Bishop J. Mark Spalding of Nashville, center, poses with Glenmary President Father Dan Dorsey, left, and Glenmary’s three newest transitional deacons. The deacons are, from second left, Jose Carlos Miguel Lopez, Kenneth Wandera, and Samuel Mungai.
LAFAYETTE, Tenn.— On June 26, three men professed their Final Oaths, becoming members of the Glenmary Home Missioners community for life. The following day all three were ordained as transitional deacons by Bishop of Nashville, Tenn., J. Mark Spalding. Both the Final Oath Mass and Mass of Ordination took place at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lafayette, Tenn.
Professing Final Oaths and receiving ordination were Jose Carlos Miguel Lopez, Samuel Mungai and Kenneth Wandera. The three are among 14 men in formation preparing to be missionary priests or brothers for Glenmary.
“Along with Father Tom Kirkendoll, I had the privilege of being the co-director for the novitiate year of Jose Carlos, Samuel and Kenneth, who will become our newest members. As a result, I feel as though I know the three of them very well and have witnessed their growth as missioners these past years,” Glenmary President Father Dan Dorsey said. “On behalf of the entire Glenmary community and the people of our missions I joyfully celebrate their life long commitment.”
The trio’s ordination to the priesthood is planned for Spring 2021.
For full coverage of the Final Oaths and ordination, stay tuned for the Autumn edition of Glenmary Challenge magazine.