Feb. 14, 2011
NEWS RELEASE
Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap., D.D. will ordain three men to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate on Saturday, February 19. Two will be ordained as transitional deacons (later to be ordained as priests) and one as a permanent deacon. The Mass of Ordination will take place 10 a.m. at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatna. The two candidates for ordination as transitional deacons are Francesco Sebastiano Asproni (from Sardinia, Italy) and Edwin Bushu (from Boston, USA). The candidate for ordination as permanent deacon is John the Baptist Kim (from Seoul, South Korea).
Seminarians Francesco and Edwin are being formed at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Yona. John Kim has also received formation in the Seminary as well as in the Archdiocese of Agana’s formation program for permanent deacons. The three of them have completed the requirements for Diaconal Ordination, including a five-day retreat of solitude, fasting and prayer, which they completed last January 30th in a monastery in Lipa, Philippines.
The candidates have received formation in a wide range of areas, including: Sacred Scripture, Moral and Dogmatic Theology, Canon Law, Homiletics, Church history, Liturgy, Pastoral Ministry. The candidates are also committed to ongoing formation after ordination.
The word “deacon” means simply, “servant”, and describes this exceptional ministry of service in liturgy, word, and most especially in charity. Deacons exercise their ministry through different services, such as: the proclamation of the Gospel at Mass, preaching, officiating at weddings and Baptism, presiding at Communion services, wakes and funerals and certain other celebrations in the Catholic Church.
Once again our Archdiocese will bless Almighty God for the gift of men who willingly have offered their lives totally for service of God and mankind in love and joy.
A Na’ Taotao Tumano at the lanai of the Cathedral-Basilica, will follow the Mass. All are invited to attend.
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Info.: Fr. Julio César Sánchez Malagón
Vice-Rector Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary of Guam
130 Chalan Seminariu
Yoña, GUAM 96915
1 (671) 789-2400 (h); 1 (671) 988-4655 (c)