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“The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR)” Debuts at #1 on Apple Podcasts, Ahead of “Joe Rogan,” “Dateline,” and “The Daily”

[Exton, PA, January 1, 2025—]

This is the 3rd podcast to top the Apple charts from Ascension, a leading Catholic media company.

Ascension has released a 3rd instant-hit podcast at the #1 spot in all categories on the Apple charts, ahead of shows like The Joe Rogan Experience, Dateline, and The Daily. The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR) is a sequel to Ascension’s 2021 breakout hit The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)® and 2023 The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)®, which have held the #1 Apple Podcast position for a combined total of 37 days.

The Rosary in a Year had already made a splash in November as the  during the week of its initial announcement (Associated Press).

Now, it’s at #1 in All Categories on Apple Podcasts, and has been the #1 podcast in Religion & Spirituality since 12/30/24. It has already seen hundreds of thousands of downloads.

“The world offers so much, but we want God,” explains podcast host and Catholic priest Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR. “In 1979, when the newly-elected Pope John Paul II was returning to communist-controlled Poland for the first time as the Holy Father, in response to his words, the crowd of over 1 million people cried out, ‘We want God! We want God! We want God.’ I can’t help but see this cry being echoed by the millions of people who have participated in Bible in a Year, Catechism in a Year, and now Rosary in a Year.”

“The success of our podcasts reflects a growing desire in our culture to seek spiritual connection and purpose,” notes Ascension President and CEO, Jonathan Strate. “Being at the top of the charts once again is a testament to the hard work of our team in leveraging digital media to reshape how people engage with Catholic content.”

Introducing New “in a Year” Podcast Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR

Rosary in a Year host Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, is a leading figure in Catholic media, well-known for his weekly videos on the Ascension Presents YouTube channel, including the channel’s 2 most popular videos of all time: a Divine Mercy Chaplet prayer video with 7M views and a Rosary prayer video with 5.3M views. Fr. Mark-Mary has also written 2 best-selling books for Ascension and contributes to other media projects for his religious order, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs).

Fr. Mark-Mary’s love for—and expertise in—prayer, is precisely why Ascension was excited to green light the Rosary in a Year concept that Fr. Mark-Mary had first sketched out in a December 2021 Ascension Presents YouTube video. In that original video, the Bronx-based priest had given his audience a 10-minute rough sketch of how they could spend a year diving deeply into the prayers of the Catholic rosary.

With the launch of The Rosary in a Year, Fr. Mark-Mary will be able to actually accompany his listeners through all 365 days of that prayer plan. Ascension has additionally published a companion book and parish resources to further enrich the experiences of both individuals and communities.

“The Bible In a Year” Podcast: #1 Global Podcast in Religion

The Rosary in a Year follows in the footsteps of The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)® which has been the #1 global podcast in religion since its 2021 debut. It was was the #5 most-shared show on Apple Podcasts in 2024 in all categories, and is the most successful Catholic podcast of all time. As of this writing, The Bible in a Year is #9 in All Categories on Apple Podcasts.

The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR) is Ascension’s 3rd “in a Year” podcast in this brand family, and the 5th across all languages:

2021:  The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) #1 on Apple for 24 days across Jan. 2021 and Jan. 20222022: La Biblia en un año (Spanish edition of Bible in a Year)2023: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)®#1 on Apple for 13 days in Jan. 20232025: The Bible in a Year—Malayalam (India)2025:  The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR)  

“In a Year” podcasts from Ascension have been #1 on Apple 5 different times, for a combined total of 38 days and counting.

As of this writing, Ascension owns 3 of the top 4 podcasts in Religion & Spirituality:

Ascension’s other new 2025 podcast, The Bible in a Year—Malayalam, was created in collaboration with the Conference Catholic Bishops of India, who desired to bring the Bible in a Year resource to the great majority of people in India who do not speak English. Due to the rich history of the Christian Church in Kerala, which dates back to the Apostle St. Thomas in the 1st century, Malayalam became the first language choice for this project.  

As of this writing, The Bible in a Year is #9 in All Categories on Apple Podcasts.

About Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames is the Director of Communications and the Director of Priestly Studies of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR). The primary mission of the CFR community is a wholehearted embracing of Jesus Christ and their founder and Holy Father, St. Francis of Assisi. Through their commitment to prayer and contemplation, the study of Sacred Scripture, fidelity to the Church and the sacraments, fraternal life, and generous service to others especially the poor, the CFRs receive the nourishment necessary to live out their lives as sons of St. Francis in the Capuchin tradition. 

Fr. Mark-Mary is the host of the Ascension Presents video series The CFRs and the host of the 2025 podcast The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR). He is the author of 2 books from Ascension: Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress and The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You Into the Heart of God. 

His favorite work, however, is not nearly as public. Near and dear to Fr. Mark-Mary’s heart is his work walking one-on-one with the suffering, hearing confessions, and offering service as a regular chaplain to the Sisters of Life formation convents.

Click here to see full biography.

About Ascension

Ascension is a multimedia network and the leader in Catholic faith formation and digital content. Over the past 25 years, Ascension has helped nurture the faith of over 20 million Catholics through award-winning books, the chart-topping Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)® podcast, more than 50 unique faith formation programs, and the Ascension Presents media and YouTube platforms.

Announcing Divine Fulfillment Free Online Conference

SOCA (Souls of the Christian Apostolate) is thrilled to announce its transformative **3-Day Online Conference**, a one-of-a-kind event designed to guide participants from feelings of emptiness to a state of divine fulfillment. This free, virtual conference unites experts in psychology and spiritual theology to explore the intersection of mental health and mental prayer, offering an unprecedented approach to addressing both mental and spiritual well-being.

Scheduled to take place from Dec 27th-29th, the conference will feature respected Catholic bishops, licensed mental health professionals, and seasoned thought leaders. Together, they will address some of the most pressing psychological and spiritual challenges facing Catholics today, including anxiety, depression, isolation, and lack of purpose. Participants will have the opportunity to receive not only inspiration but also practical, faith-based tools to enhance their mental well-being and strengthen their connection to God.

“Our event is not only about inspiring change but providing attendees with actionable steps to overcome their unique mental and spiritual struggles,” said Daniel Coleman, spokesperson for the Divine Fulfillment Conference. “At a time when so many feel isolated or overwhelmed, this conference shows that true peace and purpose are attainable.”

Key features of the conference include:

– Exclusive Talks: Led by Catholic spiritual leaders, mental health experts, and community figures with firsthand experience, each session offers solutions rooted in the rich tradition of Catholic theology.

– Practical Guidance for Mental and Spiritual Peace: In addition to spiritual insight, attendees will receive practical techniques and tools to address common struggles and improve their daily lives. Contact information for professional mental health will be made available.

– Available 1-on-1 Interior Life Discipleship: For those seeking a more personalized experience, SOCA offers one-on-one discipleship sessions in the months following the event to help integrate newfound Christian meditative practices into everyday life.

Quotes from Program Participants:

“[This] support has genuinely transformed my life. It’s been the missing piece to finding peace and purpose.” — Alex  

“As a busy mom, they made mental prayer feel accessible, and it has truly changed my outlook on life.” — Melissa

“Through [these resources], I really focused on mental prayer and surrendered myself to God and I am so thankful to say that I am now discerning religious life and I will be visiting a religious order in January. So I just want to thank you for your amazing dedication to bring people closer to Christ through mental prayer.” – Young woman who asked to remain anonymous

“SOCA – Souls of the Christian Apostolate— is among the honest and enthusiastic efforts in the Church today to contribute to the all-important work of Evangelization, sowing the seed of the Gospel in people’s hearts, and thereby to bring our world to Jesus, the Lord of Life.” -AB. Gullickson

Some of the speakers include:

Archbishops Gudziak, Sample, Naumann, and Perez, Bishops Conley, Whalen, Hying, lay leaders Bob Schuchts, Neal Lozano, Kyle Clement, mental health professionals Drs. Theresa Burke, Peter Kleponis and Aaron Kheriaty, and many more…

How to Register:

This free online event is open to all who are ready to experience a renewed sense of purpose and peace. To register or learn more, please visit www.divinefulfillmentconference.com.

Pope approves beatification of martyred Estonian Archbishop Profittlich

(Devin Watkins/Vatican News) — Pope Francis held an audience on Wednesday with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, and authorized him to promulate decrees related to the causes of 21 men and women. The … Continue reading → The post Pope approves beatification of martyred Estonian Archbishop Profittlich appeared…

Pope approves beatification of martyred Estonian Archbishop Profittlich

Fr. Giovanni Merlini to Be Beatified on January 12, 2025

Dayton, OH— The Missionaries of the Precious Blood have announced the beatification of Fr. Giovanni Merlini, its third Moderator General, on January 12, 2025, at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. The occasion marks a significant milestone in recognizing Fr. Merlini’s unwavering dedication to faith, service, and the mission of the Church.

Fr. Giovanni Merlini (1795–1873) was a trusted confidant and successor to St. Gaspar del Bufalo, founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Fr. Merlini’s devotion to the Blood of Christ was instrumental in strengthening and expanding the congregation’s spiritual and apostolic mission throughout Europe and beyond. His legacy continues to inspire members of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and their lay collaborators worldwide.

The beatification liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. It follows Pope Francis’ recent recognition of a miracle attributed to Fr. Merlini’s intercession: The healing of a 68-year-old Italian man suffering from severe gastrointestinal bleeding, which led to anemia and then to renal failure and heart disease. His granddaughter, who attended a parish run by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, began praying for Father Merlini’s intercession and soon, the dicastery said, the man experienced a “rapid, complete and lasting” healing. The miracle underscores Fr. Merlini’s enduring impact as a channel of divine grace and his relevance as a model of holiness for the faithful today.

Fr. Jeffrey Kirch, provincial director of the United States Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, emphasized the profound importance of the event for the congregation and the broader Catholic community.

“Fr. Giovanni Merlini was a visionary leader who exemplified unwavering faith and dedication to the mission entrusted to him by St. Gaspar,” Fr. Kirch said. “His life and ministry embodied the selfless love of Christ, poured out in His Precious Blood for the redemption of the world. The beatification is not only a celebration of his sanctity, but an invitation to all of us to live more deeply the call to holiness in our daily lives.”

A Life Dedicated to God’ s Mission

Born in Spoleto, Italy, on August 28, 1795, Giovanni Merlini entered the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 1818, drawn by the dynamic preaching and deep spirituality of St. Gaspar del Bufalo. After the death of St. Gaspar in 1837, Fr. Merlini was elected the third Moderator General of the congregation, a role he held for nearly three decades.

Under Fr. Merlini’s leadership, the congregation experienced significant growth, establishing new missions and promoting devotion to the Precious Blood through preaching, catechesis, and written works. He was deeply committed to the spiritual formation of missionaries, emphasizing the importance of prayer, community, and pastoral zeal.

Fr. Merlini also played a pivotal role in advocating for the Feast of the Precious Blood, which was eventually established as a universal feast in the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1849. His collaboration with Church leaders of his time reflects his deep commitment to fostering unity and renewal within the Catholic Church. Merlini was also instrumental in St. Maria de Mattias’ founding of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.

A Continuing Legacy

The spiritual legacy of Fr. Merlini extends far beyond his lifetime. His writings and teachings continue to inspire members of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, lay associates, and countless others who seek to live out the call to holiness. The beatification underscores his enduring influence as a model of faith, leadership, and devotion.

Following the beatification, Fr. Merlini will be referred to as “Blessed,” and his feast day will be celebrated annually on February 12, the date of his death. The new liturgical celebration will serve as an ongoing reminder of his life of virtue and his intercession for the Church.

The Missionaries of the Precious Blood are organizing a series of events and pilgrimages leading up to the beatification, including prayer services, educational programs about Fr. Merlini’s life and mission, and opportunities for the faithful to learn more about the spirituality of the Precious Blood.

An Invitation to Celebrate

Catholics around the world are invited to join in celebrating this joyous occasion. Whether by attending the beatification in Rome, participating in local celebrations, or joining in prayer, the faithful are encouraged to give thanks for the gift of Fr. Merlini’s life and example.

“Fr. Merlini’s beatification is a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of his mission and the spirituality of the Precious Blood,” Fr. Kirch added. “It is our hope that this celebration will inspire a deeper devotion to Christ’s redeeming love and a renewed commitment to living as disciples of the Gospel.”

About the Missionaries of the Precious Blood

The Missionaries of the Precious Blood is a worldwide Roman Catholic congregation of priests, brothers, and lay associates. Founded by St. Gaspar del Bufalo in 1815, the congregation is dedicated to proclaiming the redeeming power of the Blood of Christ through ministry, mission, and service to those in need. Members of the congregation serve in a variety of pastoral, educational, and social justice ministries across five continents.

For more information about the beatification of Fr. Giovanni Merlini or the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, visit www.preciousblood.org.

Father Marcel Taillon Winds Up Term as Interim Vocations Director

WASHINGTON, DC — Father Marcel Taillon has completed his brief but consequential term as interim Vocations Director for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). Father Taillon, who joined the AMS on April 15, will return this month—as planned—to his home Diocese of Providence. By Christmas he will resume his role as pastor of Saint Thomas More Parish in Narragansett, RI.

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, expressed appreciation to Father Taillon for his service, guiding young men discerning the “vocation within a vocation” to priesthood and military chaplaincy.

Archbishop Broglio said: “I am very grateful for the enthusiasm and the expert ministry that Father Taillon offered in a few, but very intense months. The numbers at the fall discernment retreat speak for themselves, but more importantly, this dedicated, fine priest quickly grasped the needs of the Archdiocese, the challenges of her ministry, and how to communicate both. He will be missed, but I am grateful to Archbishop Henning and the Diocese of Providence for the time he was able to serve the AMS.”

As AMS Vocations Director, Father Taillon mentored record numbers of prospective priests and military chaplains through two four-day discernment retreats. He counseled substantial numbers of servicemen, already on active duty, discerning a possible vocation. He expanded to 35 the number of men enrolled in the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, a vocations partnership between the AMS and partner dioceses throughout the United States. Seven new priests and eight new transitional deacons were ordained this year on his watch.

While Father Taillon looks forward to returning to Rhode Island, he will greatly miss ushering in a new generation of Catholic priests to celebrate and safeguard the practice of faith in the U.S. Military:

“I was astonished at the substantial number of active-duty servicemen who are actively discerning from all the branches all over the world. The most inspiring part of the ministry has been knowing our co-sponsored seminarians who are spiritually mature in their answering a call within a call. They have tremendous maturity and depth and a profound respect for those they are preparing to serve who serve us. The future of the chaplain core is full of hope.”

Father Taillon, 59, came to the AMS with plenty of experience as a vocations director and recruiter in his home Diocese of Providence, where he was director of spiritual formation at Our Lady of Providence Seminary. Father Tallion had served as pastor of Saint Thomas More Parish in Narragansett for 17 years before moving to Washington as AMS Vocations Director on an interim basis, succeeding Father S. Matthew Gray, Ch, Capt, USAF, who was unexpectedly called back to his home Diocese of Charleston, SC, before deploying to the Middle East with the South Carolina Air National Guard. In Rhode Island, Father Taillon had also served as a chaplain for the Narragansett Police and Fire Departments and the South Kingstown Police Department. He will continue in his longtime role as Catholic program host on Relevant Radio, helping pursue its mission “to bring Christ to the world through the media.”

A cradle Catholic born in Woonsocket, RI, once known as “the most French city in the United States,” Father Taillon began to discern his own vocation in his 20s while traveling the country as a pharmacy operations analyst for CVS. He was ordained a priest in Providence on Sept. 1, 1994, following five years of formational study at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Fluent in French and Italian, Father Taillon holds a Degree of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (“the Angelicum”), a Licentiate in Moral Theology from the Pontifical University of St. John Lateran, and an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and the Humanities from Providence College.

Archbishop Broglio will name Father Taillon’s successor as AMS Vocations Director at a later date.

Spirited Audio Adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” from The Merry Beggars Soars Atop Podcast Charts

Chicago, IL, December 12, 2024 — The timeless 19th century classic novel from Charles Dickens comes alive to families in a whole new way as an Audio Advent Calendar thanks to the creative interpretation of The Merry Beggars, a Christian entertainment apostolate dedicated to producing uplifting and  exceptionally-produced audio content for families.  Adapted into 25 immersive installments, featuring the vocal talents of professional actors, “A Christmas Carol: An Audio Advent Calendar” has surpassed the 1 million download mark, officially reaching #1 in the Apple Fiction Podcast category for 2024.

“I grew up reading an Advent calendar of A Christmas Carol–the most abridged version of Charles Dickens you’re ever going to read– in 24 little booklets,” recalled The Merry Beggars Founder and Executive Producer Peter Atkinson.  “Inspired by that experience, we made the bold and ambitious decision in 2021 to transform the beloved story into a series of 25 brief audio plays, with each episode falling under 12 minutes in length.  Three years later, I’m humbled to see this project become a new Advent tradition for families and to know that The Merry Beggars is playing some small role in helping to build homes full of adventure, joy, and faith.”

Rather than telling the story from Scrooge’s point of view, The Merry Beggars’ adaptation focuses on Charles Dickens as the storyteller, taking listeners back to 1843 London when Dickens delivered the first public reading, one short week after the book was first published.  Listeners will take note of the intricate sound design as well that makes the audio dramas so special–from the chilling wind and startling rap on the door to the rattling of Marley’s chains.  

“A Christmas Carol: An Audio Advent Calendar” saw instant success even in the first year of release with tens of thousands of listeners tuning in.  Since 2022, it has consistently peaked at #3 in the Apple Fiction Podcast charts.  Now in its third year of release, its ever growing listenership has propelled it to the #1 spot in Fiction, in the top 50 of Podcast Series, and closing in on the Top 100 list of all Apple Podcasts.  Increasing demand prompted The Merry Beggars to release free companion resources this year such as coloring pages, activity sheets, and family discussion questions.

Reflecting on the success of the project, Atkinson noted, “I founded The Merry Beggars with one mission: to heal our culture.  It became clear to me while acting in New York City that Hollywood was never going to produce stories that aligned with my Catholic faith. So we created our own.” Atkinson continued, “It is our privilege to serve hundreds of thousands of families by producing beautiful, adventurous, and truly exceptional entertainment.”

“A Christmas Carol: An Audio Advent Calendar”is available to download at https://adventwithscrooge.com/ or any platform where podcasts can be streamed.  Subscribers can receive daily episodes directly to their inbox and access supplemental resources via signup.

Meet the Brooklyn teacher devoted to protecting Polish culture for new generations

When Bożena Konkiel first started teaching music and math at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood in 2000, nearly 80% of her students were Polish-American. These days, that number is as low as 20% — and in some classes, zero.

But Konkiel’s devotion to teaching and celebrating the music of her native Poland is helping keep this crucial cultural connection alive for the area’s students and the greater community.

“I teach all of my students at St. Stanislaus Kostka to sing in three languages: English, Polish, and Latin,” says Konkiel. As both the school’s Math Honors teacher and its Music Director, she has led her students in several live performances at Carnegie Hall and produced multiple CDs of students singing Christmas carols in both Polish and English. In 2023, one of her musical fundraising efforts raised $27K for the school community.

Konkiel believes the popularity of Polish music among diverse NYC audiences reflects both an active curiosity in sharing authentic cultural experiences and also Polish-Americans’ deep desire to stay anchored in their cultural heritage — a feeling Konkiel herself knows all too well.

When she first traveled to the US in 1999 to visit her mother, who had moved here from Poland, Konkiel never expected she’d stay for the next quarter-century. Already a celebrated teacher, choreographer, and choir conductor in Poland, Konkiel found her musical talents in high demand in the US, and especially in Brooklyn’s Catholic schools — despite Konkiel knowing almost no English.

“After a few years of working with the Polish community in Greenpoint and taking English lessons, a parent asked if I was interested in teaching Catholic school, and the sisters convinced me to work with them,” says Konkiel. “The first class I taught was 8th grade. I was working hard to pronounce each word correctly, but I accidentally pronounced Jesus ‘cheeses,’ which the students found very funny. Fortunately they helped me learn the proper pronunciations of the words we used in class. The children I teach have really inspired me.”

That inspiration has lifted Konkiel’s teaching and leadership skills to impressive heights.

In addition to winning numerous honors in both math and music over the past 25 years, Konkiel’s students have also performed live at Steinway Hall, the Kosciuszko Foundation, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland. In 2017, Konkiel was honored by the Children’s Smile Foundation for her active involvement in supporting children in need, and in 2022 she was honored by Polish President Andrzej Duda with the Silver Cross Medal for her efforts promoting Polish culture in the US. She has twice served as the Greenpoint Grand Marshal for the Pulaski Parade, and she currently serves on the Board of Directors of Brooklyn’s Polish Slavic Center.

“I think a lot of Polish people living in the US miss Poland very much, and they enjoy hearing Polish music and going to Polish events. I miss it myself too,” says Konkiel, who still owns an apartment in the Polish city of Ostrołęka and visits every year. “I also love introducing American audiences to Polish music, because New York City is a melting pot and we should know each others’ culture.”

Welcome back, Notre Dame. You look stunning.

This is something to see. From CNN:  The resurrection of Notre Dame – the treasured Gothic gem in the heart of Paris struck by a devastating fire in 2019 – has been a closely guarded secret. Few had seen the meticulous work of architects, artisans and master craftspeople who have carefully brought the cathedral back to life.…

Welcome back, Notre Dame. You look stunning.

The Beatitudes: A Hidden Path to Mental Health Healing

Discover how the Beatitudes offer a powerful path to mental health healing through this inspiring conversation with Mark Hattas, award-winning author of “The Lowly Prophet.” In this eye-opening interview, Mark shares his extraordinary journey from mental health struggles to spiritual transformation, revealing how the Beatitudes became his foundation for healing. Mark opens up about the divine inspiration behind his latest book, written in just 9 remarkable days, and explains how Jesus’s teachings in the Beatitudes can be practically applied for mental and spiritual wellness. Learn how these ancient teachings work as a progressive system of healing, with each beatitude building upon the previous one. From bipolar disorder to spiritual awakening, Mark’s personal story demonstrates how combining faith with practical spiritual exercises can lead to profound healing. He shares powerful insights about making your home in the holy breath of God and releasing emotional attachments through the practice of the Beatitudes. If you’re seeking a fresh perspective on mental health healing or wanting to understand the Beatitudes in a new light, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope. Mark’s approach combines biblical truth with accessible practices that anyone can apply in their daily life. Watch as we explore this transformative path to wellness through Christ’s teachings, and learn how you too can begin your journey of healing through the Beatitudes.

U.S. Navy Chaplain Hopeful Ordained a Transitional Deacon in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – The Reverend Mr. Paul Collins, LT, USNR, a candidate for Catholic priesthood and United States Military chaplaincy, was ordained a transitional deacon on Saturday, Nov. 23, in his home Archdiocese of Los Angeles, CA. The new deacon is on track to be ordained a priest next year and hopes eventually to serve as a Catholic chaplain in the United States Navy, providing pastoral care to Catholic sailors, U.S. Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families, with endorsement and faculties from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS).

The Rev. Mr. Collins celebrated his diaconal ordination at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels through the laying of hands and the prayer of consecration invoking the Holy Spirit by L.A. Auxiliary Bishop Brian Nunes. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, concelebrated the 9:00 a.m. ordination Mass. Among those in attendance were the new deacon’s entire immediate family.

The Rev. Mr. Collins, 32, is a 2016 graduate of California State University, Northridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in Psychology. He is now pursuing a Master of Divinity (MDiv) at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA, where he is in priestly formation. Upon presbyteral ordination next year he will invest three years in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, gaining priestly experience before acceding to active duty under his Co-sponsored Seminarian Agreement with that archdiocese and the AMS.

The Rev. Mr. Collins says he began to realize his calling to be a priest when he was 21 years old while serving as a missionary in Peru. “After returning to the States,” he says, “it became very clear over time that nothing was going to be fulfilling to me outside of responding to my vocation.” He looks forward to serving Catholics in the sea services, particularly “hearing confessions and forming people in the faith.”

The Rev. Mr. Collins is among 35 Catholic U.S. Military chaplain candidates currently enrolled in the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, a vocations partnership between the AMS and cooperating U.S. dioceses and religious communities. This year alone, nine acceded to active duty as chaplains.

Young men interested in discerning a priestly vocation, and the vocation within a vocation to serve those who serve in the U.S. military, can find more information at www.milarch.org/vocations, or may contact AMS Vocations Director Father Marcel Taillon at vocations@milarch.org or (202) 719-3600.