(ANS – Madrid) – On 30 May, in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Madrid, four young Salesians – Mario Gnomo Ela, Pedro Trung Nguyen Thanh (SSM), Rubén Ponce Peña and José Ropero Torres (SMX) – and a Claretian – Felipe Rodríguez – were ordained deacons during a Mass presided over by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime. During the Eucharist, the newly ordained were joined by numerous young witnesses from the Salesian works where they carry out their pastoral work. Also present was a large group of Salesians from the two Spanish Provinces, including Fr Fernando Miranda, Provincial of SMX, and Fr José Carlos Sobejano, Provincial of SSM. In their words of thanks, the new deacons emphasised the significance of this moment. “We thank God for pouring out his love into each of our hearts,” they said, “and for calling us to follow his Son, for making himself present in our lives, and for the strength of the Spirit who helps us to grow and will sustain us in our mission as servants of the Kingdom.”
