Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez to Ordain Eight Men to the Priesthood for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The Ordination Mass will be streamed live at https://vimeo.com/event/2470138, www.scs.edu, www.facebook.com/ArchbishopPerez/ and www.facebook.com/StCharlesSem/
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D. D., Archbishop of Philadelphia, will ordain eight men to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia during a solemn Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The Rite of Ordination takes place within the Sacred Liturgy following the Liturgy of the Word. Archbishop Pérez will serve as principal celebrant and homilist.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Those being ordained are listed below in alphabetical order.
- Reverend Mr. Charles H. Cappelli, son of Carl and Susan Cappelli of Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
- Reverend Mr. Thomas G. Cipolla, son of Dan and Elena Cipolla of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.
- Reverend Mr. Declan J. Cole, son of Quentin and Mary Cole of Southampton, Pennsylvania.
- Reverend Mr. Alexander B. Cross, son of Daniel and Stephanie Cross of Souderton, Pennsylvania.
- Reverend Mr. Michael J. Gokie, son of Jeffery and Catherine Gokie of Columbus, Nebraska.
- Reverend Mr. Dominic William Ferdinand Mirenda, son of Theodore Joseph Mirenda Jr. and Deborah L. Rockett Mirenda of Downingtown and West Brandywine, Pennsylvania.
- Reverend Mr. Jude U. Opara, son of John and Florince Opara of Nigeria.
- Reverend Mr. Griffen Thomas Schlaepfer, son of Robert and JoAnn Schlaepfer of Yardley, Pennsylvania.
Following ordination, most newly ordained priests are assigned to parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia where they will serve as parochial vicars. In this role, they assist pastors in the spiritual, pastoral and administrative care of parish communities.
Thanks to the generous support of the Catholic Charities Appeal, the Mass will be streamed live via the Archdiocesan Vimeo Channel (https://vimeo.com/event/2470138); Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ArchbishopPerez/); Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary’s website (https://www.scs.edu/); and Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/StCharlesSem/); beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Please contact Daniel Kearns with any technical concerns regarding the live stream coverage at 215-888-0305 (cell).
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Editor’s Note: Individual news releases on each new priest are available at www.CatholicChurchofPhila.org. Photos are also available. Please contact the Office for Communications to request an official photograph at commof@archphila.org.
A press audio/video mult-box clean feed will be provided with multiple HD-SDI video (BNC) and mic/line (XLR) connections. Crews will need a live truck or recording device. Broadcast media outlets will have parking availability in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center parking lot. The parking lot entrance is located on 17th Street.
Program Feed https://vimeo.com/event/2470138
Broadcast Clean Feed https://vimeo.com/event/5616412
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Background on Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary
Founded in 1832, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary serves the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and numerous arch/dioceses across the country, forming men for the Roman Catholic priesthood and diaconate through rigorous academic, human, spiritual, and pastoral preparation as well as providing numerous educational offerings for leaders of the Church.
About the Catholic Charities Appeal
The Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is the Archdiocese’s largest annual fundraising effort, supporting one in five people each year across the five-county metropolitan region.
In 2026, CCA continues its Giving Hope to All mission by extending Christ’s love through more than 100 ministries and programs that provide food, shelter, education, and care to those most in need. These efforts support Social Services; Special Education; Mission Parishes; Retired and Infirmed Priests; Cultural Ministries; and Life, Family, and Laity programs.
Catholic Church of Philadelphia
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Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)