Cardinal George extends his hands in prayer over the priests ordained at Holy Name Cathedral May 22.

Catholic New World photo/David V. Kamba

Ordinations, 2004

‘Cardinal George ordained 14 men as priests for the Archdiocese of Chicago May 22 at Holy Name Cathedral.

At the colorful ordination rite, the cardinal encouraged the 14 in their task as Catholic spiritual leaders. “Good shepherds,” he said, “have to keep people around Christ. They sacrifice themselves for the salvation of the whole world.”

As the ceremony progressed, the men lay prostrate on the cathedral’s marble floor, symbolizing their life’s new dedication to God and the church. Then, one by one, the men stood as Cardinal George and concelebrants including Father John Canary, rector/president of St. Mary of the Lake-Mundelein Seminary, laid hands on their heads in the ancient ritual.

The group was an extremely diverse one, coming from various heritages, including Poland, Mexico, the Philippines, Peru, Vietnam and the United States. They ranged in age from 25 to 56. Some had backgrounds as varied as a banker, a judge and a chef. The 14 were profiled in the last issue of The Catholic New World.

Their names and assignments, which will begin in July, follow:

Steven Bauer, 29: St. Benedict, Chicago

Matthew Ross Compton, 27: St. Francis Xavier, Wilmette

Jose Antonio Delgado, 29: St. Agnes of Bohemia

Marek J. Duran, 26: St. Mary Star of the Sea

Ramil E. Fajario, 39: St. Clement

Jacek A. Jura, 31: St. John Brebeuf

Robert Korbel, 25: St. Priscilla

Thomas J. Mescall, 56: St. Terrence, Alsip

Octavo Munoz Capetillo, 27: St. Agnes, Chicago Heights

Hoang H. Nguyen, 29: St. Anastasia, Waukegan

L. Jerome Parrish, 49: St. Denis

Edilberto Ramón Jimenez, 31: Queen of the Universe

Mariusz P. Stefanowski, 28: St. Fabian, Bridgeview

John Zurek, 43: St. Michael, Orland Park