Two Oklahomans among 40 seminarians ordained deacons in Rome

ROME – On Sept. 27, 40 seminarians from the Pontifical North American College were ordained to the transitional diaconate during a celebration of the Eucharist. Among the newly ordained deacons were Jerome Krug and Will Banowsky.
 
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was the ordaining prelate at the ordination Mass, celebrated at the Altar of the Chair of Saint Peter, in the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, in the Vatican.
 
In his homily, Cardinal DiNardo spoke to those being ordained about living a life of service. He cited Scripture in reminding them that they will need to follow Christ’s example as “Christ came to serve, not to be served.”
 
Cardinal DiNardo noted that their new ministry would include preaching, serving at the altar of the Lord, and celebrating baptisms and marriages, all of which would be “strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit.” A special emphasis was placed on preaching the Gospel of the Lord because they are “disciples in mission” as “those who bring the Good News.”
 
Additionally, Cardinal DiNardo stressed gratitude for “the many people who helped get them here: family, friends and formators.” He concluded by saying that “the only way they can do it” is with prayer. He asked: “sisters and brothers, will you pray for these young men?”
 
During the ordination, the new deacons promised to live a life of prayer, celibacy and obedience to their diocesan bishop. The new deacons will have an additional year of theological studies and spiritual formation before being ordained to the priesthood in their home dioceses.
 
The Pontifical North American College serves as the American seminary in Rome. Founded in 1859 by Blessed Pope Pius IX, the college has formed more than 5,000 priests near the heart of the Church for service in dioceses around the United States, Canada and Australia.
 
God willing, Krug and Banowsky will be ordained to the priesthood in June along with fellow deacons Zachary Boazman, John Herrera and Alex Kroll.