On Saturday, September 26, Catholics filled St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica to celebrate the Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate of two seminarians during the 10 a.m. Mass, presided by the Most Reverend Robert Kasun, C.S.B., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Through the laying on of hands and the Prayer of Ordination, the candidates were ordained as transitional deacons, marking an important step in their formation for priesthood. As deacons, they are entrusted with ministries of service, proclaiming the Gospel, preaching and assisting in the celebration of the sacraments as they continue their preparation for priestly ordination.

During his homily, Bishop Kasun reflected on the ministry the men were about to undertake as newly ordained deacons:

“Today, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and your response to that outpouring, together with the support and encouragement of the People of God, you will undertake new ministries in the life of the Church. And may these new ministries not only be beneficial for the People of God but they may bring to you a new birth, a new beginning in your life as a disciple of the Lord.”

Emphasizing that the diaconate is not simply about what they will do, but who they are called to become, he added:

“What a glorious and beautiful life it is when you give your all, your total self as a response to the love of God for you, giving your life in its completion to serve the People of God and as a sign of God’s Kingdom to come.”

Deacon Michael Berlin-Riga of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Deacon Francesco Rampino of St. Brigid’s, both in Toronto have completed years of prayer, discernment, academic study and pastoral formation in preparation for this milestone. God-willing, these men will be ordained to the priesthood in May 2027.

The faithful are invited to pray for all those in formation in our seminaries, especially the newly ordained deacons as they continue their journey toward priesthood and dedicate themselves to the service of God's people.

Those who feel called to explore a vocation are invited to contact the Archdiocese of Toronto’s Office of Vocations.