LEWISTON — Brother Raoul (Irenee) Richard was ordained to the permanent diaconate on June 11. The ordination took place at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, conferred by the Most Rev. Robert M. Gay, Bishop Emeritus of Kabale, Uganda.
Permanent deacons make a lifelong commitment to serving in this position in the Catholic Church as either a married or celibate deacon. Deacons proclaim the Gospel during Mass, may deliver homilies and perform the sacraments of baptism, witness weddings and conduct wake and funeral services.
This was an unusual diaconal ordination in that Brother Richard, age 67, entered the Dominican Order in 1962. After serving the Friars in various ministries, he has been ministering at St. Martin de Porres Residence, a homeless shelter he founded in Lewiston 20 years ago. His assignment from the Dominicans will be to continue his primary ministry in the Diocese of Portland at the residence, as well as fulfilling sacramental duties for Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston.
Brother Richard was born in Lewiston, graduated from St. Dominic’s High School in Auburn and earned a certificate in pastoral studies from the LIMEX program at Loyola University New Orleans.
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