Saint Meinrad Seminarian Ordained Deacon on October 31

Published on Monday, November 2, 2026

Seminarian Lance Tony Antony Samy received the order of deacon from the Most Rev. Charles Thompson at the Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church in St. Meinrad, IN, on October 31, 2026.

Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology seminarian Lance Tony Antony Samy received the order of deacon from the Most Rev. Charles Thompson, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, IN, at the Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church in St. Meinrad, IN, on October 31, 2026. Deacon Lance is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Palayamkottai, India, and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

Others in his class will be or have been ordained deacons in their respective dioceses.

In the Catholic faith, a deacon can preach, baptize, witness marriages, offer Communion to the sick and aged, and perform other ministerial duties. The newly ordained deacon is a transitional deacon, meaning he is preparing for ordination to the priesthood. Many Catholic dioceses also have permanent deacons who carry out the same role but are not studying for the priesthood.

Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology offers initial and ongoing formation for priests, permanent deacons, and lay ministers. The school is operated by the Benedictine monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey.