Photo by Jeff Witherow / Catholic Courier
For Deacons Aaron Kelly and Brian Mizzoni, Aug. 21 was marked by a variety of journeys.
Both men had traveled to Rochester from their native Southern Tier for a monumental event in their lives — one that ended a journey of formation involving several years of study, prayer and service.
And, at around noontime on this special Saturday, a new journey began: Their ministerial lives as deacons for the Diocese of Rochester.
Deacons Kelly and Mizzoni were ordained by Bishop Salvatore R. Matano during a Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Deacon Kelly became a transitional deacon on his way to the diocesan priesthood, and Deacon Mizzoni was ordained a permanent deacon.
Both newly ordained deacons sported wide smiles as they were greeted after Mass by family members, friends, fellow deacons, priests, seminarians and other well-wishers.
“I feel very excited,” Deacon Mizzoni said. He added that he’d prepared for the ordination early that morning by praying the rosary while traveling with family members to Rochester from Steuben County: “I meditated and put it all in the hands of Our Lady,” he said.
Deacon Kelly expressed similar excitement about his diaconal ordination, remarking, “It’s been a long time coming.”
Read more. Congratulations, brothers, and welcome! Ad multos annos!
