Two ordained deacons at Saint Meinrad
Monday, August 17, 2020
Two seminarians received the order of deacon from the Most Rev. Charles Thompson, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, IN, at the Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church in St. Meinrad, IN, on August 15.
The newly ordained deacons are Br. Simon Herrmann, OSB, of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, and Callixte Senani of the Diocese of Gikongoro in Rwanda. They are students at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.
Others in their class will be or have been ordained deacons in their respective dioceses.
In the Catholic faith, a deacon can preach, baptize, witness marriages, offer Communion to the sick and aged, and perform other ministerial duties. The newly ordained deacons are transitional deacons, meaning they are preparing for ordination to the priesthood.
Many Catholic dioceses also have permanent deacons, who carry out the same role, but are not studying for the priesthood.
Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology offers initial and ongoing formation for priests, permanent deacons and lay ministers. The school is operated by the Benedictine monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey.
Photo: From left are Deacons Callixte Senani and Br. Simon Herrmann, OSB.