According to Deacon Dominic Cerrato, the diocesan director of diaconal formation, the Mass of ordination was wonderful. “One of the great joys of living a life of faith is to witness the hand of God, especially in His Church,” he said.

“Watching these men undergo formation for over four years, and then seeing them ordained – configured in the deepest part of their being to Christ the Servant – was overwhelming. It brought back memories of my own ordination, and how God continues His saving work in the diaconate. Through their lives and ministry, these deacons make present, in real and concrete ways, Christ Jesus who came, not to be served but to serve, giving His life in ransom for the many.”

To find out more, go to www.dioceseofjoliet.org/podcast to listen to an interview with Bishop Pates on the ordination of the men to the permanent diaconate.