The ordination of five deacons

On Sunday 9th November 2014, four seminarians and a Capuchin friar are going to be ordained deacons by Mgr Charles J. Scicluna, Titular Bishop of San Leone and Apostolic Administrator sede vacante, during a celebration of Mass starting at 6pm, at Christ the King Parish Church, Paola.

The following will be ordained deacons: Carlo Calleja from Stella Maris Parish Church, Sliema, Abraham D’Amato from St Peter in Chains Parish, Birzebbuga, Christopher Ellul from Christ the King Parish, Paola, Br Bertrand Vella O.F.M. Cap. and Mark Joseph Zammit from Tarxien (Annunciation Parish).

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 and the Friars Minor Capuchins are 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.