“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