Seminarian Nicholas Esposito was admitted to candidacy for the priesthood Oct. 6 at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y. Bishop Octavio Cisneros, retired auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn, presided at the Mass, with Bishop James Massa, seminary rector, concelebrating.
The Rite of Admission to Candidacy represents a two-way commitment between the seminarian and the Church. During the rite, the seminarian publicly states his firm resolve to complete his formation and dedicate himself to ordained ministry for the service of God and his people. For its part, the Church (represented by the bishop) recognizes the genuineness of the seminarian’s vocation and enrolls him among the official candidates for the diaconate and priesthood.
“This is a great step for Nicholas, but not the end of his journey,” said Father Adam Cichoski, director of vocations for the Diocese of Camden. “Candidacy marks the point where the seminarian shifts from a period of open discernment to a more focused and intentional preparation for ordination. Please continue to keep Nicholas and his classmates in your prayers.”
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