October 24, 2022 — This fall, two members of the Jesuits West Province were ordained to the diaconate.
James Antonio, SJ, was ordained a deacon on Sept. 24, 2022, by Most Reverend Peter J. Uglietto, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, at St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, along with six other Jesuits. He is currently a student at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
As a Jesuit in formation, Deacon Antonio has studied philosophy at Saint Louis University, worked at Seattle Preparatory School for two years and studied Spanish at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico.
On Oct. 22, 2022, Simon Zachary, SJ, was ordained a deacon, along with six other Jesuits, by the Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, SJ, Bishop of Oakland, at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California. He is currently studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California.
During his formation, Deacon Zachary studied philosophy at Fordham University and taught social studies at Brophy College Preparatory School in Phoenix.
For Jesuits in formation, ordination to the diaconate is the final step in preparation for priestly ordination in the Society of Jesus. As ministers of sacraments, deacons proclaim the Gospel, baptize, witness marriages and conduct wake and funeral services. Both deacons will be ordained to the priesthood next summer.