The Viatorian Community in France is celebrating a pair of ordinations on successive weekends.
“The Lord has graced us with two ordinations of deacon,” said Fr. Pierre Demierre, CSV, Provincial. “These celebrations centered us on our baptism. Being a child of God remains a vocation and a destiny for each one of us.”
Associate Christian Pizot
Associate Christian Pizot was ordained a permanent deacon on June 20 in the Church of Oullins. Monsignor Mishel Dubost presided and at the end of the ceremony, Christian made his definitive commitment as an associate.
One week later, Br. Philippe Arnal, CSV, was ordained a transitional deacon, taking him one step closer to the priesthood. The ordination took place in the Cathedral of Rodez, with Bishop François Marie Aimé Marius Fonlupt presiding.
Br. Philippe has a passion for Medieval and modern history, as well as philosophy, French literature, Latin and Greek. Currently, he teaches history, Latin and French literature at Louis Querbes Lycée in Rodez, while studying theology part time at the Catholic University in Toulouse.
Br. Philippe Arnal, center
“The ordained, Christian and Philip, each in his own way and in his own place of calling, are called and sent as servants,” Fr. Demierre said. “To be a servant is to recognize a love that surpasses us in doing the will of the Father in Heaven and in obeying as Son.”
Fr. Pierre Demierre
Br. Philippe has been assigned to serve as a deacon at three parishes, Notre Dame des Trois Horizons, St Marc des Causses and St Jean des Sources, all in Rodez.
“Our gatherings on these two weekends mean that we are not alone,” Fr. Demierre added. “We, the Viatorians, walk with all those who, in every place, invoke the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is why we have felt very close to one another, living a strong communion among the baptized. Together we are sent, each according to our vocation, as witnesses of God’s love to the world.”