On Saturday, October 17, 2009, Bishop Gerald Dino from Van Nuys Eparchy ordained Diódoro Mendoza, a third year theology student to the minor orders of Candle-Bearer, Reader and Cantor in the Seminary chapel. These orders are the first steps on the journey to diaconal and priestly orders. Diódoro came to the Seminary from Our Lady of Wisdom Church in Las Vegas, NV. In the following article, Diódoro shares his reflections on receiving orders.

Clothe your servant, Diódoro, who has chosen to carry a candle before your holy Mysteries, with a pure and spotless garment that shining with light, he may greet You in the age to come and receive the crown of immortal life, rejoicing with the elect in eternal happiness.

My recent ordination to the order of Candle-Bearer, Reader and Cantor has had me reflecting on my relationship with God. I remember my first introduction to Jesus Christ, when I was a very young boy as an Assembly of God/Pentecostal Christian. Many years later, as a non-denominational Christian I felt the first tug in my heart to serve the Lord. After discussing with my sister about the various Protestant theologies in light of Catholic theology, we began to investigate some of our theological differences and slowly discovered the history of Christianity and the one holy, catholic, and apostolic church. I finally began to see myself serving in a legitimate and authentic ministry, the holy priesthood.

My theological studies in the Seminary have really shaped and informed my Christian faith. Some of the courses that have edified me tremendously have been Pastoral Care and Counseling, Theology of the Divine Liturgy and Catholic Social Teaching. In addition, the spiritual formation and field education programs are excellent opportunities to further develop one's discernment for the priesthood.

Diódoro chants the epistle.

As I was kneeling in front of Bishop Gerald on Saturday, while receiving his blessing and preparing to be tonsured, I began to realize that I not only committed myself in answering the Lord’s call to this vocation by being in seminary studies, but I was physically offering a piece of myself, my hair. This moment felt timeless, as if time ceased to exist. The prayers said by the Bishop called to mind how one day I would meet the Lord as Savior and Judge, and so I said, yes, I will serve you and anticipate the day we meet. May I be found blameless and may my name be written in the book of life. The ordination to the Lectorate is a blessing; it was like a beautiful prayer, illuminated by the Holy Spirit. I am truly grateful!