By Ryan Blessing
Mr. Michael Bovino was ordained to the Diaconate in a Mass of Ordination on Thursday, May 23, at St. Mary Church, in Stonington Borough.
Deacon Michael Castiblanco, who was ordained last year, called the Elect, Michael Bovino, forward during the Rite of Ordination before the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich.
“Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ,” Bishop Cote said, “We choose this man, our brother, for the Order of the Diaconate.”
During the Promise of the Elect, Mr. Bovino was questioned by Bishop Cote and declared before the people his intention to undertake the office of Deacon. Then, Mr. Bovino knelt before Bishop Cote and placed his joined hands between those of the Bishop in the promise of obedience and respect.
During the Litany of Supplication, Mr. Bovino prostrated himself face down before the altar, while the litany was sung. Then, he again knelt before Bishop Cote, who performed the Laying on of Hands, the gesture that signifies divine power being conferred on the Elect.
Following the Bishop’s prayer of ordination, the newly ordained Deacon received a diaconal stole and a dalmatic. Finally, vested as Deacon, Reverend Mr. Bovino received the Book of Gospels from the Bishop.
“Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach,” Bishop Cote said.
Reverend Mr. Bovino was born and raised in Stonington as the oldest of five children. After attending the University of Connecticut for his undergraduate education, where he began to encounter anew the Lord Jesus and the richness of His Catholic Church, he spent two years doing mission work with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) in New Jersey.
In 2014, he entered seminary for the Diocese of Norwich at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he is currently finishing up his seminary formation. He enjoys spending time with friends and reading great books during his leisure time.
A deacon, an ordained minister of the Catholic Church, is a minister of the Word, proclaiming the Gospel, preaching and teaching in the name of the Church. They are also ministers of the Sacraments, baptizing, leading the faithful in prayer, witnessing marriages, and conducting wake and funeral services.