From left to right: Jeffery Jordan, Bishop Robert Hennessey and Ross Chamberland.
SOUTH BOSTON, Mass. — Two friars were ordained as transitional deacons last month in the first ordination to take place at St. Augustine Chapel, the oldest Catholic church in New England.
Ross Chamberland, OFM, and Jeffery Jordan, OFM, were ordained during an Aug. 28 Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Hennessey of Boston. The two friars were solemnly professed on Aug. 23, along with classmate Michael Reyes, OFM, who is studying theology at The Catholic University of America in Washington.
Ross was vested by Gene Pistacchio, OFM, and Jeffery was vested by Christopher Coccia, OFM, both of St. Anthony Shrine, Boston. Tony LoGalbo, OFM, director of post-novitiate formation, represented Provincial Minister Kevin Mullen, OFM, at the Mass.
Becoming a deacon is the final step in what is normally a seven-year formation process for ordination to the priesthood. Ross and Jeffery will assist priests during Mass, and have the ability to perform marriage and baptismal ceremonies, among other responsibilities.
The two friars expect to be ordained to the priesthood in January 2015 at St. Anthony Shrine on Arch Street. Ross serves as an administrator and a professor at St. Bonaventure University in Western New York. Jeffery is studying in Rome at the Pontificial Biblical Institute, where he is pursuing the S.S.L. in Sacred Scripture.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.