On May 14, Archbishop Nelson Pérez ordained seven men as transitional deacons during a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. The men, all studying at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, will serve in parishes of the Philadelphia Archdiocese for one year while completing their studies for ordination as archdiocesan priests next year. Their diaconate ministry continues the normal progression to the priesthood.
Saint Andrew was fortunate to be named the future parish of Deacon Phong T. Le (pronounced Lay).
Deacon Phong came to Philadelphia in 1993 from Vietnam. He graduated from high school in 1995 and went on to Temple University, majoring in Pharmacy. After graduation, and over a decade of working at a Walgreens Pharmacy, he explored the idea of becoming a priest.
We are proud to be the next chapter in his global, and truly extraordinary, story.
He is a wonderful young man, and when asked if he could ever have any superpower, his response was a very endearing "to be friends with anybody."
Deacon Phong began work today (June 6th). Please introduce yourself to him and welcome him into the Saint Andrew family.
(photo credit: Sarah Webb)