Fra. Juan José Guzman ordained to the Diaconate

Recently, things have been happening very quickly for Fra. Juan José Guzman. After a month of special preparation in Burgos, Spain, he made his profession of solemn vows on August 25 at Tagaste Monastery. Although he had fulfilled all academic requirements for diaconate in the spring along with his classmates at Immaculate Conception Seminary, he had to wait, as mandated by canonical regulations, until after his solemn profession to receive the Order of Deacon. Accordingly, his diaconate was scheduled for December 1. His family, who were also present for Fra. Juan José’ solemn profession, came from their home outside of Guadalajara, Mexico, to witness his promotion to major orders.

Bishop David Arias, OAR, who bestowed the diaconate on Fra. Juan José presided at the 11 AM liturgy in the Tagaste chapel. Fr. Provincial was also on hand along with a number of our friars from the Eastern Region and from the St. Nicholas delegation (Fr. Ángel San Eufrasio was organist), priests from Immaculate Conception Seminary, Msgr. Giandurco, pastor Sacred Heart in Suffern, and several Sister Servants of Mary, together with members of the SAR, Guild, and friends of Tagaste. The seminarians from the Adorno Fathers were also present to help with the music. Dn. Moses Changyun Han, a classmate of Fra. Juan José, served as deacon for the liturgy; Dn. Rijo Johnson was master of ceremonies for the occasion.

After the liturgy a lunch sponsored by the Guild was held in the hall. Guests were treated to hot food including baked ziti, meat balls, and chicken parmagana, as well as deli platters with ham, turkey, and roast beef and salads. There were also rolls, coffee and a cake to celebrate Fr. Juan José’s special day.

Fr. John Gruben, OAR