Diaconal ordinations in Rimont

But I am among you as the one who serves.

Luke 22:27

On June 28, five brothers of the Community of St. John were ordained to the diaconate at the Shrine of Notre-Dame de Rimont in Fley, France.

The ordination was celebrated by Bishop Benoît Rivière and marked an important milestone in the vocational journey of

  • Br. Emmanuel Da Silveira (Togo)
  • Br. Jean-Raphaël Farara (Togo)
  • Br. John of the Cross and of the Annunciation Sweet (United States)
  • Br. Joseph-Désiré Goumaï Nassam (Togo),
  • Br. Théophane-Marie M’Boua (Côte d’Ivoire).

 

Family members, friends, and the Community gathered in prayer and thanksgiving to celebrate this joyful occasion.

Clarification

The Congregation of Saint John has taken note of the news concerning the excommunication of an ex-member of the Congregation of St John who might wrongly be presented by news outlets as a Brother of Saint John. This person left the Congregation of Saint John 25 years ago. He is therefore no longer part of our religious institute, holds no responsibility in its name, and maintains no institutional connection with our Congregation. The excommunication decision concerns only the individual himself and pertains to his personal situation. It in no way concerns the Congregation of Saint John. The activities, commitments, and positions taken by this person are his own and do not in any way involve the Congregation of Saint John. The Congregation of Saint John reaffirms its full communion with the Catholic Church and its faithful attachment to the Holy Father. The Congregation carries out its mission in service to the Church, in communion with the bishops of the dioceses where the brothers are sent.