With faith in the promise of the Resurrection, the Diocese of Sacramento mourns the passing of Deacon James Chatigny, who entered eternal life on July 19, 2026, at the age of 96.

Ordained to the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Sacramento in 1985, Deacon James faithfully served the People of God for more than 20 years. Through his ministry of Word, charity, and service, he lived his vocation with generosity and devotion, offering faithful witness to Christ throughout his years of diaconal ministry.

Deacon James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen, who entered eternal life on July 17, 2026. Please join us in praying for the eternal repose of Deacon James and for the consolation of his family, friends, brother deacons, and all whose lives he touched.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Americans on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This semiquincentennial marks that defining moment in the history of the United States of America, July 4, 1776, that gave enduring voice to the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice and democratic self-government. 

For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked together to carry these principles forward - through sacrifice, service, innovation and civic participation. This anniversary stands as an invitation not only to celebrate the nation's remarkable journey, but also to reflect upon the responsibilities that the sons and daughters of this country bear to one another, and to the generations who will inherit the nation that is being shaped today. 

Surrounded by family, friends and the faithful, nine men answered Christ's call to ordained ministry on Saturday as Bishop Jaime Soto ordained them to the Permanent Diaconate during a joyful Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

Ordained to the Permanent Diaconate were Deacons Ramon Arguelles, Arturo Arroyo Jr., Antonio Perez, Luis Gonzalez, Clifford Lubin, Ryan Mahoney, Jason Solano, Juan Bernardo Santana Garcia and Hector Velasco.