Archdiocesan seminarian Figura ordained a transitional deacon in Rome

Archdiocese of Omaha seminarian Michael Figura was ordained a transitional deacon at St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, moving into the final phase of his discernment of the priesthood.

Deacon Figura was one of 16 seminarians studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome ordained to the transitional diaconate on Thursday.

Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt of the Diocese of Grand Island was the ordaining bishop at the Mass, which was concelebrated by American Cardinals Raymond Burke and James Harvey. Bishop Hanefeldt was a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha before Pope Francis appointed him the bishop of Grand Island in 2015.

Deacon Figura has Omaha roots, growing up in St. Stephen the Martyr Parish, attending V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School and living at the St. John Paul II Newman Center, before discerning the priesthood.

He studied at St. John Vianney Seminary and graduated from St. Thomas University, both in St. Paul, Minnesota, before continuing his studies at the Pontifical North American College.

Courtesy | Pontifical North American College

Courtesy | Pontifical North American College

Courtesy | Pontifical North American College

Courtesy | Pontifical North American College

Courtesy | Pontifical North American College

Courtesy | Pontifical North American College

Courtesy | Pontifical North American College

Courtesy | Pontifical North American College

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