Rite for Admission to Candidacy
On October 28, 2026, Mass was celebrated in Alumni Chapel by The Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford, and included The Rite of Candidacy for Holy Orders for ten men who are new in formation. Three others will be admitted to Candidacy in their respective dioceses by their bishop at a future date.
The Rite of Candidacy for Holy Orders is a formal public ceremony in the Catholic Church where a man who has discerned a vocation to the priesthood officially declares his intention to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. The bishop accepts this declaration on behalf of the Church, formally recognizing the man as a candidate and committing to support his continued formation for ministry. This rite is a public and important step in a man's journey towards ordination, signifying his resolve and the Church's confidence in him.
We celebrate and pray for the following men who officially declared their intent for priesthood:
Luke N. Bowdre (Diocese of Savannah), Joseph A. Flansburg (Diocese of Rochester in New York), Rubén Darío García Sánchez (Archdiocese of Hartford), Jose R. Gregorio (Archdiocese of San Francisco), Julio M. Jiménez (Diocese of Mayaguez in Puerto Rico), Chima P. John (Diocese of Albany), Russell J. Rodrigues (Diocese of Orlando), Francis G. Umoh (Diocese of Albany), Stephen T. Veldman (Diocese of Venice in Florida), Daniel M. Werner (Archdiocese of Hartford)
On December 8, 2026, at Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, Paul A. Christian, David C. Cronin and Helmer Vargas Llamas will be admitted to Candidacy under the Rite of Candidacy for Holy Orders with Archbishop Richard G. Henning presiding. All three men are studying to be priests for the Archdiocese of Boston.
You may watch the recorded livestream of the Mass on our YouTube channel:
Mass for The Rite of Candidacy to Holy Orders 2026
