October 27, 2026

An important step for 10 men preparing to become deacons

REGIONAL
Staff report

(IObserve photo/Courtesy of Fred LeBlanc)

SPRINGFIELD – Ten men in the Diocese of Springfield’s diaconate formation program became candidates during a special Mass held Saturday, Oct. 24, here, at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield. Bishop William D. Byrne was the principal celebrant for the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders. This is the second major step for the class of during their formation program.

The candidates are Michael P. Broer, from the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr in Chicopee; Jorge Antonio Burgos Lebron from St. Mark Parish in Pittsfield; Daniel Constantine, from Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Easthampton; Heriberto Flores from St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Chicopee; Carlos D. Marrero from Our lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in Springfield; Keith Messier from St. Elizabeth Parish in Ludlow; Joseph Chung Huu Nguyen, from St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Springfield; David J. Ouellette from St. John Paull II Parish in Adams; Emmanuel Pedro from Christ the King Parish in Ludlow; and D. Robert Stevenson, from Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield.

The candidates have been attending college courses at Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee two nights a week, while holding down full-time jobs and caring for their families.

Daniel Constantine and his wife Kelly have two adult children. He is the Captain of Fire Prevention for the Easthampton Fire Department.

“It’s been wonderful. I have been able to build on my knowledge of the faith and it’s expanded quite a bit. And being with my brothers in the class, it has really enriched my whole experience and my faith,” he said.

After the homily, the ten men were called the altar for the Rite of Admission. Next was the examination of the candidates, followed by the acceptance.

(IObserve photo/Courtesy of Fred LeBlanc)

“It’s been a very humbling experience. A lot of them came from different backgrounds, different states in life. Some are professionals, some are laborers. They all have different backgrounds. It’s great to see them grow in their faith,” said Deacon Michael pray, the advisor to the Diaconate Class of 2029.

“The most rewarding part is getting to know these men and also to grow with them. There is always that relationship you have with someone who is growing closer to the Lord. You learn from them as much as they learn from you. It has been a huge blessing to see them grow in their faith and be alive in the spirit,” said Deacon Pray who is assigned to St. Stanislaus Basilica Parish and works in the Office of the Chancellor.

Deacons play an important role in the Catholic Church, as part of the ordained ministry. They assist a priest during Mass. They can proclaim the Gospel and preach, and like a priest, they are also ordinary ministers of the sacrament of baptism.

The can be married or unmarried, but cannot marry after they are ordained. They can also give the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament during eucharistic adoration.

For more on this story, tune into an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel,” the Diocese of Springfield’s television newsmagazine that airs temporarily on Sunday mornings on WWLP-22 News at 6:30 a.m.