Radiant Ordination: New Deacons Embrace Service, Holiness, and Light
In a heartwarming ceremony held at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Malabar, Arima, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon bestowed the honorable titles of deacons upon Maurice White, aged 39, and Roland Joseph, aged 56, on Saturday, September 23.
Archbishop Gordon’s words resonated deeply with the newly ordained deacons as he imparted a simple yet profound message: “Serve, be holy, be light.”
He passionately conveyed, “Brothers, the Church seeks not mere functionaries, nor individuals cloaked in ecclesiastical garments, nor those who pursue titles and prestige. In this age shrouded in darkness, what the Church yearns for most is the radiant light of Christ, emanating from His dedicated ministers. The Church craves holy men and women who can act as conduits for the divine light. If our age seems dark, it’s because God intends to create light through His people.”
Archbishop Gordon encouraged the new deacons to emulate the Blessed Mary, who selflessly carried Jesus in her heart, body, and soul. He emphasized, “Be like her, utterly transparent to God, joining your will with His, giving all that you have to Him. Do not withhold anything from God.”
Following the homily, the Rite of Ordination continued with the Promise of the Elect, the Litany of Saints, the Laying on of Hands, and the Investiture with Stole and Dalmatic. Rev White received his vestments from his loving parents, Michael and Anne Marie, while Rev Joseph was vested by his wife, Jenny, and his mother, Joyce.
Before bestowing the final blessing, Rev Joseph expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Gordon, Seminary Rector Fr. Jason Boatswain, and other mentors, and the parish communities that had supported him. He also took a moment to acknowledge his fellow deacons, humbly stating, “And to my 15 brother deacons ordained in 2022 – I made it, brothers.”
Rev White, who anticipates his ordination to the priesthood in 2024, extended his heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Gordon, all his mentors, the clergy of the Santa Rosa/Malabar Cluster, and anyone who had contributed to his personal and spiritual development. He reserved special appreciation for the maternal figures in his life, both living and departed, affectionately referring to them as “all the ma’s (mothers) who had a hand in my life.”
His message to the youth in attendance was one of inspiration and hope: “If you truly desire to lead a life of utmost fulfillment, to attain happiness, holiness, and beatitude, then dedicate your life to God. Embark on that profound inner journey and discover Christ.”
Deacons in the Catholic Church are ordained ministers who play a crucial role in serving both the Church and the community. There are two primary kinds of deacons in the Catholic Church: transitional deacons and permanent deacons.
- Transitional Deacons: These deacons are typically on their way to becoming priests. They receive the sacrament of Holy Orders as deacons on their journey towards the priesthood. Transitional deacons serve the Church for a temporary period, usually about a year, before being ordained as priests.
- Permanent Deacons: Permanent deacons are ordained for life and do not intend to become priests. They may be married or single, and they often hold secular jobs alongside their ministry. The Vatican II Council restored the permanent diaconate in the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, allowing married men to become deacons, which was not previously common.
Roles of Deacons:
Deacons are called to serve in three main areas:
- Word of God: Deacons assist with preaching, teaching, and leading religious education programs. They often proclaim the Gospel during Mass and may deliver homilies.
- Liturgy: Deacons actively participate in the liturgical life of the Church. They can assist the priest at the altar, distribute Holy Communion, and preside over sacraments like baptisms and weddings.
- Charity and Social Justice: Deacons have a special role in serving the poor and marginalized. They are often involved in charitable works, visiting the sick, and supporting those in need, carrying out Christ’s command to be servants of the least among us.
It’s important to note that while the roles of deacons are well-defined, they can vary in practice from one diocese to another, and individual deacons may have unique ministries. The diaconate is an essential part of the Catholic Church’s ministry, contributing to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the community.
