The Diocese of Raleigh joyfully announces the upcoming ordination to the transitional diaconate of Gabriel Nugent (above, left) and Leonardo E. Lopez (right) on April 11, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh.
In the Catholic Church, deacons who are preparing for the priesthood are transitional deacons; those not planning to be ordained priests are permanent deacons.
In the days leading up to this important moment in their vocational journeys, the Office of Vocations is inviting the faithful throughout the diocese to unite in prayer through a novena for Gabriel and Leonardo, beginning April 3 and concluding on the morning of their ordination, April 11.
To help foster widespread participation, the diocese has prepared a prayer card, available for download in English and Spanish. Printed copies were also mailed to every parish so that parishioners across eastern North Carolina may join in accompanying Gabriel and Leonardo with intentional prayer and support. Parishes are encouraged to share the prayer card in bulletins, social channels, or parish websites.
As the Church prepares to welcome two new transitional deacons into ministry, the Diocese of Raleigh encourages all the faithful to join together in prayerful anticipation—asking the Holy Spirit to strengthen Gabriel and Leonardo as they prepare to give their lives in service to God and His people.