LEWISTON — In a moving Rite of Ordination at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Lewiston’s own Kyle Doustou made the transition from seminarian to the priesthood.

Members of clergy from all over the state turned out to support Doustou, as well as seminarians, the laity and the Knights of Columbus.

During the service, Doustou, 27, was presented to Bishop Robert Deeley of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland and asked of his intentions to join the priesthood. Hands were lain upon Doustou by all of the clergy present and he was fitted with his stole and vestments.

The rite ended with the 2005 St. Dominic Academy grad personally blessing each of the many attendees who crowded the upstairs chapel of the basilica.

After the service, Deeley greeted parishioners, blessed families and chatted among groups. “It was a wonderful ordination,” he said.

Deeley said he didn’t know how many local clergy turned out for Doustou’s ordination. “It’s a nice tribute to the priesthood,” he said, “that they wanted to be there with him as he starts his ministry because it’s like anything else — until you’re a priest, you don’t know what it’s like to be a priest.”

He referred to the support of the other clergy present as having brothers with whom to walk.

Doustou’s grandmother, Beverly York of Jay, was among the many in line to receive a blessing from the new priest.

“I’m so proud,” York said. “He’s wanted to be a priest ever since he was 9 years old. It’s finally come to fruition and he’s worked very, very hard. He’s where he needs to be and where he’s always wanted to be. He’s so perfect for this.”

The new Father Doustou’s little sister, Nikki Doustou of Lewiston, was also present for the occasion.

She said the ordination was very emotional for her. “This was 18 years in the making,” Nikki Doustou said. “He went through a lot of phases, a lot of fads, but this one — we knew he was going to stick with this one.”

She said the family was hoping to spend some time celebrating with him at a banquet Saturday following his first Mass.

Doustou plans to deliver his first Mass in Latin, something that has not been done by a brand-new priest in quite some time.

After practically the entire church filtered out through the line to receive blessings, an elated Doustou was still beaming and exuberant.

“This is great,” he said when asked how is voice held out. “The Lord provides.”

He said of the blessings, “Every one of them was as sweet as can be; it was beautiful. It’s really like seeing my whole family come up. I’ve known these people for years; it’s just amazing.”

He said the ordination process felt like a dream. “It’s just the most amazing thing in the world. It’s all I ever wanted, and I can’t wait for the rest of this journey.”

That journey could take him anywhere, from from Madawaska to Kittery, and he’d be happy.

“I’ve said this before, and it’s going to sound almost cliche, but you know the state of Maine is just so wonderful that I’d be willing to go anywhere,” he said.

“When I reflect on my life, on all the many joys and challenges, I can clearly see the hand of God guiding me to where I am today,” Doustou said. “The Lord gifted me from the time I was a boy with a love and desire for the priesthood, and now He is bringing that gift to fruition.”

Doustou’s ordination is one of three in the state this spring. Brad Morin, 30, of Upper Frenchville will be ordained June 6 at at St. David Church in Madawaska. On June 14, Edward Clifford, 51, of  Shawmut will be ordained at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.

dmcintire@sunjournal.com