Fireworks are not the only things that will be lighting up the sky in the days to come. Birthday cakes will also be sporting candles for 18 priests ministering in the Diocese of Peoria.

Many happy returns to:

Father Nicodemus Muithi (May 30);

Father David Whiteside (May 31);

Father Deogratias Mpewo (June 3);

Father Paul Meismer (June 7);

Father Scott Archer (June 8);

Father Stephen McKinley, OFM Conv. (June 11);

Father Robert Hoffmann (June 14);

Monsignor Steven Rohlfs (June 17);

Monsignor Charles Beebe and Father R.E. Enderlin (June 23);

Father Jacob Martini (June 25);

Father James Rickey (June 25);

Father Joseph Domfe, SMA (July 4);

Monsignor Jason Gray (July 8);

Father Timothy Hepner (July 9);

Monsignor James Ramer (July 11);

Father Dennis Spohrer (July 13);

Father Deusdedit Byomuhangi (July 15).