Banner photo, from left: Vinny Marchionni, SJ; Ricardo Ávila Natividad, SJ; Jonathan Harmon, SJ; Andrew Laguna, SJ; Matt Spotts, SJ; Francis Hoang-Long Nguyen, SJ; Fr. Alex Anthony C. Llanera, SJ at the at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California.
By Mike Jordan Laskey
June 5, 2019 —The Society of Jesus is proud to announce the ordination of 22 new priests in Canada, the United States and Haiti. We invite you to meet each ordinand by clicking on their photos in the column to the right.
It’s safe to assume every Jesuit has been asked to tell his vocation story at least once — and probably far more times than that.
But how about boiling that story of a lifetime down to six words? This was one of the questions the 22 Jesuits ordained to the priesthood were asked to ponder leading up to these celebrations.
Ordinands at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
“Speak Lord, your servant is listening,” offered Francis Hoang-Long Nguyen, SJ, quoting the biblical prophet Samuel’s response to God in Hebrew Scripture.
“God planted. He also gives growth,” wrote Richard Nichols, SJ.
And Travis D. Russell, SJ: “More surprises than certainty. All grace.”
Grace certainly abounds in the lives and vocations of these 22 men from Canada, the United States and Haiti who have said yes to their Catholic faith, yes to the Society of Jesus and yes to the call to ordained priesthood. Their witness is a sign of joyful hope. Their witness is an invitation to all of us to put our faith into action in service to God and our sisters and brothers everywhere.
From left: Fr. Adam Hincks, SJ; Archbishop of Ottawa Terrence Prendergast, SJ; Fr. Ted Penton, SJ; and Fr. Erik Oland, SJ, provincial of the Canada Province at the ordination ceremony at St. Paul’s Basilica in Toronto, Canada (Photo by Anna Sudyk for fotoreflection.com)
Video highlights from the ordinations ceremony in Toronto, Canada:
The formation process (i.e., training) that leads up to Jesuit priestly ordination is a long one, typically lasting 10-12 years and including intensive stages of study, ministry, accompaniment of those on the margins of society, prayer and more — all while living in Jesuit community. This brochure is just a snapshot into the lives of these men throughout their life in the Society of Jesus, capturing some highlights from their journeys and providing a glimpse of their unique personalities. As you learn about them, please keep them in your hearts and in your prayers:
From left: Fr. Robert Hussey, SJ, provincial of the Maryland Province; Fr. Adam Rosinski, SJ; Fr. Christopher Grodecki, SJ; Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Newark; Fr. Ricardo Ávila Natividad, SJ; Fr. Richard Nichols, SJ; Fr. Vinny Marchionni, SJ; and Fr. John Cecero, SJ, provincial of the USA Northeast Province.
Like his Savior and brother, Jesus Christ,
St. Ignatius of Loyola gathered companions
for his ministry of faith, hope and love.
We are thankful that so many thousands of others
have answered the call to the Society of Jesus through the ages.
Bless these 22 men who will continue to serve
the Society, the Church and the world as ordained priests.
Never cease to enkindle their love for you and your people.
And strengthen all of us to serve with them as fellow disciples.
We pray this through Christ, Our Lord,
AMEN.
From left: Fr. Francis Nguyen, SJ; Fr. Andrew Laguna, SJ; Fr. Travis Russell, SJ; Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland, Oregon; Fr. Stefanus Hendrianto, SJ; and Fr. Robert Van Alstyne, SJ.
Video highlights from the USA West Province ordinations:
From left: Fr. Mike Harter, SJ, Provincial Assistant for Formation of the USA Central and Southern Province; Fr. Peter Gadalla, SJ, Fr. Matthew Baugh, SJ; Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans; Fr. Jonathan Harmon, SJ; Fr. Stephen Kramer, SJ; and Fr. Ronald Mercier, SJ, provincial of the USA Central and Southern Province.
From left: Fr. Tim Lannon, SJ, Provincial Assistant for Formation of the Midwest Jesuits; Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, provincial of the Midwest Jesuits; Fr. Bryan Norton, SJ; Fr. James Sand, SJ; Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ; Fr. Greg Ostdiek, SJ; and Bishop Robert D. Gruss of Rapid City, South Dakota.
Fr. Johnny Masséba, SJ, was ordained by Bishop Joseph Gontrand Décoste, SJ, of Haiti in Port-au-Prince on August 3.
Do you want to learn more about vocations to the Society of Jesus?
Visit beajesuit.org for more information.
Related stories:
Photos and more from the ordination ceremony in Canada in May
Learn about the five stages of Jesuit formation
“Understanding the Priestly Ordination Ceremony” by the Society of Jesus on YouTube