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Bishop Burbidge Ordains Permanent Deacon
The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge ordained Hector Velazco Bonilla to the Order of Deacon in a solemn ceremony, July 23, at Saint Raphael the Archangel Church in Raleigh. The Church was filled with members of the parish community offering their prayerful support to Deacon Velazco, who has been part of the Hispanic ministry team at the parish since 2000.
Prior to arriving in the United States in 1998 from his native Colombia, Deacon Velazco received a Bachelor Degree in Theology from the University Pontificia Bolivariana. He was enrolled in the Diocese of Raleigh formation program from 1998-1999.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge spoke of Deacon Velazco’s spiritual journey. “His road to the Permanent Diaconate has not been a straight line,” Bishop Burbidge said. “There have been some twists and turns and various obstacles and challenges. He is no different than the first disciples the Lord chose to carry out His mission.”
Bishop Burbidge noted that Deacon Velazco stood before the gathering “calm and serene” aware of the truths proclaimed in Sacred Scripture: “(1) He is selected by God. (2) He is sent to serve. (3) He is strengthened by the Lord.”
Bishop Burbidge explained the significance of the Rite of Diaconate Ordination which includes the laying on of hands, the prayer of Ordination and the candidate prostrating himself on the floor of the Church. “This profound gesture and the promises he will make are signs of Hector’s commitment to give himself to God with an undivided heart and to root his life in pastoral charity,” Bishop Burbidge said.”
While he will have additional responsibilities as an ordained minister, Deacon Velazco’s primary work at Saint Raphael will remain unchanged. His pastoral work includes ministry to young people, health and prison ministries, charity, missions and catechesis.
Deacon Velazco says his Ordination is a gift to the Diocese and to the people of Saint Raphael. Deacon Velazco and his wife, Maria Castillo, are parents to twin boys, Joshua and Jeremy.
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Above: Deacon Hector Velazco during Investiture with Stole and Dalmatic, liturgical vestments of the Deacon. Father Scott McCue, Master of Ceremony, and Father Francis Gillespie, S.J. assisting with the Investiture.
Above: Deacon Velazco with his wife, Maria, Father Gillespie, Bishop Burbidge and Father James F. Garneau, V.F., Director of the Permanent Diaconate. Deacon Velazco’s twin sons, Joshua and Jeremy in front. |