We invite you to pray in a special way for Michael El-Nachef, our newest Transitional Deacon, who was ordained on May 6, 2022 by Archbishop Marcel Damphousse at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. Michael’s journey towards the priesthood began after an encounter with the Divine Mercy while on pilgrimage in Poland. He began his studies for the priesthood in 2016, and will return to St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto this fall before his ordination to the priesthood in 2023. Michael’s parents are Lebanese-Canadian, he was born in Montreal and grew up in Barrhaven. He studied Biology at the University of Ottawa and was originally planning on working with wildlife or becoming a veterinarian.