Posted May 20, 2022

On May 14, Archbishop Nelson Pérez ordained seven men as transitional deacons during a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. The men, all studying at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, will serve in parishes of the Philadelphia Archdiocese for one year while completing their studies for ordination as archdiocesan priests next year. Their diaconate ministry continues the normal progression to the priesthood.

The new transitional deacons are Anthony J. Albanese, Shane M. Flanagan, Randall J. Kraft, Phong T. Le, Kenneth I. Omeke, John C. Okpara, and Wesly L. Taveras. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • John Okpara (left) and Wesly Taveras Medina pray during the diaconate ordination rite.

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez ordains Deacon Anthony Albanese.

  • Deacon Randall Kraft (right) is ordained.

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez ordains Deacon Shane Flanagan by the laying of hands.

  • Deacon Phong Le

  • Deacon Kenneth Omeke receives the Book of Gospels during the rite.

  • The archbishop congratulates Deacon John Okpara.

  • Deacon Anthony Albanese incenses the congregation.

  • The transitional deacon class of 2022 for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

  • With Archbishop Nelson Perez (center left) and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary’s rector, Bishop Timothy Senior are newly ordained Deacons (from left) Phong Le, Kenneth Omeke, Wesly Taveras Medina, Shane Flanagan, Randall Kraft, Anthony Albanese and John Okpara.