The Oblate community will be wrapping up September with one of our favorite types of celebrations — an ordination!
On September 30th at 10 AM EST, our seminarians Br. Jorge Sanchez and Br. Jonathon Hank will be ordained to the Order of Deacon through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit.
This next step in the journey to the priesthood, serving God’s people as deacons, is an incredible milestone for both men. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating both Br. Jorge and Br. Jonathon at their Diaconate Ordination.
Brother Jorge Sanchez
The second of three children, Br. Jorge was born in Fullerton, CA. Before joining the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, he earned his AA degree in Film from Cerritos College and worked as an assistant on some film shoots. A man who enjoys editing and writing scripts for films, Br. Jorge counts Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, and Christopher Nolan among his favorite directors.
He first heard of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary through his godparents, who were married at the OMV parish of St. Peter Chanel in Hawaiian Gardens, CA. Br. Jorge entered the seminary in September 2016, entered the novitiate in August 2018, professed his first vows in August 2019, and professed his final vows in May 2023.
Leading up to his ordination, he’s shared some thoughts and reflections with the Oblates of the Virgin Mary community and supporters.
On Ven. Bruno Lanteri:
“Venerable Bruno Lanteri’s teaching on ‘Nunc Coepi’ serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of taking that initial step in my spiritual journey. It encapsulates the idea that even in moments of doubt or hesitation, the decision to ‘begin again’ or renew my commitment to God is a significant and transformative act.
His teaching encouraged me to recognize that my spiritual path may have moments of uncertainty or setbacks, but the act of ‘begin again’ is a courageous declaration of faith. It invites me to trust in God’s guidance and to persevere on my journey, regardless of the challenges I may encounter.
In reflecting on ‘Nunc Coepi,’ I am reminded that each day is an opportunity to renew my commitment to my faith and to take that first step, no matter how small, towards a deeper connection with God. It emphasizes the importance of resilience, determination, and trust in our spiritual pursuits, echoing Venerable Bruno Lanteri’s wisdom and devotion to the Catholic faith.”
A Message of Thanks:
“I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support on my journey toward diaconate ordination. Your prayers, encouragement, and presence in my life have been a source of immense strength and inspiration.
As I prepare to take this sacred step in my faith journey, I am humbled by the love and faith you have shown me. Your belief in my calling has been a guiding light, and I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving our Church as a deacon.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I embark on this path, knowing that your support is a testament to the unity and strength of our Catholic community. Together, we shall continue to grow in faith and service to God.
Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for being an essential part of this blessed journey.”
A Note of Encouragement:
“I want to extend a word of encouragement to all who may be considering the path to the Catholic priesthood. It is a journey filled with challenges and blessings, and your contemplation of this vocation is a courageous step.
Know that your willingness to explore this calling is a testament to your faith and the unique gifts you bring to our Church. Embrace the discernment process with an open heart, seeking guidance in prayer and through the support of others.
Remember that you are not alone on this journey. Many have walked this path before you, and their experiences have enriched our Church. Your commitment to serving God and His people is a noble endeavor that can bring immense fulfillment.
May you find clarity, peace, and joy as you discern your vocation. Trust in God’s plan for your life, and know that the entire Catholic community is here to support and pray for you.”
Br. Jonathon Hank
Br. Jonathon is from Corcoran, MN, a small suburb of Minneapolis. The first of three children, Br. Jonathon earned his B.S. in Physics and Mathematics in 2015 from the University of Minnesota, where he was active in Saint Paul’s Outreach. He enjoys camping, hiking, board games, and the occasional math problem.
He first heard of the Oblates when reading Fr. Tim Gallagher’s “Discernment of Spirits,” and was recommended to them by the campus minister at his university. Br. Jonathon began his first year of postulancy in September 2016, entered the novitiate in August 2018, professed his first vows in August 2019, and professed his final vows in May 2023.
In preparation for his ordination, Br. Jonathon has also shared some thoughts and reflections with our community.
On Ven. Bruno Lanteri:
“I chose to follow Venerable Bruno Lanteri for several reasons: his love of Mary, his Ignatian spirituality, his teaching on mercy, and his example of holiness and consistency. All of these different aspects are really integrated in his life and ministry, and I love that and want to imitate that. My great desire as an Oblate Deacon (and later Priest) is to share God’s mercy with those I minister to, through the Lanterian charism that has been passed on to me through this community.”
A Message of Thanks:
“All of this — my vocation, my ministry, my formation — is a pure gift from God, to whom I am incredibly grateful. But it’s also a gift from all of you who have supported me along the way. Your prayers and financial support have helped make my vocation a reality. I could not ask for a greater gift. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!”
A Note of Encouragement:
“If you’re reading this and you’re discerning a vocation to the Oblates, or maybe you’ve just begun to think about a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, my encouragement to you is: Be not afraid! Don’t be afraid to reach out, or to visit. Don’t be afraid to wrestle with that call. If God is inviting you to consider a vocation, He’ll make it work. Give Him a chance — you might be surprised.”
How to Watch Online
All are welcome to witness the Diaconate Ordinations of Br. Jorge and Br. Jonathon. The event will be live streamed from St. Clement Shrine and available on the Shrine’s website, Facebook and YouTube channel.
- Diaconate Ordination: Saturday, September 30 at 10 am ET
After the events, recordings will be available on Facebook.
Make a Gift in Honor of Brs. Jorge and Jonathon
Celebrate the Diaconate Ordinations of Br. Jorge and Jonathon by making a gift to the Seminarian Fund! It supports all those answering God’s call to service through the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. The fund helps cover the cost of living, learning and service in our seminaries so that each young man can remain focused on his formation.
