Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P. will ordain seven deacons on Sunday, 17th October 2010, at St Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Mdina, during a concelebrated Mass starting at 6.00 p.m. The new deacons are Br. Carmelo Aquilina OFM Cap; Stephen Attard from the Parish of Our Lady’s Assumption, Mosta; Br. Joseph Ciappara OFM; René Antoine Cilia from St George’s Parish, Qormi; Nicholas Dimech from St Nicholas’ Parish, Siġġiewi; Stephen Magro from the Parish of Our Lady of Graces, Żabbar; and David Torpiano from St Publius’ Parish, Floriana.
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.
The community of the Major Seminary is urging everyone to pray for these new deacons, and to pray to the Lord that those whom he calls to the priestly and religious life may respond generously and wholeheartedly.