Two Men Ordained Deacons for the
Diocese of Baton Rouge

A jubilant spirit filled St. Joseph Cathedral as Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained Deacon Byron Paul Bordelon III and Deacon David Alan Odland to the permanent diaconate on May 24.

The ordination Mass began with the Rite of Ordination.

The deacons-elect confidently responded, “Present,” when Deacon Terry Bellon, director of the office of formation for the permanent diaconate, called them forth to stand in front of Bishop Duca. Father Paul Gros presented them to the bishop.  Father Jamin David, vicar general of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, testified to their readiness to be ordained. The bishop then chose the candidates, and the congregation indicated their approval with applause.

In his homily, the bishop told the deacon candidates that their thoughts of entering the diaconate likely came from various sources, such as things they had seen or conversations they had had with others, and “something resonated” with them. 

“Your imagination took over. Is this possible?  Do I really want this? Can I do this? No way can I do this,” Bishop Duca said.

But along the way, they had encouragement from the Lord and people that led them to answer the call.

The bishop reminded the candidates that their call to the diaconate comes from Jesus, as stated in the day’s Gospel reading from John 15:9-17: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.”
Top right photo: Bishop Michael G. Duca, Center, is pictured with newly ordained deacons, Deacon David Odland, left, and Deacon Byron Bordelon III. Photos by Abry Layrisson | Digital Media Manager, Diocese of Baton Rouge.

Above photo: Deacon Odland and Bordelon lie prostrate before the altar during the singing of the Litany of the Saints.
 ​“It is not some great thing that we have chosen God,” said Bishop Duca, “but the great thing is that he has chosen us. Each of us individually in our way to come follow him.”

With a smile, the bishop said, “Today we’re rejoicing that you have been prepared well. We know it’s a complete preparation. It is nothing lighthearted. It is serious and sincere and hopefully it deepened your faith in a profound way that you have that profound faith to hand on to others.”

The bishop reminded the deacons-elect that they are first ordained for the ministry of charity. They will preach, baptize, officiate at weddings, and lay people to rest at funeral services.

“But at the heart of it is the service of charity – it is the deep well in which you are called to draw strength and inspiration in ministry,” Bishop Duca said.

He emphasized their ministry is a one of charity and love and a gift to the church.

After the homily, the deacons-elect stood before the bishop as he questioned them about their intentions for the diaconate. Each of the candidates then kneeled before the bishop and promised their obedience to Bishop Duca and his successors.

In a moving part of the ceremony, the men lay prostrate before the altar as the assembly sang the litany of the saints. The bishop then laid his hands on the head of each deacon-elect. Each newly ordained deacon received vestments to mark their official status in the church. Deacon Bordelon was vested by his wife, Deirdre, and Father Paul Yi, pastor of St. George Church in Baton Rouge. Deacon Odland was vested by his wife, Kay’d, and Father Andrew Merrick, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Prairieville.

In final part of the rite of ordination, Bishop Duca hugged the new deacons as a gesture of peace, after which Bishop Emeritus Robert W. Muench and the vested deacons did the same.

The Mass then proceeded to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 

Near the completion of Mass, Dr. Brian Pedraza, associate professor of theology at FranU presented Deacons Bordelon and Odland with certificates in Catholic Theology and Catechesis.

At the end of Mass, the congregation erupted in cheers and applause as Deacon Odland and Deacon Bordelon processed down the aisle as the closing hymn, “Oh God Beyond All Praising,” majestically resounded in the Cathedral.
Deacon Candidates Byron Bordelon, left, and Deacon David Odland pictured before they were ordained deacons during a special ordination Mass.