Brother Raoul (Irénée) Richard, O.P., was ordained as a permanent deacon in the Order of Preachers (commonly known as the Dominicans) on Saturday, June 11, 2011, at the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul in Lewiston. The ordination was conferred by the Most Reverend Robert M. Gay, M. Afr., Bishop Emeritus of Kabale, Uganda.

Deacon Irénée is a Lewiston native who graduated from St. Dominic High School in Auburn. He entered the Dominican Order in 1962, serving as a brother in many different ministries through the years. In 1991, he founded the St. Martin de Porres Residence, a homeless shelter in Lewiston. As a permanent deacon, he will continue to serve at St. Martin de Porres but will also fulfill sacramental duties for Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston. Deacons may proclaim the Gospel during Mass, may deliver homilies, may baptize, may bless weddings, and may conduct wake and funeral services.