Michael Reyes, on right, with Br. Brian Stacy, OFM Cap., at their diaconate ordination. (Photo courtesy of Octavio Duran)
WASHINGTON — Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach. This was the message given by the celebrant at last week’s diaconate ordination.
On May 2, Michael Reyes, OFM, was ordained a transitional deacon at a Mass attended by friars, friends, and family members. The liturgy was celebrated at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on the campus of The Catholic University of America.
The Most Rev. Barry Knestout, auxiliary bishop of Washington, presided at the Saturday morning Mass, at which a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, Br. Brian Stacy, OFM Cap, was also ordained.
Michael was vested by Ross Chamberland, OFM, of St. Bonaventure University in Western New York, who was solemnly professed last summer with Michael. Other HNP friars who participated in the Mass included Lawrence Hayes, OFM, secretary for formation and studies, who concelebrated the Mass, Tony LoGalbo, OFM, director of post-novitiate formation, who served as a lector, and several student friars: Dennis Bennett, OFM, Casey Cole, OFM, Abraham Joseph, OFM, and Ramoncito Razon, OFM.
“It was wonderful to celebrate this occasion with family, friends and friars,” said Michael. “Being that it is the Year of Consecrated Life, this occasion serves as a great witness to answering God’s call.”
In the liturgy’s program, the two new deacons expressed their thanks with a message: “Our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all our families, friends, formators and mentors, Capuchin and OFM brothers, benefactors and all who have walked with us on our journey.” The art on the cover is a reproduction of an icon painted by Michael.
Before concluding the Mass, Bishop Knestout thanked “all who have been involved with the formation of the two deacons” and gave “a word of thanks to this beautiful choir” — the Muticultural Choir of St. Camillus Parish in nearby by Silver Spring, Md.
Michael, who last spring completed a yearlong internship in Wilmington, Del., is finishing his studies at Catholic University, where he is working toward a Master in Divinity degree. He expects to be ordained a priest early next year.
Michael will be serving his diaconate duties at St. Camillus Parish, adjacent to Holy Name College where he lives. This summer, he will also be continuing his apprenticeship with artist Robert Lentz, OFM.
Photos and a video taken by Octavio Duran, OFM, at the ordination can be found on the Facebook page of St. Anthony’s Guild.
— Jocelyn Thomas is director of communications for Holy Name Province.