October 22, 2019 — This fall, five Jesuits from the USA West Province were ordained to the diaconate at two different Masses across the United States.
Eight Jesuits were ordained to the diaconate in Boston Sept. 21, including two from Jesuits West, Thomas William Biegler, SJ, and Phillip David Romero, SJ.
On Sept. 21, two members of Jesuits West, Thomas William Biegler, SJ, and Phillip David Romero, SJ, were among eight Jesuits ordained as deacons by the Most Reverend Peter J. Uglietto, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, at St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. These newly ordained deacons are students at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
Last weekend, on Oct. 19, five more Jesuits were ordained as deacons by the Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, SJ, Bishop of Oakland, at Saint Mary’s College Chapel in Moraga, California, including three from Jesuits West: Perry Petrich, SJ; Justin Claravall, SJ; and San Mai, SJ. These new deacons are currently studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California.
Five Jesuits were ordained to the diaconate on Oct. 19 in Moraga, California, including three from Jesuits West: Victor Ramos, SJ; Perry Petrich, SJ; Justin Claravall, SJ; San Mai, SJ; & Joshua Peters, SJ.
Additionally, Gregory Celio, SJ, of Jesuits West was ordained to the diaconate last spring in Toronto.
Gregory Celio, SJ, with his family and Archbishop Terrence Thomas Prendergast, SJ
For Jesuits in formation, ordination to the diaconate is the final step in preparation for priestly ordination in the Society of Jesus. Deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach and teach in the name of the church. As ministers of sacraments, they baptize, witness marriages and conduct wake and funeral services.
As deacons, they will continue their studies and be assigned to parishes until next summer when they will be ordained to the priesthood and receive their first missions as Jesuit priests.
Watch the Jesuit diaconate ordination Mass at Boston College: