On Saturday, November 24, 2012 in his hometown of Laranjal, in the state of Minais Gerais, Br. Celio Firme, A.A., was ordained at the hands of Most Rev. José Geraldo da Cruz, A.A. bishop of Juazeiro. A big crowd attended the festivities including his large family, his brother Assumptionists, members of the Assumption Family, parishioners of his home parish, Immaculate Conception, and many friends. The week prior to the ordination a large contingent of young Assumptionists organized a week of mission in the town to prepare everyone for the celebration. In addition to the regular slate of talks, there was special attention paid to young people interested in a vocation to the religious life and priesthood.

The newly ordained will be continuing his apostolic experience at the Assumptionist parish in Eugenopolis, not far from Laranjal.  Part of his duties will be to prepare for the arrival of World Youth Day participants who be spending a week of mission in Eugenopolis before the actual WYD events in Rio. Participants will have a real opportunity to experience the church in Brazil by visiting small Christian communities and doing volunteer work.