The Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of Raphoe, has ordained two seminarians to the diaconate.
Reverend Anthony Briody, from Glenties in the Diocese of Raphoe, and Reverend Declan McGeehan, from the Diocese of Derry were ordained by the Bishop yesterday in the Basilica of Saint Prassede, Rome.
The two new deacons are resident in the Pontifical Irish College in Rome, from where they are perusing their studies for the priesthood.
The two ordinandi from left to right: Anthony Briody, Diocese of Raphoe, Declan McGeehan, Diocese of Derry. Picture by John Briody.
Monsignor Ciarán O’Carroll, Rector of the Pontifical Irish College said: “It is with great joy that we celebrate the ordination to the diaconate 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.”
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.
Featured image caption: The new deacons with the ordaining Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop Philip Boyce OCD, members of the formation staff of the Pontifical Irish College, Anthony’s brother, Father Joseph Briody, and the acolytes who served the Mass of ordination. Picture by John Briody.
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