Faithful join in prayer for vocations as the diocese prepares to ordain three men to the priesthood.
As the Diocese of Portland prepares to celebrate the ordination of three young men to the priesthood, the faithful gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland on the evening of Friday, May 30, to pray for vocations in the diocese and for the soon-to-be-ordained, Deacon Erin Donlon, Deacon Hoa Tien Nguyen, and Deacon Thanh Duc Pham.
Father Brad Morin presided over the Holy Hour with Msgr. Rene Mathieu delivering the homily, during which he urged the three candidates for priesthood to be confident, even if they are bit nervous.
“Be confident! You will have the support of your family, your friends from seminary, your brother priests,” Msgr. Mathieu told them. "Stay in touch with your brothers from seminary. They'll keep you grounded. Over and over again, you'll be inspired by the men, women, and children you encounter. Their example will strengthen you to desire a holiness of life that responds to their own holiness and vocation."
Msgr. Mathieu said expectations are high for the three men, but said that the Church has devoted many resources to ensuring they are as ready as they can be. He said, however, that their formation must continue even after they are ordained.
An effective ministry will require continuing formation in the years ahead. That includes the subtle formation that arises from fraternal encounters with brother priests and with the faithful with whom they will serve in the years to come,” he said. “We pray tonight that these deacons, soon-to-become priests, will grow in holiness through their varieties of experiences, for their good and for the good of the people of God whom they serve.”
Among those attending the Holy Hour and prayer service were Bishop James Ruggieri, Bishop Emeritus Robert Deeley, and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. Deacon Donlon is cosponsored by the archdiocese and the Diocese of Portland. The bishops were joined by priests and deacons from different parts of the diocese, religious, and the candidates' family members and friends, among others.
Following the service, the faithful gathered in the chapel of the cathedral where Bishop Ruggieri blessed the chalices that will be presented to Deacon Donlon, Deacon Nguyen, and Deacon Pham during the ordination rite, as well as the chasubles with which they will be vested.
The ordination Mass will take place on Saturday, May 31, at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul in Lewiston. All are encouraged to attend. Parking is limited at the basilica, so a shuttle service will be operating from the municipal parking lot, located nearby at 1 Oak Street.
