Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Bishop John Noonan will ordain two transitional deacons to the Order of Priest on Saturday, May 25, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando. The ceremony will be open to all and can also be viewed via livestream on the Diocese of Orlando Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The ordinands are Transitional Deacons Michael Batista and Phillip Mills. Both have shared their journeys towards priesthood, reflecting on their faith, challenges, and hopes for their future ministries.

Batista is a New York Yankees fan who enjoys Spanish food, beach outings, and bowling. Despite having received all his Sacraments and attending faith formation regularly as a child, he initially lacked enthusiasm for church. "It was really hard to get me to go to church," Batista said. However, his perspective changed during high school when a new pastor helped him see the Gospel in a new light.

His faith grew throughout high school and upon graduation, he decided to enter seminary. "I remember my mom asking me, ‘So, are you going to college?’ And I looked at her and said within my heart, ‘No, I’m going to seminary.’ A beautiful sense of peace just came into me and from there on out I never looked back,” he recalled.

Batista entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami after graduating from high school in 2015. In 2019, he moved on to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. Despite its challenges, Batista found solace in the brotherhood formed with fellow seminarians.

After nine years of studying and formation, Batista looks forward to his Ordination with anticipation and readiness for his new life of ministry. He hopes to challenge his parishioners while also being someone they can rely on during life's ups and downs.

Phillip Mills shares a similar journey. Raised in Ocala with a love for outdoor activities, Mills found solace in his faith during his teenage years. He recalls hearing God's call to priesthood during a Sunday Mass in high school.

Like Batista, Mills entered St. John Vianney College Seminary after graduating from high school. Despite initial feelings of inadequacy and doubt, he eventually trusted in God’s plan for his life.

As Ordination approaches, Mills is eager to serve God’s people and share His love through the Eucharist. "Not only is the Eucharist the greatest gift of Jesus’ love to us, but it’s also the most beautiful unity that we can have as Catholics," Mills said.