Diocesan News

Announcement of Death – Reverend Emilio J. Salerno

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Emilio J. Salerno, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Salerno was born on December 27, 1933 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 30, 1959 and died Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Father Salerno served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Francis of Assisi (Astoria), and Saint Frances Cabrini (Brooklyn). He also served as Administrator of the Parish of Saint John the Evangelist (Brooklyn), and Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Mary Queen of Heaven (Brooklyn), Saint Francis of Paola (Brooklyn), and Saint Blaise (Brooklyn).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Immaculate Conception Center

Sunday, May 21, 2023

3:00 PM – 6:30 PM

7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362

Tel: (718) 229-8001

VIGIL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center

7:00 PM

7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362

FUNERAL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center

Monday, May 22, 2023

11:00 AM

7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362

BURIAL: Mount Saint Mary Cemetery

Flushing, New York

Father Salerno was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his sister, Mrs. Norma Guidice, 6 Saint James Place, Hempstead, New York 11550.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor

Announcement of Death for Reverend Monsignor George T. Deas

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor George T. Deas, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Deas was born on December 16, 1925, was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1951, and died Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

Monsignor Deas served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament (Bayside) and parochial vicar of Saint Francis of Assisi (Brooklyn). He served as Episcopal Vicar and a member of the Diocesan Priests’ Senate, Diocesan Presbyteral Council, Assignment Board, Ministerial Development Committee and Priests Personnel Board. Monsignor Deas received the honor of Prelate of His Holiness in 1976.

The arrangements are as follows:

Thursday, May 18, 2023

WAKE: Immaculate Conception Center

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362

Tel: (718) 229-8001

VIGIL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center

7:00 PM

7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362

Friday, May 19, 2023

FUNERAL: Immaculate Conception Center

11:00 AM

7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery

Middle Village, New York

Monsignor Deas was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to Reverend William Rueger, PO Box 472, East Hampton, New York 11937.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Meet the Ordinandi Class of 2023

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ORDINATION: SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023

CO-CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOSEPH

11:00 AM

Mr. Edwin ArgueraDeacon Edwin Arguera – 64, Holy Name of Jesus in Brooklyn. He was born in El Salvador. He is a Financial Counselor for Patients. He is involved in his parish as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, Hospitality, and Choir Ministry, also serving as Acolyte in the Spanish Mass. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on March 28, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
Mr. Heriberto Antonio CabreraDeacon Heriberto Antonio Cabrera – 65, St. Bernard Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in the Dominican Republic; he has been married to Ramona for 39 years and they have 4 daughters and 3 grandchildren. He is a lawyer. He is involved in his parish’s Spanish Ministry, he is a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and is also involved in the Mission to Dominican Republic. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.
Mr. Alberto Jesus CorderoDeacon Alberto Jesus Cordero – 41, Blessed Sacrament – St. Sylvester Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico; he has been married to Cheimaggie for 21 years and they have 3 children. He is a financial advisor. He is involved in his parish as a Catechist, Eucharistic Minister, Food Pantry, Grupo de Parejas, Hermandad de Emaus, Knights of Columbus, Lector, Movimiento Juan XXII, and RCIA. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 7:15 p.m.
Mr. Marial Alfonso CordonDeacon Marcial Alfonso Cordon – 50, Saint Sebastian Parish in Queens. He was born in Guatemala; he has been married to Vivian for 25 years and they have 4 children. He is a software engineer, consultant, and social business entrepreneur. He is involved in his parish as the Spanish Lector Coordinator, Eucharistic Extraordinary Minister Coordinator, Baptism Catechesis, Hispanic Pastoral, and Marriage Hispanic Pastoral. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 12:00 p.m.
Mr. Robert CruzDeacon Roberto Cruz – 49, St. Sebastian Parish in Queens. He was born in the Bronx, NY; he has been married to Romelyn for 13 years and they have 3 children. He is a Collections Specialist. He is involved in his parish’s Hospitality Ministry, Baptismal Instructor Ministry, Stewardship Committee, Outreach to the Homeless, is a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Timothy Gladson CheriaparampilDeacon Timothy Gladson (Cheriaparampil) – 58, Our Lady of the Snows Parish in Queens. He was born in India; he has been married to Bindu for 27 years and they have 2 children. He is a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Indian Apostolate, Finance Committee, Pre-Baptism Classes, he is the Vice Chair of Our Lady of Snows School Board, he is also a Religious Ed. Teacher (substitute). A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 12:30 p.m.
Mr. Thomas GleasonDeacon Thomas Gleason – 55, St. Columba Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Amy for 27 years and they have 3 children. He is a retired NYC Correction Officer and is an active Plant Manager at St. Columba Parish. He is the president of the St. Columba Holy Name Society, lector, Sacristan, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and altar server coordinator. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.
Mr. John Leo Heyer IIDeacon John Leo Heyer II – 40, Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary & St. Stephen Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in New York; he has been married to Maria for 14 years and they have 3 children. He is a Funeral Director, Director of Parish Based Stewardship for CFBQ and the Pastoral Associate of Sacred Hearts – St. Stephen Parish. He is involved in Parish-Based Stewardship & Italian Ministry. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 12:00 p.m.
Mr. John Michael LonieDeacon John Michael Lonie – 59, Good Shepherd Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Lynne for 36 years and they have 3 children. He is a Professor of Pharmacy. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Acolyte, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and Homebound Communion visits. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 12:00 p.m.
Mr. Daniel D. MaherDeacon Daniel D. Maher – 55, Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians Parish in Woodside. He was born in Queens, NY; he has been married to Anne Marie for 24 years and they have 2 children. He is an Assistant Professor of Military Science. He is involved in his parish as a Lector. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
Mr. Jose Ismael Munoz del CidDeacon Jose Ismael Muñoz del Cid – 55, Divine Mercy Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Guatemala; he was married to Marisa for 29 years and she passed away in February 2020. They have 4 children and 1 grandchild. He is self-employed. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, and he is the Head of the Ushers, Acolyte. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday May 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish (St. Nicholas).
Mr. Rigoberto PabonDeacon Rigoberto Pabon – 62, Ss. Peter and Paul and Epiphany Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Puerto Rico; he has been married to Vivian for 41 years and they have 2 children. He is a Security Systems Installer. He is involved in his parish as a Lector and Acolyte. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
Mr Yoon Richard ParkDeacon Yoon (Richard) Pak – 57, Holy Spirit Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in South Korea; he has been married to Sarah for 28 years and they have 2 sons. He is a Finance Manager. He is involved in his parish as an Acolyte, Lector, and Catechist for High School Students. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Michael PearceDeacon Michael Pearce – 65, St. Camillus – St. Virgilius Parish in Rockaway Park. He was born in New York; he has been married to Elizabeth for 21 years. He is retired. He is involved in his parish’s Legion of Mary, Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, he is also a Lector and Extraordinary Minister. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28 at 11:30 a.m.
Mr. Eric Michael PetersonDeacon Eric Michael Peterson – 46, Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Royal Oak, Michigan. He is a park manager. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Religious Education/Catechesis, he also has been a member of the Parish Council and Liturgy Committee. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Dimitri SantanaDeacon Dimitri Santana – 57, St. Michael’s Parish in Flushing. He was born in Puerto Rico. He is a Software Engineer. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Eucharist Minister, Acolyte, Feeding the Hungry & the Homeless by assisting with the packing and distribution of food. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.
Mr. Edgar Saucedo GutierrezDeacon Edgar Saucedo Gutierrez – 42, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Mexico; he has been married to Olivia for 12 years and they have 1 child. He is a custodian; he also works as a chef and is in the process of completing his Licenciatura en Teología online program from the Universidad de Mexico. He is involved in his parish’s Catechism Class. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 11:15 a.m.
Mr. Alonzo TorresDeacon Alonzo Torres – 47, St. Agatha Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Consepción for 23 years and they have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. He is an IT Professional. He is involved in his parish as a Catechist, and Sacramental Coordinator. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Mr. George Louis VelezDeacon George Louis Velez – 46, Ss. Peter and Paul and Epiphany Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Amarilys for 25 years and they have 5 children. He is a Coordinating Manager. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Acolyte and Catechist. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

Want to know more about the role of a deacon? Find out here.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DEATH OF MONSIGNOR MARTIN T. GERAGHTY

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor Martin T. Geraghty, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Geraghty was born on March 6, 1940 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on December 16, 1964 and died Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Monsignor Geraghty served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Robert Bellarmine (Bayside), and Saint Francis de Sales (Belle Harbor). He also served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Saint Joan of Arc (Jackson Heights), and Saint Elizabeth (Ozone Park). Monsignor Geraghty was also a faculty member at Cathedral College. On September 11, 1989, Monsignor Geraghty was named Prelate of Honor to His Holiness.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:        

Saint Francis de Sales R.C Church 129-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard Belle Harbor, New York 11694

Tel: (718) 634-6464

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Thursday, April 13, 2023

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

VIGIL MASS:    

Saint Francis de Sales R.C Church

129-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard Belle Harbor, New York 11694

Tel: (718) 634-6464

Thursday, April 13, 2023

7:30 PM

FUNERAL MASS:  

Saint Francis de Sales R.C Church

129-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard Belle Harbor, New York 11694

Tel: (718) 634-6464

Friday, April 14, 2023

11:00 AM

BURIAL:      

Saint Peter’s Cemetery

Staten Island, New York

Monsignor Geraghty was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his sister, Mrs. Alice Graham, 403 Oakland Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10310.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor

BISHOP BRENNAN GIVES DISPENSATION FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2023

BISHOP BRENNAN GIVES DISPENSATION FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn has issued a dispensation from the Lenten obligation to abstain from eating meat for this Friday, March 17, 2023, which is St. Patrick’s Day.  In granting the dispensation, Bishop Brennan acknowledges the day honors St. Patrick, who brought Catholicism to Ireland and celebrates the many Irish immigrants who brought the faith to the Diocese in Brooklyn and Queens.

“I am pleased to grant this dispensation for this Friday of Lent only, so that celebrations of St. Patrick can be fully enjoyed by the faithful of the Diocese, or those who find themselves in Brooklyn and Queens commemorating the day. During this Holy season of Lent, I ask those who do utilize this dispensation to perform a work of charity as an alternative,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

Lent is the 40-day season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes at sundown on Holy Thursday. Catholics abstain from eating meat on all Fridays during the Lenten Season, as well as on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

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Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor John W. Maloney

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor John W. Maloney, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Maloney was born on June 4, 1949, in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on April 19, 1975, and died Thursday, February 2, 2023.

Monsignor Maloney served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Anselm (Brooklyn), Our Lady of Light (Saint Albans), and Saint Mary Magdalene (Springfield Gardens). He also served as Episcopal Vicar for Queens South, and Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Saint Pascal Baylon (Saint Albans). He was also in residence at the Parish of Our Lady of Angels (Brooklyn). On March 1, 2007, Monsignor Maloney was named Prelate of Honor to His Holiness. The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Saint Anselm R.C Church, 356 82nd Street, Brooklyn, New York 11209
Tel: (718) 238-2900
Monday, February 6, 2023
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

VIGIL MASS: 
Saint Anselm R.C Church, 356 82nd Street, Brooklyn, New York 11209
Tel: (718) 238-2900
Monday, February 6, 2023
7:00 PM

FUNERAL MASS:
Saint Anselm R.C Church, 356 82nd Street, Brooklyn, New York 11209
Tel: (718) 238-2900
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
11:00 AM

BURIAL:
Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Monsignor Maloney was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society. 

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord. 

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his brother, Mr. Robert Maloney, 7825 4th Avenue, Apartment B10, Brooklyn, New York 11209. 

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.
Chancellor 

Announcement of Death – Reverend Frank Amato, S.A.C.

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Frank Amato, S.A.C., a retired priest of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers) of the Immaculate Conception Province, who served in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Amato was born on September 26, 1941, was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1996, and died on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

Father Amato served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii (Brooklyn).

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:           Saint Finbar R.C. Church 138 Bay 20th Street Brooklyn, New York 11214 Tel: (718) 236-3312
                          Friday, February 3, 2023
                           1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

FUNERAL:         Saint Finbar R.C. Church 138 Bay 20th Street Brooklyn, New York 11214 Tel: (718) 236-3312
                               Saturday, February 4, 2023
                                 11:30 AM

BURIAL:          Green-Wood Cemetery
                              Brooklyn, New York

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord. 

If you wish to send condolences, please mail them to Reverend Peter Sticco, S.A.C., Our Lady of Grace R.C. Church, 395 Delano Place, Fairview, New Jersey 07022. 

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L. 

Chancellor 

Announcement of Death – Reverend Coleman J. Costello

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Coleman J. Costello, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Costello, was born on September 28, 1941, was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1967, and died Saturday, January 21, 2023. 

Father Costello served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of Saint Saviour (Brooklyn), Saint Francis de Sales (Belle Harbor), Saint Anthony of Padua (Brooklyn), Saint Vincent de Paul (Brooklyn), and Saint Andrew Avellino (Brooklyn). He also served as part-time chaplain of Holy Cross High School (Flushing). 

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:        Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, NY 11362
Tel: (718) 229-8001
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 – 9:00 AM -10:00 AM

FUNERAL:  Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, NY 11362
Tel: (718) 229-8001
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 – 10:30 AM

BURIAL:    Saint John Cemetery – Middle Village, New York

Father Costello was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord. 

If you wish to send condolences, please mail them to Reverend Monsignor Joseph J. Bracken, 

129-16 Rockway Beach Boulevard, Belle Harbor, New York 11694. 

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L. 

Chancellor 

Memorial Mass for Deacon Joseph C. Denzler

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On Monday, December 12, 2022, our office sent out a notice regarding the  death of Deacon Joseph C. Denzler, a retired deacon of the Diocese of  Brooklyn who served at the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes (Queens  Village). Deacon Denzler died Wednesday, December 7, 2022 in Texas. 

Our office has recently been informed of the following: 

A MEMORIAL MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED: 

Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church 
92-80 220th Street 
Queens Village, NY 11428 
Tel: (718) 479-5111 

Saturday, January 28, 2023 
10:45 AM 

All priests who plan to concelebrate, kindly notify the parish. 

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L. 
Chancellor

BISHOP BRENNAN ORDAINS A NEW DEACON WITH SPECIAL DEVOTION TO THE DEAF COMMUNITY

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The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, ordained Mr. Samuel M. Mwiwawi to the transitional diaconate this past Saturday, January 7, 2023, at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church serving the Bergen Beach/Mill Basin area of Brooklyn.

Deacon Samuel M. Mwiwawi studied in Kenya and Uganda, attending St. Mary’s Junior Seminary and Kawanda Secondary.  He studied Philosophy and Theology at Christ the King Major Seminary in Kenya and later joined the Dominican Missionary Formation. Samuel then attended the Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, for one year, and began his service to the Diocese of Brooklyn in October 2018.

“Deacon Samuel’s love for sign language and the deaf community helps to foster a spirit of worship, that access to God who loves us so much. You proclaim the Good News, you lift the burdens, and you set people free. In the parish ministries, the school and religious education, in service to the elderly and to the deaf, it is Christ who you bring, not just social action,” said Bishop Brennan in his remarks addressing Samuel.

Monsignor Joseph Grimaldi vested Deacon Samuel for the first time during the Mass of Ordination, attended by hundreds of people. A reception followed in the school gym.

Upon ordination, permanent deacons may preach and administer the sacraments of baptism and marriage. Transitional deacons are granted these same faculties but continue their studies in anticipation of ordination to the priesthood. Deacon Samuel will be ordained a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn in June.

The photos attached are courtesy of DeSales Media.

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Bishop Brennan presented the Holy Bible to Samuel M. Mwiwawi upon his ordination to the transitional diaconate.
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Monsignor Joseph Grimaldi, Bishop Robert Brennan and Deacon Samuel with members of the faculty of Pope John Paul XXIII outside the St. Bernard of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church.
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Bishop Robert Brennan and Deacon Samuel Mwiwawi following the ordination.