Our Newest Deacon: Jorge Bedoya

Jorge Andres Bedoya was ordained a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Savannah by Bishop Boland at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Grovetown, Georgia on Saturday November 28, 2009. Originally from Colombia, Jorge has been pursuing his studies at St. Vincent’s Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. This transitional stage between layman and priest has been the custom in the church for several centuries. A man preparing for the priesthood is ordained as a transitional deacon, for a period of less than a year, after he completes his third year of seminary and is subsequently ordained a priest.

During the ceremony, Jorge was called forward and presented to Bishop Boland by Fr. Tim McKeown, Director of Vocations. Members of the congregation, who knew Jorge, testi"ed to his worthiness for the Order of the Diaconate. Then Bishop Boland examined him as to his intentions regarding the undertaking of the diaconal ministry. Jorge promised respect and obedience to Bishop Boland and his successors. Then by the laying on of hands and the Prayer of Consecration, Jorge Bedoya was formally vested as a transitional deacon. In his homily, Bishop Boland exhorted Jorge to, Receive the book of the gospel whose herald you have become. Believe what you read. Teach what you believe. Practice what you teach.

In addition to preaching the Word, as a Deacon, Jorge can preside over baptisms, assist at marriages, bring viaticum to the sick and conduct funerals. God willing, he will be ordained a priest in June 2010.

Taken from the Savannh Serra Newsletter