Rev Anthony Abraham is applauded after being presented to the congregation by Bishop Murry, right. Standing in the background is diocesan administrator, Msgr Michael Kosak.

Seminarian Anthony Abraham was ordained deacon during a January 3 concelebrated Mass at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, St Thomas, US Virgin Island.

Presiding over the ceremony was Bishop George V Murry, SJ, former bishop of the diocese of St Thomas.

Among the concelebrants were Msgr Michael Kosak, diocesan administrator, and Fr Neil Scantlebury, vocations director. Other clergy, religious and permanent deacons were also present.

Trinidadians Steve Ransome and Nigel Noël witnessed the ordination ceremony. The diocesan choir and the parish choir lead the singing. A reception was hosted by the church community after the Mass.

Rev Abraham, who has returned to the Regional Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs to complete his studies, hopes to be ordained to the priesthood in August.