Ten New Priests (with slideshow)

With seven of the diocese’s newly ordained priests having been born outside the United States, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio told them that they “mirror our diocese.”

The new priests are Fathers Gesson Agenis, Yvon-Hector Aurelien, Victor Manuel Bolaños, Mark Charlton Mendelsohn Bristol, Ralph Edel, Lukasz Kubiak, Uririoghene Melchizedek John-Baptist Okrokoto, Ambiorix D’Jesus Osorio Torres, Jaroslaw Szeraszewicz, and Marcial Thomas.

Bishop DiMarzio ordained the 10 men on Saturday, June 4, in a two-and-a-half-hour ceremony at St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Prospect Heights. Following the Mass, he handed out the priests’ first parish assignments (Click here for a list of the assignments).

In attendance were nine bishops, more than 200 priests, and almost 800 of the laity. Joining Bishop DiMarzio and the auxiliary bishops were Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke from the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Nigeria; and Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. Coyle, auxiliary bishop for Military Services.

Bishop DiMarzio laid hands on the head of each ordinand as a symbol of the passing on of Holy Orders according to apostolic succession.

Bishop DiMarzio spoke in English, Spanish, Creole and Polish. He had some special words for the Spanish-speaking:

“We welcome you to the service not only to all of the faithful in the diocese, but most especially to serve in our more than 120 parishes where Mass is offered in the Spanish language. You will be the bridge for the American-born children of Spanish speakers to integration into the Church.”

Addressing the parents of all the new priests, he said, “I take this opportunity to thank you for supporting your sons in pursuing this lofty, yet difficult vocation.”

“Your sons still will need the support of your prayers and love, as they undertake the ministry of the priesthood.”