Two important events in the religious formation of Fra. Matthew Alejo, OAR took place at Tagaste Monastery, located in Suffern, New York. His profession of solemn vows was held on August 28, 2004, the Solemnity of St. Augustine. St. Augustine is the spiritual father of the Order of Augustinian Recollects. Fr. John Gruben, OAR, current superior of our province, St. Augustine Province, received the solemn profession of Fra. Matthew.
Later Fra. Matthew was ordained deacon on September 25, 2004 by Bishop David Arias, OAR, retired auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey.
Solemn profession and diaconate ordination are two different steps in religious formation. Solemn profession is the permanent incorporation into a religious order, in this case the Order of Augustinian Recollects. Diaconate ordination, however, is the first degree of one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church: the sacrament of Holy Orders. To be ordained, a bishop lays hands on the candidate. Fra. Matthew Alejo was ordained deacon by Bishop David Arias, OAR.
One of the choirs from St. Boniface Parish in Wesley Hills, New York "The Vigil Choir" provided a beautiful and inspiring selection of liturgical music for both masses. The same choir presented "An Evening of Christmas Songs" on Friday December 10, 2004.
Deacon Matthew is now doing mission work in Chihuahua, Mexico, under the direction of the Augustinian Recollects from St. Nicholas Province, dividing his time between the parishes of Cuauhtémoc and La Junta. His mission will last four months. This experience is part of his preparation for the next step: ordination to the priesthood, which God willing will be celebrated this spring.
In a recent e-mail Deacon Matthew said the Order of Augustinian Recollects has a good reputation in the area where he is working and he feels "very proud to be a member of such a family."
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Deacon Matthew Alejo, OAR and his parents with Bishop David Arias, OAR after the ordination.
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