Daniel Quagliana receives blessing of deacon ordination
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“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” The words of Jeremiah spoke directly to Daniel Quagliana who answered his call to become a permanent deacon. The 54-year-old father of 10 was ordained June 14 at St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo.
“It’s always a blessing when you have an ordination,” said Bishop Michael W. Fisher welcoming the family of Deacon Quagliana, guests, concelebrating priests, and the deacon community. More than 20 people stood at the altar.
A deacon is an ordained minister of the Church, who serves as a sacramental sign to the Church and to the world of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served.
Like priests, they are called to be ministers of Word, Sacrament and Charity. Deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, and teach in the name of the Church. They can also baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services. As ministers of charity, deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others, then marshaling the Church’s resources to meet those needs. Deacons also are dedicated to eliminating the injustices or inequities that cause such needs.
Pope Francis called them “Guardians of Service.”
Bishop Fisher noted that Deacon Quagliana has taken God’s call into his heart and allowed it to take root and grow.
Addressing Quagliana personally during his homily, Bishop Fisher told him, “The ministry in which you engage is the Lord’s. It comes directly from His ministry. It belongs to Him. It is He who calls. It is He who decides and lays hands on those He wants to serve Him in the ordained ministry. Today the Church confirms the Lord’s choice. The Diocese of Buffalo is blessed into accepting those into the number of those who preach the Good News. We rejoice in the diversity of the Church here in Western New York, one which you and your family are very much a part of.”
In his opening address after being elected pontiff, Pope Leo XIV asked for deacons to be bridge builders between clerics and laity, as they have one foot in each sphere.
After Deacon Quagliana resolved to proclaim the faith, be an example of Christ, and pursue public works of charity, Bishop Fisher laid hands on him. He was then presented with the Book of Gospels and vested into white dalmatic and stole. The other clergy present then congratulated their new brother.
Deacon Kevin Barron, Bishop Michael W. Fisher and Deacon Timothy Chriswell kiss the altar of St. Joseph Cathedral on June 14 at the beginning of Deacon Daniel Quagliana’s ordination Mass. (Photo by Patrick J. Buechi) 
Deacon Timothy Chriswell, director of Buffalo’s Permanent Diaconate, delivers the Gospel message at the ordination Mass of Deacon Daniel Quagliana on June 14, at St. Joseph Cathedral. (Photo by Patrick J. Buechi) 
Bishop Michael W. Fisher kneels in prayer during the ordination Mass of Deacon Daniel Quagliana on June 14, at St. Joseph Cathedral. (Photo by Patrick J. Buechi) 
Father Joseph Walter helps newly ordained Deacon Daniel Quagliana with his vestments. (Photo by Patrick J. Buechi) 
Bishop Michael W. Fisher prays over Daniel Quagliana. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
As a sign of humility, Deacon Daniel Quagliana lies prostrate in front of the altar of St. Joseph Cathedral. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Deacons from across the Diocese of Buffalo congratulate their new brother Daniel Quagliana at his ordination. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Bishop Michael W. Fisher and Daniel Quagliana. (Photo by Patrick J. Buechi) 
Deacon Daniel Quagliana assists Bishop Michael W. Fisher with Communion at St. Joseph Cathedral.. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Altar servers lead the closing procession of the June 14 Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral. (Photo by Patrick J. Buechi) 
Deacon Daniel Quagliana (center), processes up the at the close of his ordination ceremony. With him are Deacon Timothy Chriswell and Father Cole Webster. (Photo by Patrick J. Buechi) 
Deacon Daniel Quagliana (center) surrounded by his family following his ordination to the Permanent Diaconate on June 14. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Deacon Daniel Quagliana (from left), his wife Alicia, and Bishop Michael W. Fisher. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira)
All deacons receive two ministries upon ordination. Deacon Quagligna will serve a parish ministry at Family #5 in Chautauqua County with Father David Tourville, and will serve the area’s food pantries as a ministry of charity.
“He is very faith filled,” said Father Tourville. “Of course with the crew of children, he’s a good dad. I think he’s going to make a great asset to the family. I have another deacon and another priest, but we’re spread out 33 square miles with the four churches. So, it will be very helpful to get him involved in some things, like maybe faith formation and other activities.”
Deacon Anthony Vilardo, who is celebrating his first anniversary as a deacon, expects Deacon Quagliana to fit well into his new role.
“He’s got a great gentle way about him. He’s a very spirit-filled man and very easy to talk to, so he’s going to be quite an addition to the diocese and a blessing to the parishes that he’s assigned to for sure.”
As advice, Deacon Vilardo said to not sweat the small stuff. “It can be overwhelming at first because there is a lot brought to you that you are not familiar with, but God gives you what you need, the Holy Spirit is with you, and not to really worry about what needs to be done just go day to day and God provides,” he said.
