Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P. will ordain eight deacons on Friday, 14th October 2010, at StCatherine’s Church, Zejtun, during a concelebrated Mass. The new deacons are Dillon Bugeja from Żurrieq, Robin Camilleri from Ħal Luqa, Roderick Camilleri from Ħaż-Żabbar, Mario Dimech from Siġġiewi, Anthony Paul Fitzpatrick from Gwardamangia, George Schembri from Ħal Qormi (S. Ġorġ), Michael Zammit from B’Kara (S. Elena) and Fra Walter Vassallo from the Friars Minor Order.
Through the Ordination to the Diaconate, the new deacon is configured to Jesus Christ, the perfect ‘deacon’ who made himself the servant of all. The duties pertinent to the deacon comprise first and foremost to offer his life to serve others with love and dedication wherever needed; to assist the bishop and the priest during the celebration of the sacred mysteries, especially the Eucharist, to administer the sacrament of Baptism, to assist the celebration of Marriage and bless the marital bond, to proclaim and preach the Gospel, and to lead prayers during the funeral rite.
Seminarian Dillon Bugeja stated that through the diaconate one becomes the ears, mouth, heart and soul of Jesus. He also said that the deacon is called upon to be the bridge between the priest and the Christian, between the altar and society. Dillion Bugeja added that the deacon is a promoter of charity among the Maltese, and at one and the same time he becomes an interpreter, observer and the catalyst for the Church and society.
Photo by: Photocity, Valletta