PROVIDENCE — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence has announced the diaconal ordinations of seminarians Brendan Rowley and Eric Silva, on Saturday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence. Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans will be the main celebrant and ordaining bishop.
Rowley, son of James and Deborah Rowley, of Saunderstown, graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School, Warwick and Rhode Island College where he received a B.A. degree in Elementary Education. He entered seminary in 2013 and was assigned to St. John Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts for his formation for the priesthood. His summer assignments as a seminarian included St. Joseph, Woonsocket; St. Luke, Barrington; St. Francis de Sales, North Kingstown; and St. Pius X, Westerly.
After his diaconal ordination, Rowley will serve as a deacon for the summer at St. John Paul II Parish, Pawtucket before returning to the seminary to complete his formation for the priesthood.
Silva, son of Antonio and Theresa Silva of Cranston, graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School, Warwick and University of Rhode Island where he received a B.A. degree in Communications. In 2013, he entered seminary and was assigned to St. John Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts for his formation for the priesthood. As a seminarian, his summer assignments included Our Lady of Mercy Parish, East Greenwich; Jesus Saviour Parish, Newport; St. John Paul II Parish, Pawtucket, and the Institute of Priestly Formation at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
After his diaconal ordination, Silva will serve as a deacon for the summer at St. Philip Parish, Greenville before returning to the seminary to complete his formation for the priesthood.
As transitional deacons, they may baptize, proclaim the Gospel and preach at Mass, distribute Communion, witness marriages and lead rites for Christian burials.
