LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Saturday the ordination to the permanent diaconate took place at the cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette ordained the latest class of deacon candidates.

Family and friends gathered in the cathedral to support their loved ones during this journey.

“It’s kind of hard to put in words, said one of the newly ordained deacons Michael Crain, “It’s a very special day of deep meaning.”

Twelve laymen were ordained on Saturday.

“To enter into sacred orders is really indescribable.” Said Crain, “The whole journey was such a blessing and we just look forward to serving God for years to come.”

Walter Whitfield’s father- in-law was one of the newly ordained deacons and he said, “I know it was something he had been praying over and wanting to do for quite sometime so it’s just good to see him get what he had been working for.”

Eleven more will go through the ordination on June 4^th.