Skip to content

Called to Serve: Diaconal Ordination at the Heart of the Church

15 seminarians embrace their calling to serve as deacons, ordained in the sacred setting of Saint Peter's Basilica

“Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” These powerful words marked the Ordination Mass for the Order of Deacons, led by His Excellency Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, at a recent ceremony in the Vatican.

A Day of Celebration: Fifteen New Deacons Ordained

On Thursday, October 3rd, 15 seminarians from the Pontifical North American College were ordained as deacons in Saint Peter’s Basilica. Archbishop Sample, presiding over the Mass in front of 1,500 attendees, thanked the families for their sons’ gifts to the Church. He reminded the young men that they now bear a new identity—an image of Christ, the true servant. Deacon Jacob Tschida from the Diocese of Duluth shared, “I literally felt the weight of ‘this is my responsibility’—that Jesus Christ would be proclaimed.”

The Historical Roots of the Diaconate

The role of deacon traces back to the early Christian community. As the Apostles faced concerns over the neglect of widows, they appointed seven men “of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to serve the community. Deacon Will Robbins from the Diocese of Beaumont reflected on the significance of his ordination in such a historic setting, saying, “You’re in this grand basilica, over the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, Peter. It was an incredibly humbling experience.”

A Journey of Dedication and Service

For these newly ordained deacons, the journey has been one of profound joy and transformation. Deacon Gerard Gayou of the Archdiocese of Washington expressed his excitement to preach, “The message that God gives us to preach…passes through us and converts us, and then it overflows to the people.” This calling involves years of preparation and discernment, culminating in the moment of laying prostrate on the Basilica floor—a symbol of surrender to God. As Deacon Tschida put it, “I was surprised at the amount of joy, peace, and rest that I felt.”

As they embrace this new chapter, these deacons carry forward the tradition of service, ready to meet both challenges and blessings on their path, trusting in Christ’s promise: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Adapted by Jacob Stein

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

The Papal Vestments and Symbols of Pope Leo XIV: Tradition, Relics, and Meaning Explained

Pope Leo XIV’s first appearance revealed the rich symbolism of papal vestments, from the Room of Tears to the white cassock, relic-filled pectoral cross, pallium, Ferula, and Fisherman’s Ring.

Pope Francis at general audience: ‘Love is charity’

Pope Francis reflects on charity as the highest Christian love, emphasizing forgiveness and love for enemies, drawing from St. Paul's teachings.

Why is the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, which the Pope will visit in Marseille, important?

Pope Francis to Visit Iconic Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica in Marseille: A Testament to Faith, History, and Scenic Beauty

Pope Francis ‘Deeply Saddened’ By New Orleans Attack, Offers Prayers

Pope Francis offered his condolences after 15 people were killed in New Orleans when a U.S. Army veteran drove a pickup truck with an Islamic State flag into a crowd celebrating the New Year.

France Debates End-of-Life Legislation Amid Papal Opposition

France Contemplates End-of-Life Legislation Amidst Papal and Public Debate

Opus Dei presents proposal for new statutes to the Holy See

Opus Dei presented its proposed statutes to the Holy See on June 11 following the guidelines from the Vatican in the 2022 motu proprio Ad Charisma Tuendum as announced by the apostolate’s prelate, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTN.it