On April 27, 2024, Bishop Fernandes  ordained two men to the transitional diaconate at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. This ordination is one of the final steps Kevin LeMelle and Adam Lewis will take before being ordained to the priesthood next year. As deacons, their ministry will include baptizing, assisting in marriages, and preaching at Mass. 

As they prepare for their ordination, the people of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will pray a 9-day novena for these two men, beginning on Thursday, April 18, and ending on Friday, April 26.

Who are Kevin LeMelle and Adam Lewis? We reached out to them to get to know a little more about who they are as we pray for our future priests.

KEVIN LEMELLE

Home Parish: St. Bernard, Springfield

Lemelle, like many Catholic children, “played Mass” as a child. “I made my younger brother marry my best friend’s younger sister so I could be ‘brothers’ with my best friend,” he said. “And I played priest for their forced marriage.”

But he didn’t become serious about becoming a priest until later in life. “I first heard the call as a sophomore in college,” LeMelle said.

As he approaches his upcoming ordinations, both this year and next, LeMelle said he’s looking forward to both baptizing and preaching. He also said that he keeps three saints close to his heart in prayer: St. Andre Bessette, Bl. Solanus Casey and St. Katharine Drexel.

ADAM LEWIS

Home Parish: St. Columbkille, Wilmington

A convert to the Catholic faith, Lewis began to discern his call to the priesthood during his conversion! “When I was in RCIA in 2015-16 it quickly became clear, through the Lord’s gifts, that He wanted me to be a priest,” Lewis said. “It took time for me to come around to the same desire, but ultimately, I just wanted to do God’s will, since there is our peace.”

As he prepares to enter into the transitional diaconate, Lewis said he is looking forward to the “confidence [of] the Lord’s definitive calling in [my] life. There is no going back. That gives [me the] freedom to press forward.”

Through his discernment, Lewis said that St. Catherine of Siena has been an important part of his life this past year.

“I’ve been seeking her intercession quite a bit and reading Sigrid Undset’s work on her. Interestingly, her memorial is the Monday following ordination, which is the day after my birthday.”

He continued, “I’ve also been immersed in the writings of the Carmelite saints: St. Teresa of Ávila, John of the Cross, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. I’ve always loved Divine Mercy and have been slowly working through St. Faustina’s Diary since beginning priestly formation. Lastly, I love Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi, as they have been powerful intercessors and examples to walk the faith.”

Please join our daily prayers for these two men on the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Facebook page.