz N. Fruehwald (right) makes the promise of the elect to Archbishop Nelson Perez during the diaconate ordination Mass in 2020. Joseph P. Boyle Jr. (center), who is shown serving at the ceremony, will be ordained a deacon this June. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

  • The candidates lie prostrate on the floor of the cathedral as the Litany of the Saints is sung above them by the congregation.

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez, followed by other bishops and priests, lays hands on Mark A. Tobin during the diaconate ordination ceremony June 13 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Gregg W. Hoyer receives the laying of hands.

  • Matthew A. Horvath receives the laying of hands.

  • The newly ordained men are vested with their dalmatic, the liturgical vestment of a deacon, through the help of other ordained deacons.

  • Mark D. Nowakowski receives the Book of Gospels — in the words of the ordination rite, “whose herald you now are” — from Archbishop Perez.

  • James V. Nash receives the Book of Gospels.

  • Newly ordained transitional deacons Prodip P. Mrong (left) and Erik R. Sanchez Martinez, C.M.

  • Paul F. Stoyell-Mullholland receives the Book of Gospels.

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez congratulates Deacon Thomas N. Verna.

  • After the ordination Mass, Archbishop Nelson Perez gives Deacon Mark Nowakowski his assignment to St. Basil the Great Parish in Kimberton.

  • The 13 members of the diaconate class of 2020 — including both transitional and permanent deacons — pose after the Mass June 13 with Archbishop Nelson Perez.

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez greets the sons of Deacon Gregg Hoyer with a fist bump.

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez greets Deacon Franz Fruehwald’s mother (center) and wife.