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19 permanent deacons ordained

Cardinal Cupich was the main celebrant as 19 permanent and four transitional Catholic deacons were ordained on May 13, 2023 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. The newly ordained deacons will be assigned to parishes in Bartlett, Chicago, Cicero, Des Plaines, Lake Villa, Melrose Park, Mount Prospect, Mundelein, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, and Wilmette. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Jacek Sosin enters the cathedral during the opening procession. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Emilio Trejo and his wife Maria, enter the cathedral during the opening procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The ceremony begins with the presentation of the candidates. Each man is called forth by name, stands and answers, “Present.” Here, the “election” takes place: the cardinal declares that he has chosen the candidates to be ordained. The congregation applauds to show that they agree with the decision. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
The ceremony begins with the presentation of the candidates. Each man is called forth by name, stands and answers, “Present.” Here, the “election” takes place: the cardinal declares that he has chosen the candidates to be ordained. The congregation applauds to show that they agree with the decision. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon Eduardo Vazquez makes his promise of obedience to Cardinal Cupich. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The deacon candidates give their promise of obedience to Cardinal Cupich. Each candidate goes individually to the cardinal to make the promise of obedience. They kneel before him and places his joined hands between the hands of the cardinal while making the promise. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
The deacon candidates give their promise of obedience to Cardinal Cupich. Each candidate goes individually to the cardinal to make the promise of obedience. They kneel before him and places his joined hands between the hands of the cardinal while making the promise. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
The diaconal candidates lie prostrate on the floor, while everyone else kneels in prayer for them. While everyone is kneeling, the Litany of the Saints is sung. This calls to mind the fact that not only those faithful on earth, but also the entire church in heaven is praying during this important moment. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich lays hands on newly ordained Deacon Santos Gutierrez. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The cardinal extends his hands over all the candidates during the “Laying on of Hands.” This begins the most important part of the ceremony — the ordination itself. At this point, he begins the prayer of consecration. It asks God to draw near and recalls the gift of the first deacons. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Newly ordained Deacon Christopher Keefe is vested by his wife Binh and Father Dan Mayall, retired and former rector of Holy Name Cathedral. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Assisting deacons or priests help the new deacons put on first a deacon’s stole and then a vestment called the dalmatic. They are joined by their wives if they are married. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon Eduardo Vazquez gets a hug from his wife Aurora Rosas Vega following the vesting. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich presents the Gospel to newly ordained Deacon Alberto Lagunas. Each newly ordained deacon kneels before the bishop who places the Book of the Gospels in his hands saying, “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Deacons serving in the Archdiocese of Chicago line up to give the “Kiss of Peace” to the newly-ordained deacons. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Family and friends attend the ordination Mass. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Deacons serving in the Archdiocese of Chicago line up to give the “Kiss of Peace” to the new deacons. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Chicago Auxiliary bishops join Cardinal Cupich for the Eucharistic Prayer. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon Bob Puhala, sirector of the Institute for Diaconal Studies at University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, distributes the Blood of Christ to the new deacons. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Newly ordained transitional Deacon Juan Carlos Vargas Carrillo distributes Communion during Mass. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
The new deacons process out of the cathedral. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
Newly ordained Deacon Leonardo Victor gives first blessings to family and friends following the liturgy. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Newly ordained transitional Deacon Martin Konrad Nyberg talks to family and friends following Mass. He will do summer Spanish studies in Antigua, Guatemala followed by diaconate assignment at St. Paul of the Cross, Park Ridge. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Newly ordained Deacon Enrique Garcia gives a blessing after Mass. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)
A deacon heads out the front door of the cathedral following his special day. (Deacon Randy Belice/Chicago Catholic)

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