ST. CHARLES SEMINARY, OVERBROOK – On the evening of May 1, 2009, in St. Martin’s Chapel, Auxiliary Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, D.D., S.T.L., V.G. of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia instituted 14 seminarians from various dioceses and religious congregations to the ministry of Acolyte. Mercedarians Br. James Chia, O. de M. and Br. David Spencer, O. de M. were among those who received the ministry.

In his homily, Bishop Thomas called the new Acolytes to deepen their devotion the Holy Eucharist and reflected on the words of the Mass texts from the feast of St. Joseph the Worker to inspire these young men as they continue their journey to the priesthood.

Br. David and Br. James with the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy

In addition to the presence of the Mercedarian Friars, the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and members of the Mercedarian Third Order attended the Mass. Honorary Third Order Mercedarian Bishop Michael Burbidge, Ordinary of the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, concelebrated the Mass and instituted two seminarians from his Diocese to the Ministry of Acolyte.

Bishop Burbidge with the Mercedarian Students and members of the Third Order.