Brother Seraphim Wirth was ordained a transitional deacon for his community, the Franciscan Brothers of Peace May 12 at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.
He is the son of John and Marie Wirth, parishioners at Sacred Heart Church in Sauk Rapids. Brother Seraphim (Michael John Wirth) attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Sauk Rapids and was an altar server at the church for several years. He graduated from Sauk Rapids High School in 1997 and attended the University of Minnesota and St. Cloud State University, graduating from there after entering the community.
Brother Seraphim professed his final vows in 2014 and will be the first ordained brother of his community. He has been studying at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, and has one more year of seminary to complete before his priestly ordination.
Founded in 1982 by Brother Michael Gaworski, the Franciscan Brothers of Peace are a pro-life religious brotherhood in St. Paul devoting themselves to serving and defending the most vulnerable in society. For more information about the community, visit franciscanatbrothersofpeace.org.