Seminarians Joseph Attard (Parish of The Assumption, Zebbug), Massimo Buttigieg (Parish of The Assumption, The Cathedral, Victoria) and Mario Curmi (Parish of The Nativity of Our Lady, Xaghra) were accepted as candidates for ordination as deacons. Bishop Mario Grech led the rite of admission during a diocesan evening of prayer on Pentecoste, held on Saturday 23rd May, at the parish church of Sannat.
In his homily, the Bishop invited the Church to be open to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. His words were addressed especially to the priests and to Joseph, Massimo and Mario. After the homily, Rector Fr Tony Sciberras MSSP called the candidates by name and they answered with the words: “Here I am”. The Bishop prayed over them while presenting them as official candidates for the Holy Orders. He encouraged the Church to pray for them, especially during the coming weeks, up to the day of their ordination, on Saturday 20th June, at the Cathedral.
On Saturday morning, 30th May, the three candidates made the vow of celibacy during a Mass held at Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary. On this occasion, the seminarians, accompanied by their formators, went on a pilgrimage on foot to the sanctuary. During the pilgrimage the Rosary was recited and on arriving at the sanctuary, the Rector celebrated Mass. At the end of the Liturgy of the Word the three candidates made the Declaration of Faith and signed the documents related with the vows of celibacy.