Diocesan seminarians ordained deacons

Russell Ruggiero and Paul D’Angelo are now one step closer to priesthood.

FLORIDA CATHOLIC STAFF REPORT

Posted: 05.13.09

Courtesy Photo
Seminarian Paul D’Angelo kneels before Bishop Felipe J. Estevez, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Miami, during his ordination as transitional deacon at a Mass April 25 at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.

Courtesy Photo
Seminarian Russell Ruggiero kneels before Bishop Felipe J. Estevez, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Miami, during his ordination as transitional deacon at a Mass April 25 at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.

BOYNTON BEACH | Russell Ruggiero and Paul D’Angelo took a huge step toward priesthood when they were ordained as transitional deacons April 25 at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary.

Deacon Ruggiero and Deacon D’Angelo are the first seminarians from the Diocese of Venice to be ordained as transitional deacons in three years.

Bishop Felipe J. Estevez, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Miami, celebrated the Mass of Diaconate Ordination for eight seminarians who have been studying for the priesthood. The ordination of transitional deacons is a time when men are consecrated to be sacred ministers for the worship of God and for the sanctification of all people. The imposition of the bishop’s hands confers on a man grace and spiritual power.

The ceremony consists of several parts including: calling of the candidates, election by bishop, consent of the people, commitment to celibacy, examination of candidates, promise of obedience, Litany of Saints, laying on of hands, prayer of consecration, investure with stole and dalmatic, presentation of the Book of Gospels and the sign of peace.

Bishop Estevez emphasized during his homily the gift of celibacy and selflessness the men commit to in the service of the Lord. He added that the men are courageous in their selflessness.

The bishop said he is often asked why men are ordained as transitional deacons before becoming priests. Bishop Estevez said it is necessary to spend some time contemplating in the great charism of service.

Deacon Ruggiero was selected from among the men to serve as an assistant to Bishop Estevez during the Mass by helping prepare the altar.

Deacons are ordained to a ministry of service. They assist the bishop and priests by baptizing, proclaiming God’s word to the faithful, preaching, distributing Communion, celebrating eucharistic Benediction, acting as official witnesses for couples in the sacrament of matrimony, presiding over burial services and performing works of service.

During the ordination, Bishop Estevez placed his hands on the head of each one to ordained, praying that the Holy Spirit will consecrate him and give him the gifts proper to his ministry.

Transitional deacons share in Christ’s mission and grace in a special way. The ordination marks them with an imprint that cannot be removed and that configures them to Christ, who made himself the “deacon” or servant of all.

In the earliest days and years of the Church deacons brought the charity of Christ to the poor and the widowed. Many of the martyrs of the early Church were deacons, including St. Stephen and St. Lawrence.

In Catholic theology, “charity is a supernatural virtue that is infused by the grace of God,” according to Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia. Charity flows from the nature of God, and it aims at the unrestricted love of both God and neighbor.

Ordination to transitional deacon is one the final steps in an arduous process before a man’s ordination to the priesthood.

Diocese of Venice vocation director Father Gregg Caggianelli and Father John Ludden, vicar for priests and pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, attended the Mass.

Deacon Ruggiero will continue his studies at the seminary. Deacon D’Angelo graduates from the seminary May 6 and will return to serve in the Diocese of Venice. Two other seminarians, Bernard Chojnacki and Cory Mayer, are to be ordained as transitional deacons May 8 at Epiphany Cathedral.

ABOUT THE SEMINARIANS

Deacon Russell E. Ruggiero was born in Flushing, N.Y. His is the son of Fred and Isabel Ruggiero. Deacon Ruggiero has two brothers and two sisters, and his home parish is Sacred Heart in Bradenton. He has an undergraduate degree in religious studies from the University of Detroit. Prior to entering the seminary, Deacon Ruggiero was a theology teacher for adults and high school students, an office manager, and he worked in retailing and banking. He enjoys art, reading and writing in his leisure time.

Deacon Paul D’Angelo was born in Brighton, Mass. His parents are Samuel and the late Claire D’Angelo. He has one brother and one sister. An alumnus of Providence College, Deacon D’Angelo received his Master of Education degree at the University of Arizona. He enjoys college basketball, reading and art. Prior to entering the seminary, he was a high school social studies teacher and teacher trainer for the Bureau of Education and Research.

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