During the Easter Octave, the Holy Mother Church rejoices as the proclamation of the Lord’s Resurrection resounds throughout the week. This year, for the Heralds of the Gospel, this joy will be heightened by the Diaconal Ordination of 31 acolytes and the Presbyteral Ordination of 26 deacons from the Clerical Society of Apostolic Life of Pontifical Right Virgo Flos Carmeli, on 11 and 12 April respectively.

The laying on of hands for the new transitional deacons will be conferred by His Most Reverend Excellency Bishop Fernando José Monteiro Guimarães, Archbishop Emeritus of the Military Ordinariate of Brazil.

On Divine Mercy Sunday, the ordination of the new priests will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis, Archbishop Emeritus of Aparecida and Pontifical Commissioner.

The Book of Nehemiah recounts that one of the duties of the Levites was to lead the people to true joy, which springs only from peace of mind: “Silence! Today is holy, do not be saddened.” (Neh 8:11). Filled with confidence, let us turn to the unfailing protection of the Blessed Virgin, handmaid of the Lord in the ministry and Mother of Priests, that she may intercede with her Divine Son, the Eternal and High Priest, for these new labourers in her harvest.