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Four Saint Mary seminarians will be admitted to candidacy for ordination on Sept. 11

CrossNews of the Diocese

ClockSeptember 09, 2026

Bishop Edward Malesic will celebrate a Mass on Sept. 11 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe during which four seminarians – three for the Diocese of Cleveland and one for the Diocese of Youngstown – will be admitted to candidacy for ordination as deacons and priests.

The candidates are in their first year of theological study at Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology. They are (for the Diocese of Cleveland):

  • Andrew Miguel Bendahan, son of Raul and the late Therese Bendahan, St. Luke Parish, Lakewood
  • William Ignatius Myers, son of Tim and Pam Myers, St. Peter Parish, North Ridgeville
  • Stephen Francis Vavro, son of Lawrence and Mary Vavro, St. Francis de Sales Parish, Parma

The candidate from the Diocese of Youngstown is Steven Joseph Vasko, son of Joseph and Doralene Vasko, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Boardman.

 

Bishop woost holds up book

During the liturgy, they will publicly announce their desire to bind themselves to the service of God and his holy people and to complete their human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral preparation.  Bishop Malesic will accept them as candidates for the sacrament of holy orders, as they continue their discernment and formation for the diaconate and priesthood.

 

For more information on Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, click here. Learn more about priestly vocations here.