'I chose you'

Outshining the perfect weather on May 28 was the joy in St. Joseph Cathedral as Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained two transitional deacons for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

Even before Mass began candidates Albert Blount and Joseph Bresowar embraced family members and friends as they prepared to take their next step toward ordination to the priesthood, scheduled in May 2023. Likewise, Bishop Duca and clergy greeted the family members, with the bishop even joking with some of Deacon Bresowar’s younger family members before the ceremony began. 

As the jubilant opening hymn “Lauda Jerusalem” played, those in the processional, which included Bishop Duca, Bishop Emeritus Robert W. Muench and fellow clergy proceeded toward the altar.

During the Rite of Ordination then- candidates Blount and Bresowar confidently responded “present” when Deacon Nick Ware, of the Diocese of Lafayette, called them forth to approach the altar. Father Andrew Merrick, director of vocations for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, and Father Josh Johnson, director of seminarians, presented the candidates to the bishop and testified to their readiness for ordination. 

Connecting with the theme of St. John’s  Gospel, Bishop Duca highlighted in his homily the message of God choosing the candidates to pursue a priestly vocation.

“A vocation we all should know is two things,” said Bishop Duca. “It’s ‘I feel called,’ the young man feels called to the diaconate and priesthood, but the church must also confirm that call and see it manifest in them. And we see it manifested not just in your resolve in your good grades but in your attitude and most importantly in your heart and desire to be men of service.” 

“This whole vocation idea is kind of a turn on its head a little bit in today’s Gospel reading,” said the bishop. 

He pointed out that the message, “You did not choose me but I chose you” is true of any vocation or commitment of love.

He noted people choose a vocation not just because “it is a job, but we are drawn to it.”

There are some moments when people choose a vocation with the idea “I chose this” and there’s an element of control or “I can direct it,” according to the bishop.

But in acknowledging that “God chose me” one lives by God’s plan and not their own, the bishop emphasized.

“Because when God calls us, he sees us beyond how we see ourselves,” said Bishop Duca. “He sees much more that we are capable of and much more that he wants to give us if we are open to it.”

He stressed to the two new deacons that during their priestly vocation, as they follow the example of Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane, they will learn to say, “Not my will, but your will be done.”

“Then you will find the peace of your vocation,” said the bishop. 

He urged them to follow those incremental “this is what you want” moments of obedience that will lead to peace, joy and fulfillment in their vocation.

Following the homily, the candidates individually knelt before the bishop, who questioned them about their willingness to embrace the office of deacon.

This was followed by a stirring moment of complete surrender, in which the assembly stood as the candidates laid prostrate before the altar during the praying in song the Litany of Supplication.

Next, the bishop laid his hands on the candidates and prayed the Prayer of Ordination. Once completed, the new deacons were vested with stoles and dalmatics, which are garments of a deacon. 

Once vested, Deacon Blount and Deacon Bresowar returned to kneel before Bishop Duca and each received the Book of the Gospels, with the instruction, “Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.” 

In congratulating the newly ordained, Bishop Duca gave them a fraternal kiss of peace. 

Following the liturgy of Eucharist, the cathedral doors opened to the joyful sound of the recessional hymn, “Oh God beyond praising” and the sight of people exiting the cathedral eager to congratulate Deacon Bresowar and Deacon Blount.

Deacon Blount, whose home parish is Christ the King Church and Student Center in Baton Rouge, will serve his internship at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs.  

Deacon Bresowar, whose home parish is St. Theresa of Avila Church in Gonzales will serve at St. Margaret Queen Church of Scotland in Albany.