by Joe Bollig
joe.bollig@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — One man came from across the sea, the other from just across State Line Road. But both were recently ordained deacons for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on May 22 at St. Peter Cathedral here.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann ordained Daniel Coronado Arguedas from Costa Rica and Michael Guastello from Kansas City, Missouri, to the transitional diaconate — fulfilling “one of the great responsibilities and joys of the ministry of bishop,” said the archbishop.
Present for the ordination were several seminarians serving as acolytes, six permanent deacons, masters of ceremony Msgr. Gary Applegate and Father John Riley, 42 priests, including Cathedral rector Father Harold Schneider, and Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher.
Archbishop Naumann was the homilist, main celebrant of the ordination Mass and ordaining minister.
In his comments, the archbishop acknowledged the presence of several members of the various religious orders within the archdiocese.
He also welcomed Abbot Vincent Bataille, OSB, from Mundelein Seminary in Chicago; Father Randall Soto from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis; and Father Edgar Montoya from Costa Rica.
After the Liturgy of the Word, Archbishop Naumann called the two men forward. After codirector of seminarians Msgr. Michael Mullen testified they were worthy, the archbishop said, “We choose these our brothers Daniel and Michael for the order of the diaconate.” This was followed by a “Thanks be to God” from all and loud applause.
In his homily, Archbishop Naumann offered a special word of gratitude to Jorge Coronado and Ana Arguedas, the parents of Deacon Coronado, and Michael and Frances Guastello, parents of Deacon Guastello.
“For most ordained ministers, the first and most important seminary was the family,” said the archbishop. “We thank God for the goodness and beauty of your marriages as we recognize in Daniel’s and Michael’s ordination one important fruit of your marital love.”
During the ordination ceremony, Deacon Coronado and Deacon Guastello made promises to fulfill the ministry of the diaconate “with the help of God,” and Archbishop Naumann ordained them by the ancient rite of the laying on of hands.
The deacons were vested and Archbishop Naumann presented each with the Book of the Gospels and the admonition to “believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”
Although brief, the transitional diaconate is an important step toward ordination to the priesthood. During their ordinations, the two men received authority in the name of the church to preach, baptize, preside at funerals, witness marriages and serve the faithful in the ministries of charity.
Deacon Coronado was vested by Father Oswaldo Sandoval and Father Edgar Montoya. Deacon Guastello was vested by Father Gerard Alba.
Deacon Coronado has been assigned to ministry at Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, and Deacon Guastello has been assigned to ministry at the cathedral. Both men will resume their seminary formation at Mundelein Seminary in August. After the completion of their studies, both will be ordained on May 27, 2017, at the cathedral.
