Denver Catholic

12 MAY 13-26, 2017 | DENVER CATHOLIC NICHOLAS LARKIN Deacon Nicholas Larkin was inspired to become a priest by St. John Paul II. After watching the broadcast of the saint's visit to Denver in 1993, he decided that he wanted to become Pope — but family members pointed out that being a priest fi rst was necessary. Now, his ordination to the priesthood takes place on the anniversary of one of St. John Paul's greatest devotions: Our Lady of Fatima. "I cannot but help but see the hand of Providence in being ordained on the 100th anniverary of Fatima. I entered seminary nine years ago, right out of high school. And without a doubt I know that it has been Our Lady who has gotten me to this moment," Deacon Larkin said. "Our Lady has played a vital role in forming my priestly heart and identity. She, more than anyone else, has taught me to ponder the mysteries of salvation prayerfully in my heart." "And Her purity has strengthened me in living out my celibacy joyfully," Deacon Larkin continued. "To be ordained on the 100th anniversary of Fatima is to be absolutely assured that she has me under her mantle. My priesthood will be consecrated to Her Immaculate Heart." Father Larkin's fi rst Mass will be said at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Around the Archdiocese PETER WOJDA Deacon Peter Wojda came to realize his call to the priesthood after spending time as a missionary with The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). After several years of discernment, he realized that he had discerned as much as he could outside the seminary; the next step was to enter. For Wojda, being ordained on the 100th anniversary of Fatima is a blessing. "God has a particular plan for me as a priest. I did not choose this date but God did. He is calling me to grow in love of Mary, the Mother of God, and be guided by her in my priesthood," Deacon Wojda said. "I know that she also loves me and desires me to have that same love for all of her spiritual children as I serve them as their priest. I want to have a pure and sacrifi cial love like Mary has." Father Wojda's fi rst Mass will be at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Longmont. SHAUN GALVIN After experiencing an encounter with God at a CU Boulder Awakening retreat, Deacon Shaun Galvin started to get involved his faith, which then led him to discern his vocation and decide to become a priest. "It is quite an honor to have my ordination day on such a special occasion as the 100th anniversary of Fatima," Deacon Galvin said. "I look forward to continuing to grow in my relationship with Our Lady, particularly as a priest, as priests are honored with a special identifi cation with her son." Father Galvin's fi rst Mass will be said at St. Joseph's Parish in Fort Collins. DANIEL CIUCCI Deacon Daniel Ciucci recounted seven years ago when he and some of his classmates dreamt ahead of their ordination and would marvel at the idea of being ordained on the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima. "When we found out a few years ago that that was the date of the ordination, it was very thrilling," Deacon Ciucci said. "I have gone through di¯ cult moments throughout seminary and at each point I have re-o¨ ered my vocation to Our Lady of Fatima saying something to the e¨ ect of, 'Mama, if you want me you're going to have to work this out.'" In 2008, Deacon Ciucci was studying in Spain and made a pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal, which he said was very impactful, and especially reinvigorating for his devotion to the rosary. "Our Lady is a powerful intercessor and is tenderhearted; she always leads us to Jesus," he said. Father Ciucci's fi rst Mass will be at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Boulder. Priestly ordination on Fatima Centennial a reminder of Mary's role in priesthood

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