News & Events

Brs. Abhishek and Balu Ordained Deacons in the Holy Land

Jerusalem, June 15, 2025 — On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, fourteen Franciscan friars were ordained deacons at the Church of Saint Saviour in Jerusalem. The liturgy was presided over by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

In his homily, the Cardinal reflected on the Trinity as a model of communion and self-giving, calling the new deacons to be servants of the Word, the Eucharist, and unity. He urged them to build bridges in a world marked by division and to see their ministry as a gift, not a step in a career.

Among those ordained were Br. Abhishek Mariswamy, OFM, and Br. Bal Reddy Gali, OFM, members of the province of St. Thomas the Apostle, India. Their ordination, alongside brothers from various nations, highlighted the universal nature of the Church and the mission of peace in the Holy Land.

With gratitude to their formators, families, and communities, the new deacons committed themselves to serve in humility and love, following the example of Christ and St. Francis of Assisi.

Back