Details, from the diocesan website: 

A jubilant spirit filled St. Joseph Cathedral as Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained Deacon Byron Paul Bordelon III and Deacon David Alan Odland to the permanent diaconate on May 24.

The ordination Mass began with the Rite of Ordination.

The deacons-elect confidently responded, “Present,” when Deacon Terry Bellon, director of the office of formation for the permanent diaconate, called them forth to stand in front of Bishop Duca. Father Paul Gros presented them to the bishop.  Father Jamin David, vicar general of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, testified to their readiness to be ordained. The bishop then chose the candidates, and the congregation indicated their approval with applause.

In his homily, the bishop told the deacon candidates that their thoughts of entering the diaconate likely came from various sources, such as things they had seen or conversations they had had with others, and “something resonated” with them.

“Your imagination took over. Is this possible?  Do I really want this? Can I do this? No way can I do this,” Bishop Duca said.

But along the way, they had encouragement from the Lord and people that led them to answer the call.

The bishop reminded the candidates that their call to the diaconate comes from Jesus, as stated in the day’s Gospel reading from John 15:9-17: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.”

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Congratulations, brothers, and welcome! Ad multos annos!  

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