Trinidad-born Redemptorist professes final vows and is ordained Deacon

On August 1 Trinidadian Ako Trevor Walker CSsR professed for life the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience and a vow and oath of perseverance to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, (the Redemptorists) at a Mass held at Dame Retreat Centre, Canandaigua, New York.

Receiving his vows and that of his classmate Michael Cunningham CSsR was the Superior General of the Redemptorists, Fr Mike Brehl CSsR.

There was a double celebration that day since it was the Feast of St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church who in 1732 founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.

In his homily during the Mass of Final Profession, Fr Brehl advised that in order to persevere as a son of St Alphonsus in final vows, a brother should stay close to Christ the Redeemer in prayer, stay close to the poor, stay close to the brothers in community, stay close to young people especially those who are not easy to understand and to Mary.

He also thanked Walker and Cunningham’s family and friends for journeying with them and emphasised the great promise they showed as young Redemptorists.

Almost three weeks later, Ako again committed himself to the Church by entering Sacred Orders as a deacon.  On Saturday August 18, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica Boston, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston, the Most Reverend Mark O’Connell JCD, ordained Ako to the diaconate. Bishop O’Connell reminded him about the duties and responsibilities of a deacon and his desire to serve at the altar started many years ago when he was an altar server at St Joseph’s RC Church Scarborough, Tobago. He exalted Ako to be a happy deacon and be especially joyful when baptising babies.

Many of Ako’s confreres, classmates and friends from Trinidad and Tobago and friends where he did ministry while doing his Masters at Boston College were in attendance to witness the special day.

Deacon Ako will be stationed at Immaculate Conception Parish in the Bronx NY and is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in February, 2019 in Trinidad.