Ordained to the priesthood by Bishop James Ruggieri in June, Father Matthew Valles reflects on his journey to the priesthood, his ordination day, and his early ministry as a priest of the Diocese of Portland.
Vocations & Seminarians
Bishop James Ruggieri ordained Deacon Matthew Valles to the priesthood during a Mass celebrated at St. John Church in Bangor. Approximately 600 people attended the ordination Mass.
Tien Hoa Nguyen, Thanh Duc Pham, and Erin Michael Donlon are ordained during a Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
During a retreat at St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunk last week, seminarians of the Diocese of Portland, along with Monsignor Andrew Dubois (diocesan director of the Office of Seminarians), joined in the jubilee celebration of Bishop Robert Deeley.
Father Patrick Machayi, SMA, has been named a parochial vicar of All Saints Parish in Brunswick effective July 5.
Regardless of age, the program promises to provide unforgettable weeks of faith formation and fun.
The Catholic Church will celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests on Friday, June 16. Established by Saint John Paul II in 2002, the celebration occurs annually on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Bishop Robert Deeley and nine priests of the diocese were honored for their years of priestly ministry during the Jubilarian Mass celebrated at Holy Redeemer Church in Bar Harbor.
Sister Judy has been the leader of the Maine sector of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon since 2017, but her time as a Sister began 39 years ago.
Prayers will be offered on Sunday that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes.
The assignments take effect immediately.
Bishop Robert Deeley ordained Daniel Mahoney to the permanent diaconate during a Mass celebrated at St. Martha Church in Kennebunk.
Father Michael Adebote, SMA, is now serving as a hospital chaplain in Lewiston.
“We join with others for the unity of neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God.”
Seminarian Vinh Nguyen publicly expresses his desire to pursue holy orders during the Rite of Candidacy celebrated by Bishop Robert Deeley.
A special collection will be held during all Masses in Maine churches on Dec. 10-11 to help over 30,000 elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.
The Mass will be held on Saturday, November 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in Winthrop. All are welcome.
The diocese welcomes Father Elaiyaraja Thaniyel, HGN, and Father Brittoraj Amalogam, HGN, members of the Heralds of Good News.
Father Simon Assogba, SMA, is now serving at the Parish of the Precious Blood in Caribou.
February 7, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri invites young men (high school age and older) who want to learn more about the Catholic priesthood to attend a dinner on Friday, February 7.
June 21, 2025
Event
On Saturday, June 21st at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 307 Congress Street in Portland, the diocese will celebrate the ordinations of Evans Yongyee and Ezekiel Yisi to the transitional diaconate.
