Thirteen men were ordained to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, Nov. 3, in the main chapel at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie. Five men from the Brooklyn Diocese, five men from the Rockville Centre Diocese, and three men from New York Archdiocese were ordained.

The celebrant was the Bishop John O. Barres of Rockville Centre. Clockwise from top right, Bishop Barres shares a laugh with Sangbin Alex Lee as he congratulates him. Johnpaul Obiaeri poses to take pictures with friends. Michael Falce receives the laying of the hands from Bishop Barres. Edwin Ortiz lays his hands on the Gospel.

The five men from the Brooklyn Diocese are Sangbin Alex Lee, Edwin Ortiz, Johnpaul Obiaeri, Bishop Barres, Michael Falce and Myangsik Andrew Yang.

Powerful Formation

“Today is so exciting, these 13 men are from all over the world … It is a culmination and a beginning of some very powerful formation and real commitment to holiness and commitment to a missionary spirit and a beautiful embrace of the cross, the willingness to be configured to the cross of Jesus Christ. It is a powerful day as they are ordained to the diaconate and to begin their mission of service to the church,” Bishop Barres said.

Johnpaul Obiaeri could not put his happiness into words, “I don’t know how to explain how happy I am. I am happy for myself and fellow classmates but also for my family and all the people who have supported and helped me to this moment. This has never been an easy journey as it started so many years ago as a child. Yet it was a journey I would do again as it was filled with joy as well and it has led me to this day, so I am so happy. I still have many steps to take to the priesthood, so I am happy and excited but know there is a lot of work to come.”

After the Mass, all the men were given assignment letters and were ready to begin their next steps to joining the priesthood.