By Celia K. Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
For Deacon Preston Castro and Deacon Lawrence “Larry” Denis III, the last few weeks before their priestly ordinations have been filled with prayer, anticipation and preparation.
Spiritual preparation, of course, but also logistical preparation: Before the priesthood comes final exams, seminary graduation and moving back home to Hawaii from St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California, something both men have especially been looking forward to after years of being away from family and friends.
More than anything, though, Deacon Castro and Deacon Denis are excited — “very excited,” each said.
“There are no words that can describe how excited I am,” Deacon Castro said. “I have been looking forward to this day for many, many years.”
“There’s a deep joy and sense of anticipation in my heart as I prepare to begin my priestly ministry,” Deacon Denis said.
The deacons — both, coincidentally, products of St. Joseph Church by way of Waipahu (Deacon Castro) and Hilo (Deacon Denis) — shared their thoughts on becoming priests ahead of their ordinations this month.
Bishop Larry Silva will ordain Deacon Castro and Deacon Denis at 6 p.m. May 16 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu. Both men will celebrate their first Masses as priests in their home parishes the following day.
Deacon Preston Castro, center, helped prepare the altar for the liturgy of the Eucharist during his ordination Mass last December at St. Joseph Church in Waipahu. He was assisted by Deacon David Bruce, right, and seminarian John Akau. (Celia K. Downes / Hawaii Catholic Herald)
Deacon Castro
After more than a decade of seminary formation, Deacon Castro is very ready for priestly ordination.
“There have been times that I did not think this day would ever come because 11 years is a long time of prayer, discernment and perseverance,” he said.
However, Deacon Castro also said the time seemed to pass quickly, and he has been busy since his ordination to the transitional diaconate last December with parish ministry near St. Patrick’s Seminary.
He said he has felt some doubt and anxiety about his future ministry “because I am aware of my own weaknesses and incapabilities … however, there is reassurance that the risen Lord has been with me all these years and will continue to be with me in the unexpected life to come.”
“I know for certain that he will help me in my ministry as a priest,” Deacon Castro said. “The good Lord will provide and be with me wherever he has called me to minister.”
The seminary, comprehensive as it is, offers a glimpse of what life will be like as a priest, said Deacon Castro, “but it will never fully capture it until we actually become priests.”
Once he is ordained, “I am not just going to be a priest during office hours, but a priest all the days of my life,” he said. “I know that my life will be dedicated to administering the sacraments (and) also giving counseling, spiritual direction, doing administrative work and everything else in between.”
“Every day will be filled with unexpected things, life lessons and moments of growth.”
Deacon Castro has been assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Ewa Beach effective July 1. Between his ordination and his first day, he will celebrate Mass at the parishes to which he was assigned over the years.
He is grateful for his family — his grandparents “who took care of me and raised me,” siblings and other relatives — as well as his brother seminarians and priests from the Diocese of Honolulu and the Diocese of Sacramento, California.
Bishop Larry Silva ordained Deacon Lawrence “Larry” Denis III last June at St. Elizabeth Church in Aiea. (Courtesy Deacon Lawrence “Larry” Denis III)
Deacon Denis
Since his ordination to the transitional diaconate last June, Deacon Denis has had a “full and grace-filled year” as he prepares for priestly ordination.
The parish where he has served in his final seminary year is St. Denis Church in Menlo Park, California — indeed spelled the same way as his surname, and where “the community is warm and welcoming … the style of worship reminds me so much of Hawaii.”
Deacon Denis said he has been reflecting on how the Lord has delivered him to this moment in his life.
“It’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed,” he said. “It feels like just yesterday I was telling my principal that I was leaving my teaching career to enter the seminary — and now, ordination is just weeks away.”
He said he feels very confident in his vocation and that daily prayer has been “essential,” especially in the final stretch before ordination.
“When discouraging thoughts do arise, I bring them to prayer,” Deacon Denis said. “I’ve come to recognize that those feelings don’t come from God — they’re often spiritual distractions from the evil one.”
Deacon Denis said he is looking forward to life as a priest, in particular “celebrating Mass, offering the sacraments and being present with the people of God — especially back home in Hawaii.”
“I know the priesthood will be filled with blessings and graces, but I’m also aware that it will be busy and demanding at times,” he added.
Deacon Denis has been assigned to St. Anthony Church in Wailuku effective July 1. While he was born in Hilo, he has many relatives on Maui — “I love Maui and its people, and I’m very excited to begin my priestly ministry there.”
He is grateful to God and to Mary for their guidance, as well as his family, Bishop Larry Silva “and the many priests who have encouraged and walked with me along the way.”
“I’m also incredibly thankful for the benefactors, parishioners and so many others who have supported me through their prayers, generosity and friendship.”
