Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

As Bishop John Noonan ordained Fathers John Triolo and William Burns, he reflected on the unique time in which these men begin their priesthood. This event occurs in the wake of a newly elected Pope, during the Easter season, and in the Jubilee Year of Hope. He described it as a unique honor.

In his homily, Bishop Noonan encouraged Fathers Triolo and Burns to follow the words of the late Pope Benedict XVI: "to desire nothing less than a love that is strong and beautiful and that is capable of making the whole of your existence a joyful understanding of giving yourself as a gift to God and your brothers and sisters, in imitation of the One who vanquished hatred and death forever through love."

The ordination took place on May 24, 2025, at St. James Cathedral in Orlando with clergy, religious figures, family, and friends present. On the eve of their ordination, Father Triolo’s mother, Mariam, expressed her emotions by saying: “This is my baby boy. It’s just amazing to go on this journey with him. The family’s a part of it. All of our faiths have grown because of it.” She shared how John used to practice "playing priest" by imitating a priest from their wedding video.

Mariam recalled John's struggle during two years away from seminary when he sought certainty about God's plan for his life. She said her prayer for him was always that he knows what direction God wants for him and has confidence in following that path.

His father, Tom Triolo, remarked on John's perseverance: “We’ve been so impressed by his perseverance and all that it takes to get this far. But it’s really just the beginning.” They looked forward to celebrating his first Mass at Corpus Christi parish.

Bishop Gregory Parkes of St. Petersburg was also present at the ordination. He was Father Triolo's first pastor at Corpus Christi and had invited him to consider priesthood.

Deacon Ron L’Huillier attended with his wife Ann as longtime friends of Father William Burns. Deacon L’Huillier met Father Burns at St. Timothy in Lady Lake in 2001. Reflecting on their friendship, he said: “It’s been a long journey... I know the struggles he’s had... He’s prepared.”

Sarah Burns sang during her father's ordination ceremony as she expressed excitement about this new chapter: “I am so excited... I think it’s always been in his plan.” She spoke fondly about accompanying her father to seminary over recent years.

Bishop Noonan highlighted being ordained during Easter season while reminding them about Pope Benedict's encyclical Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth). He stated: “Charity in truth...is an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous engagement..."

He concluded by sharing an anecdote about a church fire leaving only Jesus' corpus without hands or feet; parishioners placed a sign reading "Now you must become My hands and feet." Bishop Noonan sent forth these new priests quoting Is 61:1: "The spirit of Lord God is upon me..."

Father John Triolo will serve Ascension Parish Melbourne while Father William Burns serves Blessed Trinity Parish Ocala.