By Eileen Connelly, OSU 

Brothers Raphael Ozoude, OFM, and Matthew Ryan, OFM, took the next step on their journey of faith Sept. 28 as they were ordained transitional deacons at St. Peter’s in the Loop Church in Chicago. A transitional deacon is a man on the path to priesthood, typically ordained a year before becoming a priest. Many friars joined the brothers for the joyful liturgy, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Mark Bartosic of Chicago.

Two men in vestments walk side by side down the center aisle of a Catholic church.

(Photo courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran)

As Brothers Matthew, left, and Raphael processed into church, both said their hearts were filled with gratitude for God’s call to Franciscan life and the many people whose prayers and support have been with them along the way.  

“It was a very moving ceremony, very intimate, and I’m grateful for all the prayers that got me there,” Br. Matthew said.  

“I thank the Lord for everything,” Br. Raphael added.  

During his homily, Bishop Bartosic said, “Matt and Raphael, you are men on a threshold. Not just on the cusp of leaving the lay state, you are being ordained to the diaconate that we call ‘transitional.’ In one sense, it is a passage to the priesthood; it’s something you have to do.  

“Remember this, my brothers: Though this Order of the Diaconate, which is confirmed upon you today be but transitional, the Lord comes to us at the margins. I pray that you’ll celebrate the 28th of September annually, joyfully, recalling this critical first step, this crucial step, which is at the same time not your first step, but merely your next step, a confident, but mysterious, step into the unknown."

A man in a friar habit and vestments kneels before another man in vestments and a cap who is laying hands on the kneeling man's head.

(Photo courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran)

For Br. Raphael, an especially meaningful part of the Mass was the laying on of hands, a tradition handed down by the Apostles so that through sacramental grace, the deacons may effectively fulfill their ministry.  

“That really made an impression on me,” he said. “We need the grace of God in this ministry, the assurance that the Lord will be present and active."

A seated man in priest vestments holds a book with another man in vestments. A bearded man in a friar habit sits next to him. Two more men in vestments stand behind the group.

(Photo courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran)

As part of the ceremony, each newly ordained deacon knelt before the bishop as Br. Matthew is doing here. The bishop placed the “Book of the Gospels” in the hands of the newly ordained, saying, “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach."

A man in a friar habit and vestments participates in Mass.

(Photo courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran)

Both friars had an active role in the liturgy. Br. Raphael assisted at the altar, announced the Sign of Peace, and invited those gathered to offer it to one another. Br. Matthew censed the bishop, priests and people of God, and announced the dismissal.

A man in a friar habit and priest vestments waves an incense burner at the front of a Catholic Church.

(Photo courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran)

After Mass, Brothers Raphael and Matthew posed for a photo with Bishop Bartosic. Br. Raphael will be remaining at St. Peter’s, while Br. Matthew will be returning to the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottdale, Arizona, where he has previously served. Both newly ordained deacons will be engaged in a variety of ministries including assisting with religious education, preaching, visiting the sick and helping with baptisms, weddings and funerals.  

“I’m feeling very good, happy and content,” Br. Raphael said. “I look forward to cooperating with the action of the Holy Spirit. This experience has increased me the desire to do good, the desire to serve and to live up to the vocation of being a deacon.”  

“I’m looking forward to honing my skills in the supportive Franciscan community at the Renewal Center,” Br. Matthew added. 

Is God calling you to serve your community? Learn more about becoming a Franciscan friar.