When people from Livonia watch Pope Francis celebrate the televised Christmas "Midnight Mass" at St. Peter’s Basilica, they may catch a glimpse of a familiar face serving at the liturgy.
Transitional Deacon Peter Van Lieshout, a diocesan seminarian who is completing his theological studies in Rome, is schedule to assist as a deacon at the Mass. Deacon Van Lieshout was ordained a transitional deacon in October. He is a native of Livonia and his home parish is St. Matthew. He served his pastoral year at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Geneva.
"It really is a special privilege to serve at the Midnight Mass," he said in an e-mail. "I’m grateful for the honor."
Deacon Van Lieshout is schedule to be ordained a diocesan priest in June 2014, along with Deacon Sergio Chavez.
The Christmas Mass is widely televised; it will be shown at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, and at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25, on EWTN. Check local listings for additional times.
