COLUMBUS, Ohio – Father Christopher Yakkel, a candidate for United States Military chaplaincy, was ordained a priest on Saturday, May 25, in Columbus, Ohio. He hopes eventually to serve as a Catholic chaplain in the U.S. Air Force with endorsement and faculties from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS).
Father Yakkel, 30, completed his priestly formation at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Divinity. His ordination was celebrated during a 10:00 a.m. Mass in St. Joseph Cathedral through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration invoking the Holy Spirit by Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Columbus. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, concelebrated the Mass and vested Father Yakkel.
Also in attendance were the new priest’s mother and father, Mrs. Susan Yakkel and Col. Ron Yakkel, USAF (Ret.); his brother, Mr. Stevie Yakkel; and his sister, Mrs. Amber Yakkel O’Hearn, her husband, Mr. Cameron O’Hearn, and their family. Father Yakkel celebrated his First Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Father Yakkel is a 2007 graduate Damien Memorial School in Honolulu, Hawaii, and a 2011 graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Sports Studies. He entered the seminary after fulfilling a two-year commitment with NET Ministries. He is set to go on active duty as a U.S. Air Force Chaplain following three years of pastoral service in his home Diocese of Columbus.
Father Yakkel said:
“When you first start seminary, six years of formation seems so long. Now that my ordination is here, I don’t know where the time went! I’m almost left speechless knowing that I will now be a priest of Jesus Christ. All I can say is thanks be to God for this incredible gift!”
Young men interested in discerning a priestly vocation, and the vocation within a vocation to serve those who serve in the U.S. military, can find more information at www.milarch.org/vocations, or may contact the Vocations Director, Father Aidan Logan, O.C.S.O., by email at vocations@milarch.org or by telephone at (202) 719-3600.
