Source/Photo credit: Provost Studios
The Our Mother of Mercy Parish (Rev. Rodney Armstrong, S.S.J., Pastor) celebrated
25 years of service as they honored Deacon Charles J. Allen, Sr. and Deacon Cornelius
Llorens; on their ordination as Deacons in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Twenty-five years ago The Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza ordained Deacons Allen
and Llorens at the Our Mother of Mercy Parish. Deacon Allen was assigned to the Our
Mother of Mercy Parish and Deacon Llorens assigned to Justin Martyr Catholic Community.
Deacon Allen is a graduate of Kashmere High School and Texas Southern University with a
B.A. Degree in Education. He received a B.A. Degree, Pastoral Theology from the
University of St. Thomas. He was a championship basketball player for Texas Southern,
where is met his wife and they were married on the campus of Texas Southern University.
Deacon Allen retired from ExxonMobil Chemical Company where he completed 33 ½ years
as an Environmental Specialist in the Safety and Environment Department. He is married to
Pauline T. Allen for 48 years and they have three children, one daughter- in-law, one son-in
law, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren
Deacon Llorens, a graduate of Mount Carmen High School and attended the University of
Houston and completed two years of studies.
Deacon Llorens followed in his father’s footsteps working for the United Postal Service as a
mail carrier. He has been married for 43 years to his high school sweetheart, Cynthia Marie
Stelly Llorens and they have three children and six grandchildren.
Celebrating the faithful service of Deacons Allen and Llorens at the Diaconal 25th Anniversary
Mass was held at the Our Mother of Mercy Parish, under the spiritual leadership of Father
Rodney Armstrong, S.S.J., Pastor at 4000 Sumpter Street in the heart of 5th ward.
