The Deacon's Bench
The Diocese of Syracuse was made all the richer May 10, when Bishop Robert J. Cunningham ordained nine new permanent deacons at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Cathedral was filled to overflowing with people who had come to support them — wives, family, friends and clergy.
“It was glorious, and almost overwhelming,” commented newly ordained Deacon John Bowden, of the ordination Mass.
Deacon Bowden will serve at Our Lady of Peace Church in Syracuse and St. Cecilia’s in Solvay. He said the people in his parish of Our Lady of Peace had been a great source of inspiration and his wife Cheryl a “terrific support” to him. “They are as proud to have a deacon at Our Lady of Peace as I am proud and excited to be their deacon,” he added.
Father Louis Aiello, diocesan diaconate formation director, said he believes the diocese will benefit greatly from the addition of the new deacons to the clergy. “Our diocese is blessed with exceptional laymen that have stepped forward to serve the people,” stated Father Aiello.
Meantime, check out the excellent video below, with highlights of the ceremony (which, among other things, includes the first time I’ve heard the inclusion of the two newly canonized popes in the Litany of the Saints).
Congratulations! Ad multos annos!
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