Today in the Basilica of Saint Prassede, Rome, Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of Raphoe, ordained two seminarians to the diaconate, Reverend Anthony Briody, from the Diocese of Raphoe, and Reverend Declan McGeehan, from the Diocese of Derry. The two new deacons are resident in the Pontifical Irish College in Rome, from where they are pursuing their studies for the priesthood.
Monsignor Ciarán O’Carroll, Rector of the Pontifical Irish College said, “It is with great joy that we celebrate the ordination to the diaconate today of Anthony and Declan. On behalf of everyone at the Pontifical Irish College I congratulate our two new deacons on their ordination. I wish them every happiness and blessing as they commence their diaconal ministries of service, of charity and of leadership in prayer and liturgy. May they experience God’s grace anew in their lives so that they may courageously proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, generously serving the people of God in their dioceses with care and compassion.”
ENDS
Notes
- This ordination took place in the Basilica of Saint Prassede, Rome, at 10.00am local time this morning. The ordaining prelate was Bishop McGuckian and he was accompanied by Bishop Philip Boyce OCD, the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore. Reverend Anthony Briody and Reverend Declan McGeehan are in their fifth year of formation for the priesthood.
- Ordination as a transitional deacon generally occurs after a seminarian has completed at least three years of study in theology. In addition to their assignments as transitional deacons, Reverend Briody and Reverend McGeehan will spend the next year completing their priestly formation. Transitional deacons exercise the very same ministry as permanent deacons, as such they are now ordinary Ministers of Baptism; are able to preside at weddings; assist the priest at Mass; proclaim the Gospel and preach, as well as preside at wakes and funeral services.
- Please see captions and photographs below for publication purposes. All photos to be credited to John Briody.
