Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV ordained Br. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV a transitional deacon on Saturday at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Bourbonnais, Illinois.
Deacon Br. John Alexander received the gifts, prepared the altar, and assisted with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Br. John Alexander, a native of Colombia, professed first vows in 2019 and perpetual vows in 2022. He began theological studies in Colombia and then came to the United States to study English at Dominican University and theology at Catholic Theological Union. Now, Br. John Alexander will serve as a transitional deacon on the pastoral staff at Maternity BVM for the upcoming year as he continues to prepare for priesthood.
Bishop Glancy is one of many Viatorians who served as a transitional deacon during our 160-year history at Maternity, and he highlighted the ministry of service that Br. John Alexander has been ordained to do. “When I was a first-year priest here, we had two permanent deacons, and their strong suit was reaching out to people in need. I urge you: don’t be only a liturgical deacon; reach out and help the poor as well,” Bishop Glancy told Br. John Alexander in his homily. “Find ways to get your hands dirty as a servant of God. That will inspire your work as a servant of the Word. When we get out and be with folks, we put into practice what Jesus is teaching us in the Gospel.”
Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial – who also served his transitional diaconate at Maternity BVM – presented Br. John Alexander to Bishop Glancy for ordination. Br. Marc Innocent Prophète, CSV assisted the priests as acolyte. Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, pastor and Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, parochial vicar concelebrated the Mass and vested Br. John Alexander as deacon. Additionally, Fr. Edgar Suárez, CSV, Provincial Councilor, Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV, Provincial Councilor, Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, Fr. John Peeters, CSV, Fr. Tom Long, CSV, and former Superior General Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV all concelebrated.
Viatorians came together to serve the holy altar on this joyful occasion.
Maternity BVM parishioners, including Associate Mickey Prault, turned out to support their new deacon, and Viatorians joined them in the congregation, too: Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV, Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, Associate Mary Finks, Associate Ann Perez, and Associates Donna and Tim Schwarz. Several of our friends, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Guadalupe, also came to support him. The congregation witnessed Br. John receive the gifts, set the altar, assist at the altar, and offer the dismissal for the first time.
Bishop Glancy invited Br. John Alexander to remain rooted in these communities, from where he discerned this call. “I hear you’re already asking for help – Fr. Jason and Fr. Moses are your brothers, and they’ll be here to help,” Bishop Glancy said. “In this vocation that you’ve discerned in the Church and in the Viatorian Community, you’ll serve the Word of God and serve the people of God. And we pray with you, that you’ll hear Jesus say to you – just as Jesus said to Peter – ‘don’t be afraid, I am with you.’ The Lord will lead you in this ministry of service.”
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