A Day of Double Celebration: Ordination of Dominican Friars to the Diaconate and Priesthood

On the auspicious day of June 29, 2024, the solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Our Lady of the Rosary Province of the Order of Preachers rejoiced in a dual celebration at our Priory in Rome, Italy. In a ceremony steeped in tradition and spiritual joy, two Chinese Dominican friars were ordained to the Diaconate, while another two were ordained to the Priesthood 

The sacred ordination was presided over by Most Reverent S.E. Aurelio Garcia Macias, who, in a stirring homily, drew parallels between the lives of the apostles St. Peter and St. Paul and the calling of these four men to serve the Church. The bishop commended the deacons on their commitment to a life of service and the priests on their dedication to the sacramental ministry and the proclamation of the Gospel.

The liturgy was a beautiful tapestry of Dominican and Chinese cultural elements, symbolizing the rich diversity of the universal Church and the unique contributions of the Chinese faithful. The rite of ordination was deeply touching, with each friar receiving the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, marking their entrance into their respective Orders.

The Ordination Mass was attended by fellow Dominicans, friends, and members of the faithful, who witnessed the transformative moment when these men were configured to Christ in their new roles. The families of the ordinands, who could not be present in person, joined the celebration through a live broadcast, their hearts swelling with pride and gratitude.

Following the Mass, the community gathered for a joyful reception, where the newly ordained deacons and priests received the warm congratulations and heartfelt prayers of those present. The newly ordained priests offered their first blessings, a moment of grace and a foretaste of their lifelong service to the Church.

We invite you to share in our happiness and to extend your prayers for these new deacons and priests. May they be filled with the zeal of St. Dominic, the fortitude of St. Peter, and the missionary spirit of St. Paul as they go forth to preach the Word and serve God's people.

Celebrate with us this momentous occasion and give thanks for the blessings of new ministers in the vineyard of the Lord.