Priesthood Ordination 2025
With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God, The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington joyfully announces the Ordination of our new priests!
The Mass of Ordination will take place at 10:00 a.m. ET on June 21, 2025, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Watch the recording of the Mass on our YouTube channel. Download the Program for the 2025 Mass of Ordination to the Priesthood.
Local parishes throughout MD and DC hosted Holy Hours in the weeks prior to the 2025 ordination. We invite you to pray for the men who have become priests. Visit the Office of Priest Vocations website for more ways to pray for vocations!
2025 Ordinands for the Priesthood
Marco Cerritelli
Raised in Bethesda, Maryland, Deacon Cerritelli, 32, graduated from the University of Notre Dame. His mother is from Spain, and he was raised in a culturally Spanish home. His home parish is St. Jane Frances de Chantal. Prior to entering seminary, he served as a FOCUS missionary for four years. He enjoys playing soccer, traveling, and learning new languages.
Gerard Gayou
Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Deacon Gayou, 31, graduated from The George Washington University where he majored in International Affairs and Chinese Language and Literature. His home parish is Immacolata, in Richmond Heights. He lived in China for more than two years and has worked for a major newspaper. In his spare time, he likes to read, write, and play basketball.
Louis McHale
Raised in Olney, Maryland, Deacon McHale, 26, considers Annunciation in Washington, D.C., his home parish. He first thought about becoming a priest at age 15. He was drawn to his vocation by witnessing, during his youth, many holy priests living a joyful and happy life. His hobbies include reading, road biking, trail running, and weight-lifting.
Danny Morrison
Raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, Deacon Morrison, 26, has six siblings, including two priests and a religious sister. His home parish is St. John Neumann. He first considered the priesthood at age 4 and grew up surrounded by priests. He is inspired by his family’s witness of sacrifice, love, and encouragement in the spiritual life. He loves the outdoors and sports.
Chukwuma Odigwe
Raised in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Deacon Odigwe, 28, is a graduate of the University of Maryland. St. Columba is his home parish. He worked as a systems engineer before entering seminary and has always been interested in technology. After attending the Archdiocese’s Quo Vadis Camp, he started considering a priestly vocation. He enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and basketball.