The Diocese of St. Petersburg is inviting parishioners and guests to attend Saturday's celebratory Mass to commemorate the priestly ordination of Deacon Christian Galvan.

The Mass starts at 11 a.m. and will be conducted by Bishop Gregory Parkes at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg.

“Please pray for Deacon Christian Galvan who will be ordained a priest for the @DioStPete this Saturday! “ Parkes said on Twitter. “You are welcome to attend the ordination at St. Jude Cathedral at 11 a.m.” 

After the ordination, Galvan will take on the role of parochial vicar at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’ Lakes, the Diocese of St. Petersburg said in a release. 

Galvan is a native of New Jersey. He has been a cherished member of St. Stephen Parish since his birth. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, then he received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tampa. Prior to answering his ultimate calling to the priesthood, Galvan had a professional background in civil engineering and construction, the release added. 

Those who cannot attend in person are welcome to watch a livestream version of the Mass at www.dosp.org/livestream, www.Facebook.com/DioStPete, or www.YouTube.com/DioceseofStPete. It will also be broadcast on Spirit FM 90.5.

"The Eucharist has always been such a central part, not just of my faith journey, but also of my discernment, and it's so central to all of our lives," Galvan said in a video message.  "That's why, once I'm ordained, I cannot wait to be able to celebrate this beautiful sacrament of love and of unity, to celebrate the Eucharist.

"The celebration of Mass brings the love, the mercy, and the tenderness of God, Jesus Christ, truly present among us, to sustain us, to nourish us, and we are sent out into the world to bring Him to our brothers and sisters.”