As the mother church for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains serves as a focal point for worship, community life, and joyful celebrations—among them are ordinations to the permanent diaconate and priesthood. In the presence of clergy, family members, colleagues, and friends, the men …

Two men from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati were ordained to the priesthood on May 17, 2025 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. Fathers Adam Lewis and Kevin LeMelle.

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati joyfully celebrated the ordination of two new priests on Saturday May 17, 2025. The men were ordained to the priesthood for service to God and the Church. Archbishop Robert G. Casey celebrated the Mass. Within the course of the ordination rite, the archbishop invoked the authority …



Explore the traditions of this joyous time in pictures This article first appeared online in May 2018. Tradition of the first blessing Waiting to receive a blessing from a new priest is a longstanding ordination day tradition. After Mass, the new priests are greeted by their former seminary classmates, who …

Deacon Adam Lewis is well aware of the mystery in his vocational story. Preparing for his ordination to the priesthood on May 17 with Deacon Kevin LeMelle, Deacon Lewis noted wryly, “There are people who have been in seminary longer than I’ve been Catholic.” Raised in a Christian household, Lewis …

by Rebekah Davidson On Dec. 15, 2024, Deacon Kevin LeMelle celebrated his 40th administration of baptism since being ordained a transitional deacon on April 27, 2024. The baptism took place at St. Brigid Church in Xenia, where he served his internship. “I was praying leading up to my ordination, and …

Seven men from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati were ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 2024 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. Fathers Brice Berger, Adam Berning, John Grusenmeyer, Benjamin Mersch, Matthew Montag, Anthony Sanitato and Jeremy Stubbs.

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati will joyfully celebrate the ordination of seven new priests on Saturday May 18, 2024. The men will be ordained to the priesthood for service to God and the Church. Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr will celebrate the Mass. Within the course of the ordination rite, the archbishop …

Tell us a little bit about you personally: Where are you from, your home parish, what’s your family like, etc. I am the middle of three boys. Over the years, my family and I belonged to several parishes, but, in a certain sense, we were kind of like “Catholic nomads.” …