SAN DIEGO — Cardinal Robert W. McElroy ordained four men to the priesthood on June 2 at a Mass at Good Shepherd Church, witnessed by 1,600 faithful.
Beforehand, the cardinal chatted informally with the four, Evan Bui, Christopher Bongato, Marc Andrew Gandolfo and Matthew Vasquez.
They initially sat with their families, and seminarian Gandolfo was able to share a light moment with his father.
The ceremony included rituals, rich in meaning and history, such as prostration, laying on of hands, anointing of hands, and receiving the stole and chasuble.
After the Mass, now Father Bongato gave his first blessing to his parents, who were celebrating their wedding anniversary.
“This is a great day of joy for me personally and for the whole of the Diocese of San Diego,” the cardinal said, addressing the seminarians. “Each of you is a splendid man of faith and sacrifice who has come this day to give the greatest gift that you will ever give in your life — the gift of your very selves offered in service to God and the Church. I thank you for this gift, and for the experiences that have led you to this moment.”
A photo gallery is available at thesoutherncross.org/ordination2023.
