During a ceremony that was at times meditative and others joyful, 10 men were ordained permanent deacons Aug. 24 at St. Peter the Apostle Church in south Louisville.
Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, who ordained them, said the occasion was a “wonderful day of joy” and reminded the men, nine of whom are married, that their vocation and primary focus continues to be their wives and family.
The archbishop offered “heartfelt gratitude” to their wives, noting with mirth, “If they had not said ‘yes,’ you would not be in this church — and that’s a fact.”
The wives of deacons, while not ordained, often share in the deacons’ ministry and are expected to attend the five-year formation program alongside their husbands.
During his homily, the archbishop discussed the role of the deacon and invited the ordinands to embark on a spiritual quest.
He began by noting a long-held fascination with the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper, known as the Holy Grail. From medieval Crusades to the 20th-century movie, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” the chalice has been steeped in lore through the centuries.
The chalice is also the particular focus of the deacon during the celebration of the Eucharist, the archbishop said. Deacons prepare the chalice during the preparation of the gifts, lift it at the doxology and serve as ordinary ministers of the chalice during Communion, he explained.
Speaking to the men waiting to be ordained, he said, “I invite you to … undertake a spiritual quest, guided by the attention you will give to the chalice at Mass. In this quest, I invite you to strive to be certain that your liturgical ministry regarding the chalice will manifest itself in your life and in your service as a deacon.”
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Congratulations, brothers, and welcome! Ad multos annos!
Photo: by Marnie McAllister / The Record
