New deacons a ‘blessing’ in their witness, service, says archbishop Newly ordained permanent Deacons Diep T. Nguyen and James J. White IV process with fellow deacons after a June 12 ordination Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, at which celebrant Archbishop Nelson Pérez described permanent deacons as ministers of the church among "the family, the workplace and the neighborhood." (Sarah Webb) By Gina Christian • Posted June 14, 2021 Nine men were ordained to the permanent diaconate Saturday, June 12 on what Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez called “a great day of blessing for the church in Philadelphia.” With COVID restrictions lifted in the city, hundreds filled the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul for the June 12 liturgy, at which Archbishop Pérez presided, assisted by his four auxiliary bishops along with dozens of archdiocesan priests and permanent deacons.