All Diocesan Articles

Article by Wayne Gignac
Photos by Marie Wynn

“We congratulate you on your openness to God’s work in your life and we thank you for responding to His call with such generosity.” These are the words spoken by Bishop Michael R. Cote, May 24th in a beautiful bilingual ceremony at Saint Mary Church in Norwich, prior to ordaining Michael Castiblanco to the order of Deacon.  Bishop Cote also acknowledged Michael’s mother watching in Columbia via Facebook’s Live Streaming service. Deacon Michael will spend the summer in Groton assisting Father Dariusz K. Dudzik, J.C.L. at Saint Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish and Sacred Heart Parish. Following this assignment, he will return to Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland to complete his final year of study and discernment.

“Let us pray that God will mercifully pour out the grace of His blessing on His servant whom in His kindness He raises to the Holy Order of the Diaconate.”, prays Bishop Cote. The Elect, Michael Castiblanco, lying prostrate as the Litany was sung.

El Obispo Cote reza, "Recemos para que Dios derrame misericordiosamente la gracia de Su bendición sobre Su siervo, quien, por Su bondad, se eleva a la Orden Sagrada del Diaconado". El elegido, Michael Castiblanco, postrado mientras se cantaba la Letanía.

Technology played a large part in the ordination, allowing Michael’s family, especially his mother in Columbia to witness the entire ceremony via Facebook Live.

La tecnología jugó un papel importante en la ordenación, lo que permitió a la familia de Michael en Colombia, especialmente a su madre, presenciar toda la ceremonia en vivo por Facebook.

Imposition of Hands- “This gesture signifies the divine power which is conferred upon you. The gesture indicates that you are being entrusted with an official ministry in the Church as a servant of the Lord.” Bishop Michael Cote

Imposición de manos: "Este gesto significa el poder divino que se te confiere. El gesto indica que se te ha confiado un ministerio oficial en la Iglesia como siervo del Señor ". Obispo Michael Cote.

Investiture with Stole and Dalmatic- Following the prayer of ordination Very Reverend Gregory P. Galvin, Director of Vocations and Reverend Tomasz Albrecht, Parochial Vicar of Saint Mary Church in Norwich assisted vesting the newly ordained Deacon Michael Castiblanco with his diaconal stole and dalmatic. Once vested, Reverend Mr. Michael Castiblanco knelt before the Bishop who placed the Book of the Gospels in his hands saying “Receive the gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

Investidura con estola y dÔlmatica: Después de la oración de la ordenación, el Padre Gregory P. Galvin, Director de las Vocaciones y el Padre Tomasz Albrecht, Vicario Parroquial de la iglesia Saint Mary en Norwich, ayudaron a investir al recién ordenado diÔcono Michael Castiblanco con su estola diaconal y dalmÔtica. Una vez investido, el diÔcono Michael Castiblanco se arrodilló ante el obispo quien colocó en sus manos el Libro de los Evangelios, diciendo: "Recibe el evangelio de Cristo, en cuyo heraldo te has convertido. Cree lo que lees, enseña lo que crees y practica lo que enseñas".

Deacon Michael imparting a blessing.
El DiÔcono Michael dando una bendición.

Llamado a Servir
El Obispo Ordena a un DiƔcono

Escrito por Wayne Gignac Fotos de Marie Wynn

"Te felicitamos por tu apertura al trabajo de Dios en tu vida y te agradecemos por responder a su llamado con tanta generosidad”. Estas son las palabras pronunciadas por el obispo Michael R. Cote el 24 de mayo en una hermosa ceremonia bilingüe en la iglesia Saint Mary en Norwich, antes de ordenar a Michael Castiblanco al orden del Diaconado. El obispo Cote tambiĆ©n saludó a la madre de Michael quien estaba mirando en Colombia la transmisión en vivo por Facebook.

El DiÔcono Michael pasarÔ el verano en Groton ayudando al Padre Dariusz K. Dudzik, J.C.L. en la parroquia Saint Mary, Mother of the Reedener y la Parroquia Sacred Heart. Después de esta asignación, regresarÔ al Seminario de Mount Saint Mary en Emmitsburg, Maryland para completar su último año de estudio y discernimiento.


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

EWTN News Explains: When Does Easter Officially End?
Easter lasts for a total of 50 days, from Easter Sunday until the feast of Pentecost. Catholics recognize Easter — when Jesus Christ rose from the dead after sacrificing his life for all of humanity — as the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox. But, as it turns out, they can continue saying “Happy Easter” into May or, in some years, into June. Easter lasts for a total of 50 days, from Easter Sunday until the feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, Mary, and the first followers of C...

Read More

Grace Awaits! Don’t Miss Divine Mercy Sunday
Divine Mercy Sunday: A Day of Extraordinary Grace On Sunday, April 12, Divine Mercy Sunday draws the faithful into the boundless mercy of God and His desire to bring every soul back to Himself. Divine Mercy Sunday falls on the Second Sunday of Easter, emphasizing that Christ’s victory over sin and death is inseparable from His mercy. Through St. Faustina, Jesus revealed His deep longing to pour out graces upon souls, especially those who trust in His mercy. The Church teaches that extraordinary graces are available on this day. Those who go to Confession with...

Read More

'The Light of Christ': Easter Vigil a Celebration of His Resurrection
Illuminated by the glow of the Paschal candle, Bishop Richard Reidy commenced The Liturgy of Light (Lucernarium) to start the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Holy Saturday, April 4th.  "Sanctify this fire, we pray, and grant that, by these Paschal celebrations, we may be so inflamed with Heavenly desires, that with minds made pure, we may attain festivities of unending splendor through Christ, Our Lord," the bishop intoned before blessing the Paschal candle.  Father Brian Romanowski then carried the lighted candle down t...

Read More

Work That Changes Lives- Outreach to Haiti Now Hiring
Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Now Hiring: U.S. Education Coordinator A meaningful part-time opportunity to support Catholic education and strengthen lives in Haiti. Outreach to Haiti is seeking a part-time U.S. Education Coordinator to oversee the U.S.-based work of its Education Program from the Norwich office. This position works closely with the Executive Director, Connecticut staff, and the Education Director in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to help support students, sponsors, and the mission of the program. Responsibilities include sponsor corresponde...

Read More

Raffle Alert: A Month of Prizes, A Mission of Hope
Raffle Alert: It’s Back and Bigger Than Ever! St. Vincent de Paul Place is turning the month of May into a daily celebration with 31 incredible prizes and 31 chances to win. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community friends, one amazing prize will be raffled off every day at 2 p.m. This exciting fundraiser is more than just a chance to win. It is also a chance to make a real difference in the lives of those who need help most. Why It Matters As benefits continue to shrink, more seniors, individuals, and working families are struggling with...

Read More

Strengthen Your Faith with Brothers in Christ

Posted on April 08, 2026 in: News

239

Strengthen Your Faith with Brothers in Christ
Brothers in Christ Invites Men to Virtual Fellowship Meeting Men looking to grow in faith and fellowship are invited to take part in monthly gatherings of Brothers in Christ.  Brothers in Christ is a monthly gathering for men who come together to share their faith, reflect on personal experiences, and engage in meaningful discussion. Virtual fellowship meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month, from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m., offering an opportunity for men to deepen their relationship with Christ while building fellowship with one another. Men ...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

EspaƱol

 

 

 

 

Latest Articles
Join Bishop Reidy for Divine Mercy Pilgrimage on May 13
Trail Rides with Bishop Reidy: A Day of Faith, Fellowship, and Adventure
Sacred Heart on the Lake Retreat Center Announces Upcoming Retreats and Book Study
Monthly Pro-Life Mass to be Held May 2
UConn Catholic Center Leads Second Annual Eucharistic Procession Through Campus
'The Light of Christ': Easter Vigil a Celebration of His Resurrection
A Path Back to Love- Retrouvaille Weekend, May 1-3
Work That Changes Lives- Outreach to Haiti Now Hiring
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Chrism Mass 2026
Click to view album: 2026 CT March for Life- Hartford, CT
Click to view album: Adventure, Faith and Fellowship with Bishop Reidy
Click to view album: Ninety-Fifth Anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community
Signup for Weekly Newsletter


    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294