“You are a priest forever” (Ps 110:4) echoed as Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, laid hands on the six new shepherds, each man carrying unique stories of faith and vocation. Our newly ordained priests now move across the state, bringing fresh energy and deep devotion to parishes from the upstate to the lowcountry.

Among them, Oratorian Father Charles A. Tupta takes the helm as administrator of All Saints Church in Lake Wylie, while his fellow Oratorian, Father Johnni do Bonfim Silva, joins the community at St. Anne Church in Rock Hill as parochial vicar.

For the diocese, Father Lee Bultman begins his ministry at St. James Church in Conway, Father Justin Damask joins the vibrant community at St. Mary Church in Greenville, Father Michael Ghattas brings his gifts to St. Mary, Help of Christians Church in Aiken, and Father Daniel Perry answers the call to serve at St. Gregory the Great Church in Bluffton, all as parochial vicars.

Each ordination represents years of discernment, study and prayer — a profound “yes” to a life of service. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, these men are “precious in the eyes of God and essential in fulfilling his plan,” carrying forward a tradition that spans centuries while meeting the needs of today’s faithful.

Their journey as priests has just begun — their impact on the communities they have and will serve has already started.