On Saturday, May 18, 2024, Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will ordain four priests for the Archdiocese of Chicago at Holy Name Cathedral, located at 735 N. State St., Chicago. The ordination ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and will be livestreamed on the archdiocese’s YouTube channel Catholic Chicago.

Cardinal Cupich expressed his anticipation for the event saying, “I welcome these four men as they begin new chapters of their lives. Their ministry comes at a challenging time when our city and world need hope and peace. May the Lord's profound example of mercy and compassion lead them, comfort them and inspire them as they shepherd the People of God.”

Priesthood is conferred through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a celebration steeped in symbolism and tradition. Ordained priests are entrusted with various responsibilities including celebrating Mass, granting forgiveness of sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, preaching the Gospel, and administering other sacraments such as Baptism, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick. Diocesan priests make promises of life-long celibacy, prayer for the People of God, obedience to their bishop at their ordination and are expected to lead lives marked by simplicity.

Each newly ordained priest has undergone at least six years of comprehensive formation encompassing human development, spiritual growth, academic study and pastoral practice. This rigorous training includes exhaustive study in philosophy, Catholic theology, Church history and pastoral practice.

The Very Reverend John Kartje, rector/president of University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary noted that these men have demonstrated an exceptional spirit of community among themselves having begun their formation during the height of the pandemic which taught them about trust within a presbyterate.

Following are details about each ordinand:

Timothy Berryhill (35) from York, Pa., will have his first assignment at St. Paul VI Parish in Riverside. His first Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, May 19 at 7:30 a.m. at St. George Parish in Tinley Park.

Martin Nyberg (28) from Chicago, will have his first assignment at St. Josaphat Parish in Chicago. His first Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, May 19 at 11 a.m.at St. Edward Parish in Chicago.

Andrew Panzer (33) from Chicago, will have his first assignment at St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago. His first Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, May 19 at 12:30 p.m. at St. John Cantius Parish.

Juan Carlos Vargas Carrillo (33) from Chicago, will have his first assignment at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Chicago. He will celebrate his first Mass in Spanish on Sunday, May 19 at 2:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception-Five Holy Martyrs Parish in Chicago and his first Mass in English on July 21 at 11 a.m.at St. Edward Parish in Chicago.