Bishop Ruggieri reflects on conversations with those discerning vocation and explains the universal call to a vocation to holiness.
Vocations
Ezekiel Yisi Banla and Evans Bongwun-nyuy Yongyee were ordained for the Diocese of Kumbo at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
Nearly 1,000 people attended the ordination Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop James Ruggieri at the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul in Lewiston.
The retreat drew dozens of teens and young adults to St. Joseph Church in Brewer, where they attended workshops led by sisters, brothers, priests, and a married couple.
Ordained to the priesthood by Bishop James Ruggieri in June, Father Matthew Valles reflects on his journey to the priesthood, his ordination day, and his early ministry as a priest of the Diocese of Portland.
Bishop James Ruggieri ordained Deacon Matthew Valles to the priesthood during a Mass celebrated at St. John Church in Bangor. Approximately 600 people attended the ordination Mass.
Tien Hoa Nguyen, Thanh Duc Pham, and Erin Michael Donlon are ordained during a Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
During a retreat at St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunk last week, seminarians of the Diocese of Portland, along with Monsignor Andrew Dubois (diocesan director of the Office of Seminarians), joined in the jubilee celebration of Bishop Robert Deeley.
The Catholic Church will celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests on Friday, June 16. Established by Saint John Paul II in 2002, the celebration occurs annually on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Bishop Robert Deeley and nine priests of the diocese were honored for their years of priestly ministry during the Jubilarian Mass celebrated at Holy Redeemer Church in Bar Harbor.
Sister Judy has been the leader of the Maine sector of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon since 2017, but her time as a Sister began 39 years ago.
Prayers will be offered on Sunday that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes.
The assignments take effect immediately.
Bishop Robert Deeley ordained Daniel Mahoney to the permanent diaconate during a Mass celebrated at St. Martha Church in Kennebunk.
Father Michael Adebote, SMA, is now serving as a hospital chaplain in Lewiston.
“We join with others for the unity of neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God.”
Seminarian Vinh Nguyen publicly expresses his desire to pursue holy orders during the Rite of Candidacy celebrated by Bishop Robert Deeley.
A special collection will be held during all Masses in Maine churches on Dec. 10-11 to help over 30,000 elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.
The Mass will be held on Saturday, November 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in Winthrop. All are welcome.
The diocese welcomes Father Elaiyaraja Thaniyel, HGN, and Father Brittoraj Amalogam, HGN, members of the Heralds of Good News.
Father Simon Assogba, SMA, is now serving at the Parish of the Precious Blood in Caribou.
December 27, 2025
Event
This one-day retreat offers men a prayerful, reflective space to encounter the Lord and to explore the call to holiness. Whether you are discerning a call to priesthood, religious life, or simply seeking clarity in your relationship with Christ, this retreat provides a grounded and supportive environment for listening to the voice of God.
