In the coming weeks, our diocesan Church will experience the joy of celebrating three diaconal ordinations. Three men, each with a unique story, have discerned a deep calling: to serve Christ and his Church as permanent deacons.

The permanent diaconate is a ministry of service rooted in the Gospel. The deacon is a living witness of charity, a man of prayer, of the Word, and of closeness to the least among us. By receiving this sacrament, these men become visible signs of the love of Christ the Servant at the heart of the world.

We invite you to discover their journeys, pray for them, and join in the celebrations of their ordination.

Friday, May 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. – Mission Sainte-Thérèse d'Avila

Mr. Noé Fernando Castro Valdizon

Fernando is a man of faith rooted in service. Born in Guatemala, he has lived in Montreal with his wife Azucena for over 30 years. He is the father of two children and is active in the Marist lay community. Since 2017, their involvement in the Sainte-Thérèse d'Ávila parish has intensified, particularly in catechesis and digital evangelization.

It was during the Diocesan Synod in 1999 that Fernando felt his first calling. Twenty years later, that calling became a conviction. For him, “the deacon becomes a permanent sign of service in the Church and in society.” He aspires to be a bridge between the world and the altar, carrying human realities in his prayers.

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Friday, May 23, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. – Saint-Théophile Parish

Mr. Jean-Denis Ménard

A native of Laval-Ouest, Jean-Denis is married to Brigitte, a father and grandfather. His journey to the diaconate began unexpectedly: a simple song in a choir became a life-changing encounter with Christ. This moment of grace rekindled his faith and his desire to serve.

Very involved in his parish, he became a churchwarden, catechist, and member of the Charismatic Renewal. Carried by a deep faith and supported by his family, he says today: “I am ready to answer the Lord's call and serve the most disadvantaged in our diocese.”

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Friday, June 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. – Saint Vincent Marie Strambi Parish

Mr. Benjamin Ntouo-Ngouoni

Benjamin is a man of his word and of mission. Born in Brazzaville, he is now a teacher, journalist, married to Aïcha, and father of two children. His journey of faith began at his baptism, matured over the years, and took root in Quebec, where he settled in 2009.

In 2016, while praying at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, he clearly heard the call to become a deacon. For him, this vocation is a response of love: “The diaconate is a gift from God. It will allow me to devote myself to works of charity and justice.”

Come celebrate!

Join us for the ordination celebrations and support our brothers as they say “yes” to the Lord.

The celebrations will be presided over by His Excellency Christian Lépine, Archbishop of Montreal.

• Friday, May 16 – 7:30 p.m.: Noé Fernando Castro Valdizon
• Mission Sainte-Thérèse d'Ávila
• Friday, May 23 – 7:30 p.m.: Jean-Denis Ménard
• Parish of Saint-Théophile
• Friday, June 20 – 7:30 p.m.: Benjamin Ntouo-Ngouoni
• Parish of Saint-Vincent-Marie-Strambi

United in prayer for our future deacons

“Lord, make these men servants after Your own heart. May they be faithful witnesses of Your love, available, humble, and joyful in their mission.”

Our world needs witnesses who live their faith in action. The deacon is present where pain, poverty, and the search for meaning are heard. He proclaims the Gospel in words and deeds. These three men become the faces of Christ the Servant, sent to the heart of our diocesan Church.