Archbishop ordains two local men

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Rev. Michael Casey of Prospect gives a mass at St. Mary´s Hospital in Waterbury Monday. The Archdiocese ordained seven new priests recently including Rev. Casey and Rev. John Mariano of Naugatuck. –RA ARCHIVE
Rev. Michael Casey of Prospect gives a mass at St. Mary´s Hospital in Waterbury Monday. The Archdiocese ordained seven new priests recently including Rev. Casey and Rev. John Mariano of Naugatuck. –RA ARCHIVE

Two local men were among seven whom Archbishop Henry Mansell ordained to the Catholic Priesthood May 11 at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford.

The seven ordained included Rev. Michael Casey of Prospect and Rev. John Mariano of Naugatuck.

While attending Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, Casey said he was influenced by the work of Pope John Paul II, and affected by his pastor, Rev. Paul Pace of Waterbury, whom he said was a great role model, according to a news release from the archdiocese.

“His daily labor in service of those entrusted to his care was a very local example of priestly charity,” Casey said

After a career as a science teacher, Mariano said he went on a pilgrimage to Rome. It was there he made the decision to pursue the priesthood.

“Although, I enjoyed my role as a middle school science teacher, I was not spiritually fulfilled,” he said. “I enjoyed reading about the lives of saints and missionary priests, and decided to listen to God’s inner voice.”

All the candidates have completed bachelor of arts degrees in philosophy and four years of studies in theology. They have also trained with priests at different parishes over the last six months, learning how to provide pastoral care.

“We praise God for the talents, experience, and commitment of these men. They bring great hope and encouragement to our archdiocese, and we will offer them our prayers and support as they serve our communities,” Archbishop Henry Mansell said.

For more information, visit archdioceseofhartford.org.