Jonathan Pennacchia, a 2014 graduate of Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, was ordained a Jesuit priest June 14 at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola in New York City, where he will serve in pastoral ministry.
A native of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., Father Pennacchia graduated from Loyola with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in mathematics. While at Loyola, he was active in campus ministry, assisting with campus liturgies. He entered the Novitiate of the Society of Jesus in August 2014 and was ordained a deacon Oct. 19 on the Feast of the North American Martyrs.
“My time at Loyola, especially my three years as a student intern in campus ministry, was deeply formative,” Father Pennacchia said in a news release. “Loyola’s motto, Strong Truths Well Lived, continues to echo in my heart and mind. It was at Loyola that the truth of this vocation became clear. I am grateful to the Jesuits at Loyola – professors, chaplains and administrators – who were such great examples of the joy of this life. I am grateful to my wonderful mentors in campus ministry, excellent professors and my roommates and friends who encouraged me to live well the truth of this vocation.”
Father Pennacchia first encountered the Jesuits during a 5th grade field trip to the National Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, N.Y.
Father Pennacchia will serve as the celebrant and homilist for Loyola’s Mass of the Holy Spirit Sept 14 at noon in Loyola’s Alumni Memorial Chapel. The Jesuit tradition dates to 1548 in Messina, Sicily, and celebrates the start of a new academic year with prayer and music.
Another Loyola graduate, Father Thomas O’Donnell (Class of 2015), was also ordained to the priesthood this year. Father O’Donnell, a double major in English literature and theology who was active in campus ministry and the Center for Community, Service and Justice as a Loyola student, is serving as a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
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