Photos - Bio

By Erika Anderson, Staff Writer

ATLANTA-Amidst the deep reds of the interior of Sacred Heart Church, complemented by the poinsettias around the altar, the Mexican community rejoiced as one of its own, Benjamin Serna Aviña, was ordained a transitional deacon Dec. 29. On the windy, chilly Saturday, the warmth of the spirit was evident. Reflecting the native language of Rev. Mr. Serna, 36, much of the music was sung in Spanish and the second reading was also read in Spanish. "During this joyful season of Christmas it is especially inspiring that we are able to gather here, to witness the ordination of our brother, Ben Serna, as a deacon of our Holy Church," the archbishop said in his homily. The calling to the priesthood is like a Christmas gift, the archbishop said. "Today in this rite of Ordination, and in the celebrations which surround it, we unwrap, like a present of many layers and parts, a gift of God to His Church here in Atlanta and North Georgia," he said. "The gift is the vocation of our brother-it was given to him, in the depth of his heart-he answered God's call, placing himself in the ways of obedience, the ways of formation for the priesthood-opening and uncovering, as we do a precious gift, the many facets of his vocation-revealing little by little, through these years of formation, marked by the rites of institution as acolyte and reader, the course he would follow." "Now, today, a last bend in the road's course is taken, as he is raised to the order of deacon, and begins a last mile in the journey towards priesthood-towards accepting totally, the loving responsibilities that Christ Himself gave to the Apostles the night before he died-responsibilities meant to keep His much-cherished church alive upon the face of the earth, until He will come again, to judge us all, and to bring us all to our eternal home," he said. Then addressing the candidate, the archbishop told him to be attentive to the sacred rites of God's people, to search for God in Scripture and to share the love of God with others. "By serving others, to the best of your ability in these three holy works, you will be serving that same Lord, who has called you, and who now will accompany you in this final year of formation," he said. "Remember every day that Christ walks by your side-guard your reputation, for your name now is to be linked with His; live with His faith in mind, for it brought Him, and will bring you, through death into resurrection; preach hope to those who come before you for instruction, for hope was ever the Lord's message; and express in actions of charity, the truth you proclaim by word of mouth." Vocations director Father Serge Ward presented the candidate to Archbishop Donoghue for acceptance by him and by the people of the church. He then confirmed to the archbishop his commitment to a life of celibacy and service to the church. Then, as the congregation knelt and sang the litany of the saints, Serna humbly prostrated himself in the center aisle of the church. The archbishop then laid his hands on the head of the candidate, said a prayer of consecration and presented him with the Book of the Gospels. Rev. Mr. Serna was next assisted by Msgr. Stephen Churchwell, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, as he vested. He then knelt before the archbishop to pledge his service to him as shepherd of the archdiocese, and hugged him. A mariachi band provided entertainment as friends and supporters of the new deacon attended a reception held at nearby Max Lager's American Grill and Brewery. Maria Edith Plaza, a fellow Mexican who attends Our Lady of the Americas Mission in Doraville, called Rev. Mr. Serna "so full of spirit." "He is very charismatic, very humble," she said, adding that Rev. Mr. Serna has often served at her church. "He is a person that listens. At the mission, we grow in faith and I think he's learned a lot from that. I think he's learned humility-that's most important." Traveling from Mexico, Rev. Mr. Serna's brother and father were also excited about his ordination. "This is a blessing of God," his brother, Alfonso, said. "We are very happy for him." Rev. Mr. Serna's father, Benjamin, Sr., believes his son has followed the right calling. "He will make a good priest because he is a good worker," he said. "He likes what he does." Rev. Mr. Serna will be ordained to the priesthood June 29 at Expiatory Church in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.